Lasagna is the perfect blend of rich sauce, melted cheese and meat over delicious pasta noodles. It's a beloved dish by many and is the ideal shared meal for family and friend gatherings. But not everyone has time to spend hours in the kitchen prepping and cooking. Sometimes you just don't have time to make your favorite comfort foods from scratch so popping in a frozen meal when you're short on time is a go-to option. But choosing a pre-made lasagna from the frozen section at the grocery store isn't that easy. There are so many options and many are filled with junk ingredients. "A good frozen lasagna should have a clean ingredient list with real cheese (mozzarella, ricotta, or parmesan—not a processed "cheese blend") and a tomato sauce made from whole tomatoes, not corn syrup or excessive additives," says According to Bess Berger, RDN is the founder of Nutrition by Bess in NJ, and mom of 4 so she knows the need for convenience foods and fast dinners. She adds, "Look for at least 10 grams of protein per serving to make it more satisfying. Also, watch out for added sugars in the sauce; some brands sneak in way more than necessary." When shopping, here is key nutritional information in mind: Calories: Depending on age range and fitness goals, on average, the guidelines for calorie intake range between 1,600 to 2,000, per Cleveland Clinic. One frozen lasagna can equal an entire day's worth of calories. Saturated fat: Saturated fat is something you'll often find in restaurant meals. According to the American Heart Association, if you're following a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet, you should not have more than 13 grams of saturated fat. Too much can lead to serious health issues like high cholesterol and heart disease. Sodium: Many frozen meals load up on the salt for flavor. While it might be tasty, you're risking your heart. The American Heart Association says too many Americans consume more salt than recommended. The organization suggests having no more than 2,300 milligrams a day, but many people have 3,500mg daily. Sugar: According to the American Heart Association, women shouldn't have more than 6 teaspoons of sugar a day, which is around 100 calories, and for men, no more than 9 teaspoons or 150 calories per day. Now that you know what to look for, here are the seven unhealthiest frozen lasagnas according to dietitians ranked in order from bad to absolutely terrible for you. Giovanni Rana Beef and Sausage Lasagna
Nutrition: per 1 cup
Calories: 350 Fat: 18g (Saturated fat: 9g) Sodium: 780mg Carbs: 26g (Fiber: 3g , Sugar: 9g) Protein: 20g The Giovanni Rana Beef and Sausage Lasagna is loaded with flavor, but also saturated fat and sugar. "In just 1 cup of this lasagna, it contains almost 50% of your daily saturated fat allotment and 34% sodium for an average American consuming 2,000 calories," says Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN, Preventive Cardiology Dietitian and Heart Health Expert at EntirelyNourished.com. "Regular consumption of excess saturated fat and sodium can increase the risk of insulin resistance and heart disease." RELATED: 10 Restaurant Chains Serving the Best Lasagna Stouffer's Meat Lovers Lasagna
Nutrition: per serving 1 cup
Calories: 360 Fat: 19g (Saturated fat: 8g) Sodium: 780mg Carbs: 30g (Fiber: 2g , Sugar:4g) Protein: 17g Stouffer's Meat Lovers Lasagna is a popular brand many love, but it lands on our list of unhealthiest because of high sodium content and saturated fat. Described as "Lasagna noodles layered between hearty tomato sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and ground beef and pork", there should be no surprise that this product is going to be high in calories, sodium, and fat, Michelle Rauch MSc RDN Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for The Actors Fund points out. Just one cup has 780mg of salt with most of the sodium coming from processed meats. "This variety of Stouffer's contains a significant amount of fat (8g), which meets almost half the maximum recommendation (13g) for daily saturated fats for someone consuming 2000 calories a day," Rauch notes. "The American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 6% of your total calories from saturated fat and avoiding a diet high in overall fat, especially those of saturated and trans fats which have been associated with increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity," Rauch says. If you're craving lasagna, Rauch suggests making one from scratch. "It is easy enough to make your own using ingredients that are lower in sodium, fat, and calories. Make it in advance and freeze it in portions that can be microwaved for a meal at one's own convenience. There are plenty of lower sodium and fat varieties of mozzarella and ricotta as well as leaner choices of ground meats that are available in most grocery locations." Sweet Earth Mushroom Lasagna
