When it comes to packaged meat products, there’s a little less transparency than you would like. Many products might be more mystery meat than whole foods, and it’s hard to tell which choices are best. Well, we’re here to help. Check out this list of some of the healthiest packaged meats and meat alternatives on the market. You can thank us later.
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Lovethewild Red Trout With Salsa Verde
Frozen fish that comes with heart-shaped flavor cubes and parchment paper to boot. Dig in to a buttery soft fillet, in flavors like Red Trout with Salsa Verde or Striped Bass with Roasted Red Pepper Almond Sauce.
($11, lovethewild.com)
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White Oak Pastures Chicken Thighs
You’ll instantly taste the superb quality of this pasture-raised poultry, and it’s all thanks to its humane and antibiotic- and steroid-free treatment. Cook up tender, juicy chicken for dinner tonight with a good conscience.
($11 for 2.5lbs; Publix, Kroger, Whole Foods)
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Applegate Organics Chicken & Maple Breakfast Sausage
These antibiotic- and nitrite-free organic sausage links are fully cooked. Plus, with their minimal ingredients, you know exactly what you’re getting. Three links have 9g of protein and 120 calories.
($7, Whole Foods)
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Upton’s Naturals Jackfruit
This meat alternative is a slightly tart but hearty addition to any vegetarian’s or omnivore’s diet. It comes in six flavors, and is a good source of fiber. Add it to salads or sandwiches, or just heat and serve over rice.
($5, thrivemarket.com)
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Organic Prairie 100% Grassfed Organic Ground Beef
Grass-fed beef has double the anti-inflammatory omega-3s as corn-fed cattle; what’s more, it’s higher in conjugated linoleic acid, which may help reduce body fat. One serving provides 159mg of omega-3s.
($9–$11, organicprairie.com)
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Beyond Meat Beyond Burger
These plant-based burger patties are soy-free and free of the hormones and antibiotics that may be in traditional burgers. Plus, they have an authentic meat taste and texture, and are packed with 20g of protein.
($6, Whole Foods)
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Freebird Mediterranean Chicken Burger
Flavorful chicken patties are ready for you to toss on the pan and enjoy. And since they’re made from chickens that have no added growth hormones or antibiotics and are vegetarian-fed, they’re clean and lean.
($6, freebirdchicken.com)