For many people, Walmart is a one stop shop for everything from home decor to household essentials to groceries. There are always plenty of great deals on shelves, and typically, lots of great quality items to choose from (although customers do recommend steering clear of a few duds). But if you’re aiming for a healthier body, it’s important to be extra critical of the items you’re throwing into your cart. There are a few common grocery products that may be best left on shelves.
We consulted Dr. Michael Green, MD, to get his opinion on what the least healthy Walmart item is. He told us that shoppers seeking a healthy diet should be careful in the frozen meal aisle—and it’s best to avoid frozen pizzas, in particular. Read on for all of his expert insight regarding the risks of this convenient but detrimental food—and to find some tips for seeking healthy alternatives while still satisfying your cravings.
Risks of frozen pizzas
Ah, frozen meals. They're convenient, so simple to make, and frankly, delicious. However, all of that convenience and great taste can come with a price in terms of your health. "Walmart has frozen meals high in sodium, saturated fat, and processed ingredients, like frozen pizzas. While convenient, these meals often lack the nutritional quality to support a healthy diet." Dr. Green warns.
He emphasizes the nutritional pitfalls of frozen pizzas commonly found at Walmart, citing brands like Red Baron and DiGiorno as prime examples. Walmart even has their own Great Value brand frozen pizzas. These frozen meals are high in sodium, saturated fats, and processed ingredients, making them a poor choice for those seeking a balanced diet.
"Frozen pizzas are high in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats from cheese and processed meats like pepperoni or sausage, and sodium from the sauce and toppings," he warns. Those processed meats in particular can do a serious number on your health. "Consuming these types of frozen pizzas regularly can contribute to weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels, and increased risk of heart disease and other health issues." Yikes!
Healthier alternatives
Can't live without your pizza fix? You still have a few options. For those craving the convenience of frozen pizzas without sacrificing nutritional quality, Dr. Green recommends seeking out options that prioritize whole, minimally processed ingredients. "Look for brands that offer whole grain crusts, plenty of vegetables as toppings, and lean protein sources such as grilled chicken or tofu," he says.
And if you've got some time on your hands, you can take it a step further by whipping up your own pizza. "Consider making your own homemade pizzas using whole wheat crusts, fresh vegetables, and lean protein options for a healthier alternative than a frozen option," advises Dr. Green. Yum! Fun, tasty, and healthier than the alternative.
It's also worth noting that there are some healthy(-ish) frozen meals available at Walmart. While the frozen meals aisle may seem like a nutritional minefield, Dr. Green points out that Walmart also offers a variety of healthier options, particularly in their health food or organic sections.
"Look for options labeled as lower in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars, and higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals," he suggests. "These healthier frozen meal options can provide the convenience of a quick meal without sacrificing nutritional quality."
Ultimately, while frozen pizzas and other convenience foods may seem like a convenient choice, they could be undermining your health in the long run. By heeding the advice of health experts like Dr. Green and opting for healthier alternatives, you can prioritize both convenience and nutritional quality in your shopping cart at Walmart.
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