Nutrition:
Calories: 420 calories (293g) Fat: 18 g (Saturated fat: 11 g) Sodium: 750 mg Carbs: 46 g (Fiber: 3 g , Sugar: 7 g) Protein: 16 g While the Sweet Earth Mushroom Lasagna doesn't have processed meat since it's vegetarian, it's still loaded with fat, calories and sugar. "As a dietitian, my primary concern with this dish is the high amount of saturated fat, the elevated sodium levels, and the low protein content, which makes it less filling," says Violeta Morris, MS, RDN from Columbus, OH, The Concierge Dietitian, @conciergedietitianvioleta. "I typically recommend that my clients consume around 30 grams of protein per meal to promote satiety and support muscle maintenance. However, this lasagna contains only half that amount, making it less satisfying and potentially less balanced for most people." By Chef Ramsay Lasagna with Bolognese Meat Sauce
Nutrition: per serving 2 lasagna rolls (321g)
Calories: 510 calories Fat: 19 g (Saturated fat: 9 g) Sodium: 970 mg Carbs: 65 g (Fiber: 3 g , Sugar: 10 g) Protein: 25 g Gordon Ramsay's fiery approach works on TV and his passion for food shows through his cooking, but the famous chef's By Chef Ramsay Lasagna with Bolognese Meat Sauce Bowl is one to skip according to Morris. "The sodium content in this product, like many other frozen meals, is notably high," she says. "As a dietitian, I often remind my clients that most of their sodium intake will likely come from packaged foods like this one, rather than from table salt used in cooking or at the dinner table. With nearly half of the recommended daily sodium intake in just one serving, this meal can contribute to increased blood pressure and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke when consumed regularly." RELATED: I Tried the Lasagna at 4 Major Italian Chains & the Best Was Rustic and Fresh Guy Fieri's Flavortown Cheesy Chicken Lasagna Rollups
Nutrition:
Calories: 420 calories in a bowl (283 g) Fat: 15 g (Saturated fat: 7 g) Sodium: 1070 mg Carbs: 49 g (Fiber: 1 g , Sugar: 10 g) Protein: 20 g Another famous chef's frozen lasagna to stay away from is Guy Fieri's Flavortown Cheesy Chicken Lasagna Rollups with Marinara Sauce due to high sodium, sugar and calories. Morris says, "As a dietitian, I believe that frozen food doesn't always mean less nutritious food, although it's important for people to be informed and aware of what is considered healthy and what is not." She explains, "For example, Guy Fieri's dish contains, 420 calories, 15 grams of fat, 1070 mg of sodium, and 20 grams of protein. It also has 7 grams of saturated fat, which, based on recommendations from the American Heart Association, represents about half of the daily limit for an individual consuming a 2,000-calorie diet. Additionally, the meal has 49 grams of carbohydrates, and high-carb meals like this one can cause blood glucose spikes, especially for people with diabetes." Michael Angelo's Three Cheese Lasagna
Nutrition: per serving 1 tray (312 g)
Calories: 550 Fat: 28g (Saturated fat: 16g) Sodium: 1,130mg Carbs: 43g (Fiber: 4g , Sugar: 8g) Protein: 31g Michael Angelo's Three Cheese Lasagna is the top choice for pasta lovers, but while it's deliciously rich and tasty, is not the healthiest choice among other frozen lasagna options. It's packed with too much fat and salt, plus it's high in calories, says Rauch. Described as "three layers of cheese and pasta smothered in vine-ripened tomato sauce, then topped with Romano" and marketed as "2xs the cheese", it is no wonder that a single serving contains 22g of fat of which more than half (13g) is saturated fat, which is an entire day's worth. "With 1,130 mg of sodium in a serving, this frozen lasagna is one to avoid," Rauch emphasizes. "Eating a diet high in sodium is associated with developing conditions such as hypertension which is a major cause of heart disease and stroke." Beecher's Cheese Curd Lasagna with Meat Sauce
Nutrition: per 1 cup
Calories: 400 Fat: 23g (Saturated fat: 12 g) Sodium: 1,170mg Carbs: 30g (Fiber: 3g , Sugar: 8g) Protein: 19g The No. 1 unhealthiest frozen lasagna is Beecher's Cheese Curd Lasagna with Meat Sauce! It's not only loaded with processed meat and cheese, but also sodium and fat. "This decadent lasagna is packed with four types of cheese, and three different styles of meats from pork, Italian sausage, and pork, which amps up the saturated fat to 12 grams per serving, higher than some people should be consuming in an entire day," Routhenstein says. She adds, "Regular consumption of excess saturated fat and sodium can increase the risk of insulin resistance and heart disease. This lasagna also contains 1,170mg per serving and 2740mg for the entire container, which can increase risk of high blood pressure." 
