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Ready-made meals delivered to your door are no longer just for the busy or the elderly. They’ve gone mainstream. With more Australians looking for ways to save time or avoid the supermarket queue, the convenience is clear.
But what about the nutritional side? Are these meals actually healthy?
Let’s break it down.
What’s in the average ready-made meal?
Many ready-made meals look healthy at first glance. You might see grilled chicken, vegetables, and whole grains. But what you don’t see can matter just as much as what’s visible.
Check the nutrition label for:
- Sodium levels – Many meals use salt as a preservative or flavour enhancer. Aim for under 500mg per serve.
- Added sugars – Sauces and marinades often contain hidden sugars.
- Saturated fats – Some pre-made meals use cream-based sauces or fatty cuts of meat.
- Fibre content – Wholegrains and legumes should be a regular feature, not the exception.
If you’re choosing meals with recognisable ingredients and minimal processing, you’re on the right track. But not all brands are equal.
Who makes the meals, and does it matter?
Yes, it does. Companies vary widely in their approach to health.
Some focus on calorie control. Others highlight high protein or low-carb content. A few are designed by dietitians or chefs with specific nutrition training.
When reviewing providers, look for those that:
- Offer clear ingredient lists and macros per meal.
- Share information about how the meals are cooked (steamed, baked, deep-fried?).
- Provide options for specific diets like gluten-free, low FODMAP, or vegetarian.
This transparency helps you choose meals that align with your health goals, not just your taste buds.
Are all calories created equal?
Two meals might contain 450 calories, but what those calories are made up of matters.
For example:
- A 450-calorie lasagne might be high in carbs and saturated fats.
- A 450-calorie salmon and veggie meal could offer healthy fats, lean protein, and fibre.
Ready made meals delivered to your door can help with portion control, which is useful if you’re managing your weight. But it’s not just about numbers. Think about satiety, too. Meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats keep you full for longer.
What about freshness and preservatives?
Most ready-made meals fall into one of three categories:
- Chilled meals – Typically last 7 to 10 days in the fridge. Some may contain mild preservatives or be vacuum-sealed to stay fresh.
- Frozen meals – Use freezing instead of preservatives to maintain shelf life. Texture can sometimes suffer, but nutrients are usually retained well.
- Shelf-stable meals – These have the longest shelf life and often the most additives.
If health is your priority, chilled or frozen options are usually better than long-life meals. Look for short ingredient lists with whole foods and minimal artificial additives.
How does it compare to home cooking?
Not everyone has the time or energy to cook every day. Ready made meals delivered to your door can be a helpful fallback. But how do they stack up against a home-cooked dinner?
Advantages:
- Portion control is easier.
- Nutritional info is clear upfront.
- No temptation to add extra oil, cheese, or sugar during cooking.
Limitations:
- You can’t tweak the seasoning to your liking.
- You rely on someone else’s choices for oil, spice, and veg quantity.
- There’s little room for improvisation or personal preferences.
Here is a useful tip. Even if you rely on pre-made meals during the week, you can still add fresh sides like steamed broccoli or a handful of salad greens to boost nutrition.
Is there such a thing as “too convenient”?
It’s possible.
If every meal is pre-made, you may lose touch with your own food habits. Cooking helps you stay connected to what you eat. It also encourages variety, creativity, and portion awareness.
That said, ready-made meals aren’t inherently bad. They can serve a real purpose, especially for:
- Busy professionals
- New parents
- People recovering from illness or injury
- Those living with disabilities
- Elderly individuals who struggle with cooking
The key is balance. A few ready-made meals a week won’t harm your health, especially if you choose meals high in vegetables, lean protein, and wholegrains.
Final thoughts
So, are ready-made meals delivered to your door healthy?
They can be if you choose wisely.
What matters is:
- The quality of ingredients
- The cooking method
- The portion size
- The overall balance of your weekly diet
Use them to support your lifestyle, not replace every meal. Combine them with fresh snacks, occasional cooking, and a variety of whole foods. That’s the most realistic way to stay healthy without adding stress to your day.
Ready made meals delivered are a tool. Like any tool, how you use it determines the result.
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