The Truth About What’s Really Inside Your Favorite Frozen Foods!

You won’t believe what’s really hiding in Minnesota’s favorite frozen foods—ingredients you’d never expect to find in your freezer. 🌐 #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #Lifestyle

ST. PAUL, MN – My hubby Jack and I have always loved a good frozen meal. On busy nights, it’s so easy to grab a bag of tots or make a classic Minnesota tater tot hotdish. We never really thought much about what was inside—until we did.

One day, while waiting for the oven to preheat, I glanced at the back of a package. I expected to see simple ingredients: potatoes, maybe some oil and salt. Instead, I found a long list of words I could barely pronounce. Jack and I started checking every frozen food in our kitchen. What we found was shocking.

Many of Minnesota’s most beloved frozen foods—those classic comfort dishes—are packed with artificial flavors, preservatives, and additives we never expected. Some even contained ingredients that are banned in other countries! We sat down with several local registered dietitians to get a better understanding of what’s really inside the food we all love.

What’s Really Inside?

Here’s what we discovered hiding in our freezer favorites:

Preservatives You Don’t Want – Many frozen foods contain BHA and BHT, chemicals used to prevent spoilage. These additives have been flagged for potential health risks.

Hidden Sugars – Even savory foods like frozen casseroles and dinner rolls can be loaded with hidden sugars under names like maltodextrin and dextrose.

Artificial Colors – Foods that should be naturally golden or creamy often have added dyes like Yellow 5 and Red 40.

MSG and “Natural Flavors” – Some of Minnesota’s go-to frozen meals rely on MSG or vague “natural flavors” to enhance taste. These can be processed ingredients designed to make food more addictive.

Oils You Didn’t Expect – Many frozen snacks are fried in vegetable oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation.

What Can You Do?

We’re not saying you have to give up frozen foods completely. But if you love a good tater tot hotdish or wild rice soup shortcut, here are a few tips:

Read the labels. If you can’t pronounce it, you might not want to eat it.

Look for simple ingredients. Frozen fruits, veggies, and meals made with real, whole foods are your best bet.

Try making your own. Some freezer-friendly meals are easy to prep at home, without the unnecessary additives.

Jack and I were shocked by what we found, but we’re glad we started paying attention. Next time you grab a frozen favorite, take a second to check the label. You might be surprised by what’s really inside! Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below because we love hearing from you.

RELATED TOPICS: Food | Health and Wellness | Lifestyle | Minnesota