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Costco's snack section is huge, and incredibly popular—members can't get enough of the chips, nuts, fruit, and many other healthy options available from the warehouse chain. New items are always dropping in stores and online, but many of those products might be regional and therefore not available across the country (much to the dismay of some shoppers). So what's worth looking up to buy this week? We've got some fruit jerky, pita chips, nut mixes and more. Here are 7 healthy snacks that just became available in Costco. Solely Organic Fruit Jerky
Solely Organic Fruit Jerky ( $19.99) is rolling out to certain Costco locations (Costco is marking it as "new" in Southern California but it's has been available for a few months in other spots. "Love these!! They're great to toss in my bag when I know I'm going to be out running errands, or if I want a little snack at night that won't give me 3am heartburn," one Redditor said. Costco Strawberries
Strawberry season is officially upon us and Costco members are rejoicing. "Has anyone else gotten these monster sized strawberries for $4??? Bettr Pita Chips
The Garlic Parmesan Bettr Pita Chips are a big hit with Costco members. "Has anyone else tried Bettr Pita chips yet? I'm obsessed!" one Redditor said. "A marked improvement over the plain Stacey's product, they taste like crunchy garlic bread. So far, they've been found in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Fresno, CA. I hope they keep this around for a while." RELATED: 7 Hot New Costco Finds Available Only "While Supplies Last" Snak Club Snack Mix, Cajun Style
Costco is adding to its Snack Club selection with the new Cajun Style Snack Mix. Each serving contains 5g of protein, according to the label, and is sure to be a big hit with Costco members. While not exactly a healthy snack, the Tajin Chili & Lime Gummy Rings are popular, too. Lesser Evil Organic Popcorn Variety Vend Pack
Costco is now offering the Lesser Evil Organic Popcorn in a variety pack ($17.99 for 28 bags). "I love that stuff. Idk if it's the coconut oil or what that gives it a slight sweetness but it's delicious," one customer said about the Himalayan Gold flavor. "My grocery delivery person accidentally put a bag of this in my order. It's way tasty. I love the coconut flavor. It reminds me of coconut flavored kettle corn," another said. Pure Organic Twisted Fruit Bites
Pure Organic Twisted Fruit Bites ( $17.49) just became available in my local SoCal warehouse. "They're really good. Simply the 'ropes' chopped up into pieces. So, same texture and flavor as the others," one Redditor said. "My kids love them. They liked the ropes but love the bites even more," another added. Think Jerky Grass-Fed Beef Sticks
The Think Jerky Grass-Fed Beef Sticks in Jalapeno flavor ( $28.49) are an exciting new addition to the Costco snack lineup. "These are so yummy!!!! they're not even really that spicy it's more of a vinegary flavor and it's delicious
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| Whether you want a quick snack or a meal, frozen chicken nuggets are easy to prepare, cheap and have a long shelf life. Plus, they're versatile. You can eat them alone, with a dipping sauce or in a wrap. But just because they're the right blend of crispy, juicy and tasty doesn't mean they're good for you.
A lot of frozen chicken nuggets are made with low-quality meat, are filled with saturated fat and sodium, too many calories and the breading is often made with refined flour which can spike blood sugar. Reading the labels is important so you know exactly what you're eating and can make healthy choices.
"When buying frozen chicken nuggets, look for options made with 100% real chicken, preferably labeled as white meat or chicken breast rather than mechanically separated chicken," says
Bess Berger, RDN is the founder of Nutrition by Bess in NJ, and mom of 4 so she knows the need for convenience foods and fast dinners.
She adds, "The shorter the ingredient list, the better—aim for simple ingredients like chicken, seasoning, and a minimal number of preservatives. The breading should be made with whole grains or at least avoid highly refined flours and artificial additives. Also, check the sodium content—some brands pack in more salt than a fast-food meal."
While reading the nutritional facts, here's a few key things to look for:
Calories: Depending on age range and fitness goals, on average, the guidelines for calorie intake range between 1,600 to 2,000, per Cleveland Clinic. One frozen meal can equal an entire day's worth of calories.
Saturated fat: Saturated fat is something you'll often find in restaurant meals. According to the American Heart Association, if you're following a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet, you should not have more than 13 grams of saturated fat. Too much can lead to serious health issues like high cholesterol and heart disease.
Sodium: Many frozen meals pile on the salt for flavor. While it might be tasty, you're risking your heart. The American Heart Association says too many Americans consume more salt than recommended. The organization suggests having no more than 2,300 milligrams a day, but many people have 3,500mg daily.
Sugar: According to the American Heart Association, women shouldn't have more than 6 teaspoons of sugar a day, which is around 100 calories, and for men, no more than 9 teaspoons or 150 calories per day. And pay attention to the dipping sauces. Many are packed with sugar.
Now that you know what to watch for, here are the seven unhealthiest frozen chicken nuggets on grocery stores according to dietitians ranked from bad to worst.
Banquet Chicken Nuggets
Nutrition: per serving 5 pieces
Calories: 220
Fat: 12g (Saturated fat: 2.5g)
Sodium: 490mg
Carbs: 16g (Fiber: 0g , Sugar: 0g)
Protein: 12g
Banquet frozen chicken nuggets makes the list of healthiest due to their ingredients, level of sodium and lack of nutrition.
The brand, which is owned by ConAgra Foods, has been around for decades and while Banquet is known for their wide variety of TV dinners, chicken nuggets are in their lineup of frozen meals as well. But they're not healthy and Michelle Rauch MSc RDN Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for The Actors Fund advises to avoid them.
"After reviewing the ingredients panel, it is important to point out that there are many (in both the chicken and the breading) that contribute to the high sodium content," she says. "In addition to generic salt, there are sodium phosphates, sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, and autolyzed yeast extract that all add up,"Rauch explains.
The serving size is just five nuggets and in that small amount, consumers will eat 490mg of sodium which is just over 20% of the recommended daily amount for the general population and over 30% for those with kidney issues or hypertension as recommended by the American Heart Association.
Plus, if you have a side of fries, that number skyrockets, says Rauch.
She also warns not to be fooled by the claim on the label Made with 100% Natural Chicken.
"According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the term natural is ambiguous and does not have a universally accepted definition in the country. Despite their expectation that this means that the product does not contain anything that is 'artificial' or 'synthetic' or that anything has been added that would not normally be expected, this is not strictly enforced and can mean different things with different products."
Rauch adds, "Furthermore, seeing the word natural on a package is often a marketing strategy to attract someone looking for a health product, but it is important to read the nutrition facts label and full ingredients panel to make that determination. The word natural does not equate to healthy, organic, or free from all additives and/or preservatives."
RELATED: Do Costco's Chick-fil-A-Style Nuggets Taste Like the Real Thing? I Tried Both
Perdue Space Nuggets
Nutrition: per serving 4 pieces (88g)
Calories: 240 calories
Fat: 15 g (Saturated fat: 3 g)
Sodium: 390 mg
Carbs: 16 g (Fiber: 0 g , Sugar: 2 g)
Protein: 10 g
The Perdue Space Nuggets are so popular, they're currently sold out on their website, but that doesn't mean you rush out to buy them when they're back in stock. According to
Violeta Morris, MS, RDN from Columbus, OH, The Concierge Dietitian, @conciergedietitianvioleta, you should steer clear and find a healthier option.
"When I think of chicken nuggets as a dietitian, the first word that doesn't come to mind
is chicken," she says. " Instead, I usually associate them with more fat, less protein, sodium, and carbohydrates."
While the Space Nuggets are popular with kids, their health is at risk if consumed too often.
Morris explains that "chicken itself is naturally high in protein, but these nuggets pack 16 grams of carbohydrates due to the wheat flour, yellow corn flour, brown sugar, dextrose, and sugar used in the breading. If you're looking for a quick and convenient meal, I urge you to choose a store-cooked rotisserie chicken instead. It offers more protein, less fat, and fewer processed ingredients, making it a healthier and more nutritious option."
Perdue® No Antibiotics Ever Panko Breaded Chicken Dino Nuggets
Nutrition: 4 pieces (88g)
Calories: 240
Fat: 15 g (Saturated fat: 3 g)
Sodium: 390 mg
Carbs: 16 g (Fiber: 0 g , Sugar: 2 g)
Protein: 10 g
Another hit with kids is the PERDUE® No Antibiotics Ever Panko Breaded Chicken Dino Nuggets, but don't get caught up in the fact that the nuggets are shaped like dinosaurs and don't contain antibiotics. They're not healthy.
Morris points out that Perdue's Space Nuggets and Chicken Dino Nuggets share the exact same ingredients, showing how important it is to check the nutrition label and ingredient list, regardless of the product's appearance.
"For instance, Perdue No Antibiotics Ever Panko Breaded Chicken Dino Nuggets provide 240 calories, 390 mg of sodium, 16 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of protein per 4-piece serving."
Morris says, "While these nuggets provide 10 grams of protein, they also contain a relatively high amount of sodium and carbohydrates for a small serving, making it important to be mindful of the nutritional content."
Great Value Southern Style Chicken Bites
Nutrition: per serving 4 oz
Calories: 270
Fat: 9g (Saturated fat: 1.5g)
Sodium: 780mg
Carbs: 19g (Fiber: 1g , Sugar: 3g)
Protein: 15g
The Great Value's Southern Style Chicken Bites might be a good deal for your wallet, but your health will pay the price.
Rauch says, "One serving is listed as 4oz which can range between 5 or 6 bites depending on individual size (which isn't always uniform). Being that it is heavily breaded, it has a higher carbohydrate and calorie count than some other brands. You may find these 'bites' to be more breading than chicken."
She adds, "Even 15g of protein is not significant enough to redeem this product. One serving contains 780mg of sodium which is ~30% of the recommended daily value of sodium. If you decide to 'dip' your bites in condiments such as ketchup or ranch dressing, the amount of sodium you will be eating will increase."
Pilgrim's Chicken Pot Pie Loaded Nuggets
Nutrition: 3 pieces (90 grams)
Calories: 220
Fat: 13g (Saturated fat: 3 g)
Sodium: 830mg
Carbs: 16g (Fiber: Медиа: | ↑ |
Costco's grocery section is always adding new things, but there are a few staples customers swear by as being must-have items year-round. From a boxed wine so good even wine fanatics are won over, to soup dumplings that taste restaurant-grade quality, these brand name and Kirkland Signature items will make you feel like you just shopped at a fancy gourmet store (which in many ways, Costco absolutely is!). Here are seven Costco groceries that taste so expensive, you won't believe the actual price. Kirkland Signature Spanish Manchego Cheese
The Kirkland Signature Spanish Manchego Cheese tastes downright gourmet, customers say. "That manchego is soo good. Even my toddlers like it. Together with the dried mango is great," one Redditor said. "The manchego is the best at Costco," another commented. Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend
Costco members love the Kirkland Signature Three Berry Frozen Blend ( $12.59), rating the quality and value for money. "Love that it doesn't have strawberries in it and hope it never changes," one shopper said. "Yes! The Triple Berry Blend! 5lbs for what $15? I buy several packages for smoothies and to thaw then scoop some on angel food cake," another agreed. RELATED: 8 Most Surprising Items I Found at Costco This Week Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
The Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (from the box) tastes like extremely expensive wine, shoppers say. "$17 box of Cabernet= $4.25 a bottle. Hard to beat and it tastes good," one member said. "My fav wine in the whole world. God bless Kirkland cab out the box," another said. BelGioioso Burrata Mozzarella and Cream
The BelGioioso Burrata Mozzarella and Cream is $8.99 for 16 oz and absolutely delicious, members say. "I am absolutely refraining from smashing an entire ball…but who am I kidding it's definitely going to happen within the next 20 minutes. Absolutely one of my new favorites!" one customer raved. Prime Brisket
Shoppers are constantly amazed at the quality and value available in the Costco meat section. "Brisket. It's the reason I joined. Bought pellet grill then immediately got a Costco membership," one Redditor shared. "I still don't understand how Costco sells prime brisket for less than what even the cheap-end grocers around here (LA) sell choice for. It's even cheaper than what the grocers charge for chuck (choice), which is supposed to be a cheaper substitute for brisket," another member said. RELATED: 20 Best Costco Products Under $5 Right Now Kirkland Signature Organic Lemonade
The Kirkland Signature Organic Lemonade (96 fl oz, 2-count for $7.49) tastes delicious for the price point, members say. "The kind that comes in 2 huge bottles? OUTSTANDING lemonade, probably the best I've ever had. especially with a generous shot of Kirkland vodka Kirkland Signature Thick Sliced Bacon
The Kirkland Signature Thick Sliced Bacon ( $16.29 for two 1.5 lbs packs) is a must-have item, and a steal for the price it's sold for. "Kirkland thick cut bacon is my favorite," one member said. "Yeah their thick cut bacon is superior to all other bacon definitely!!" another agreed. Pro tip—look for it in the frozen section, not refrigerated.
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Trader Joe's is a great place to shop for everything from produce to frozen food. However, the California-founded store's snack selection is one of the most highly hyped categories. Every season TJ's gets in a new crop of snacks, ranging from nut mixes and bars to candy and other crunchy treats. Here are 7 Trader Joe's snacks that recently hit shelves. Trader Joe's Energy Bar
"Snack explorers, rejoice!" Trader Joe's Treasure Hunt wrote about this new find, similar to Cliff Bars. "New Energy Bars are trekking into Trader Joe's! Dense and chewy bars in Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip flavors! Cheery Lemon Animal Crackers
Cheery Lemon Animal Crackers are back at Trader Joe's, according to Trader Joe's Treasure Hunt, who explains that the "classic, crunchy" animal crackers are "coated in a lemony yogurt candy coating and rainbow sprinkles!" RELATED: 7 New Trader Joe's Products Shoppers Say Are Totally Worth the Hype Elevated Nut Mix
Trader Joe's List reports that Elevated Nut Mix is a must-buy. "If your snack game needs a boost, this premium mix of pecans, almonds, cashews, and macadamias is here to elevate your charcuterie boards, cocktails, or everyday snacking. Lightly salted & perfectly roasted, each nut shines with its rich, natural flavor—no fillers, just quality," they write. "At $5.99, it's a step up from your usual nut mix without the fancy price tag." Shoppers who have tried them, also endorse the mix. "These are delicious!" one commented. Springle Jangle
Shoppers live for Trader Joe's seasonal items, including Springle Jangle. "This seasonal spin on Jingle Jangle is packed with munchable magic and chocolate-covered, candy-coated delights," writes Trader Joe's Treasure Hunt. The bag includes candy yogurt-coated mini pretzels, nonpareils, butter toffee peanuts, dark chocolate Joe-Joe's cookie bark, milk and dark chocolate peanut butter cups, and spring candy gems. Crispy Watermelon
The dried fruit at TJ's is unparalleled and recently a fan favorite returned. "Crispy Watermelon is back at Trader! Tom Yum Seasoned Snack Mix
Looking for an Asian-inspired snack? Tom Yum Seasoned Snack Mix is now at Trader Joe's. "A crunchy blend of cashews, fava beans, sticky rice & peas with the flavors of Thai Tom Yum Soup that's sweet and sour!" writes Trader Joe's Treasure Hunt. Easter Joe Joes
Easter treats have arrived at Costco, including Easter Joe Joe's. Trader Joe's Obsessed shared a video this week, which included the "decorated chocolate and vanilla cream sandwich cookies coated in white and milk chocolate," according to the description. "How adorable are these Easter Joe Joe's $3.99 decorated in such cute colors!" she wrote in a separate post.
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Fish sticks are a controversial food. Many grew up eating the shaped and formed version of ground-up fish mixed with other ingredients and became accustomed to the taste and texture. However, others find the mixture less than appetizing. Once upon a time, most fast-food fish sandwiches were similar to fish sticks, patties made with ground-up seafood. However, in 2025, there are many fish meal options at your favorite fast food restaurant that use whole, real fish instead. Here are 6 chains that use real whole fish in their fish meals, not factory-made filets. Long John Silver's Baha Grilled Salmon Bowl
Long John Silver's specializes in seafood, so, unsurprisingly, the chain offers fresh fish – even salmon. Long John Silver's Baha Grilled Salmon Bowl features grilled salmon with rice, signature toppings, and all the fixings. And, it can be customized with your favorite "flavor" ranging from sweet chili to southwest. Culver's North Atlantic Cod Sandwich
Culver might be most famous for the ButterBurger, but the Midwest chain also serves up the freshest catch in town. Many food critics endorse Culver's North Atlantic Cod Sandwich as one of the best fish sandwiches in fast food land. The fish they use is caught in the North Atlantic, hand cut, battered, and cooked to order, then topped with a Culver's family recipe tartar, crisp lettuce, and Wisconsin Cheddar and served on a lightly buttered, toasted hoagie roll. RELATED: The Unhealthiest Frozen Seafood Products—and What To Buy Instead Burger King's Fish'N Crisp
Burger King's "succulent" Fish'N Crisp sandwich features a fish fillet topped with a slice of American cheese, and tangy tartar sauce between a toasted sesame bun. Like the chain's Big Fish sandwich it is made with wild "white Alaskan Pollock with crispy panko breading, sweet tartar sauce, lettuce and crunchy pickles on a toasted potato bun," BK says. "Wild Alaska Pollock is one of the most consumed fish in the U.S. Mild in flavor, and firm but tender texture of this snowy whitefish has won many fans. It's naturally fresh-tasting, direct from the pristine icy waters of Alaska — only fish caught there can be labeled as Wild Alaska Pollock," Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers, the supplier, says. McDonald's Filet-O-Fish
McDonald's Filet-O-Fish is a classic fish sandwich from the Big Arch's old-school menu, and is actually made with real, whole fish. It starts with a wild-caught crispy fish filet (Alaskan Pollock) sourced from sustainably managed fisheries, topped with melted American cheese and a creamy tarter sauce, served on a soft, steamed bun. Why do they poney up for "sustainable fish"? According to the company, "it helps protect our oceans—something that's important to you." Dairy Queen Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich
Dairy Queen might now serve "real" ice cream but they do use real whole fish for their Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich. "Always quite the catch, the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich features crispy wild-caught Alaskan pollock that is lightly coated to deliver a pleasingly crunchy outside with a tender inside," the company says on their website. "Along with the crispy Alaskan Pollock, the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich features fresh lettuce and tangy tartar sauce on a toasted bun. This is a catch that's sure to hook any fish sandwich connoisseur." Popeye's Founder Fish Sandwich
Popeye's might specialize in fried chicken, but the Louisiana-based chain doesn't cheat when it comes to fish. They use real fish for its Flounder Fish Sandwich, "responsibly sourced, wild caught fish," the chain told TODAY. "Our sourcing follows NOAA standards and goes through regulations to ensure we maintain the species. The population levels of our fish are above normal, and we don't anticipate running into any inventory issues."
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Mmm, chicken tenders. What was once a kid's menu item has become one of America's favorite snacks, or meals, probably because they offer a perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and flavor. When prepared well, the crispy exterior and juicy chicken inside are a quick and satisfying bite that, for many, comes with a hefty side of nostalgia. Tenders from fast food chains offer an easy on-the-go meal, plus who doesn't get excited about a variety of dipping sauces? For some, the tenders are just a delivery system for tasty sauces like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, and many more. However, some tendies are better than others, so I analyzed over 300 comments on threads on r/fastfood about where to find the best fast food chicken tenders in the U.S., with a focus on crisp and crunch outside, tender and juicy inside, consistency, seasoning, and of course, how dippable the tenders are. The results were surprising, shoppers had strong opinions, and a love of classic flavors. Here are the eight best fast food chicken tenders ranked by how much people love them. Hardee's/Carl's Jr
These two fast food chains have the same owners, and many of the same products, and came up again and again in our research. The thing people mentioned again and again was how much difference it makes that Hardee's/Carl's Jr.'s tenders are made fresh. "They've quickly become my favorite fast food joint and I was SO shocked when I got their tenders because they were amazing," wrote one fan of the buttermilk breaded tenders. No one minds the wait, either, "I went at 10:30 and I had to wait 10 minutes for the tenders but it was so worth it," wrote another fan. "They are the best if you get them cooked fresh," said another tender enthusiast. KFC
It's all about the Colonel's original recipe with the famous 11 herbs and spice, according to fans. In 2024, KFC changed their tenders recipe from Extra Crispy to Original Recipe (we're not sure why they used a different recipe in the first place), and it was a smash. The tenders come with a zesty peppery sauce, and one fan said, "I recently had the KFC chicken tenders for the first time, and they were a lot better than I expected them to be." Another said, " It's basically their Original Recipe chicken breast without the bone. I think these are much better than what they had before. I think these are much better than the nuggets, because the nuggets can get very dry, whereas these tenders were pretty juicy. Raising Cain's
According to fans of the chicken chain, it's all about the sauce and the high quality of the chicken. Raising Cain's version are called chicken fingers, not tenders, and one fan said, "They are the most juicy fast food tenders. In a good way. I don't know, somehow they are fried perfectly and the breading is great. They are just such good tenders they don't need much seasoning. A spicy version or even a spicy sauce would be awesome though." Another said the fingers are "Fresh, juicy, obviously high-quality… that sauce really is something else, the most perfect elevation of that chicken (and those fries)." RELATED: I Tried 8 Frozen Chicken Nuggets & One Blew the Others Away Wingstop
Known for their wings – bone-in and boneless – Wingstop also has a lot of fans that love their chicken tenders, which are longer and larger than their boneless wings. The tenders can be ordered in any flavor, along with a dip. One fan raved, "The tenders at Wingstop are very good! They're my go to, garlic parm is fantastic." Culver's
" Culver's Buffalo Tenders have no equal," says one fan of the chain's chicken tenders, which is a pretty bold statement. The midwest chain offers plain breaded tenders, but the Buffalo style, which have breading seasoned with chili peppers, paprika and black pepper spices, are the fan favorite. "I've never even bothered trying the regular ones, both because the buffalos are perfectly flavored (the spiciness complements the chicken, it isn't the star of the show)," enthused one diner. Arby's
While Arby's is known for their hearty roast beef sandwiches, their tenders have a fan club as well. Made with breaded chunks of tender white meat chicken breast, the tenders are fried fresh regularly. One fan says, "Arby's tenders are insanely good, especially paired with curly fries." Sonic Drive-In
Sonic's tenders are made with 100% all-white meat chicken and are crispy and packed with flavor, say diners. And Sonic's sauces make them even better. "Perhaps I'm tasteless but I really love Sonic's chicken tenders. Plus they've got that perfect neon yellow honey mustard for dipping," explained one happy diner. RELATED: I Tried McDonald's, Burger King, & Wendy's Chicken Nuggets—and The Winner Will Surprise You Popeye's
Thanks to that trademark Popeye's crunch, the restaurant has plenty of fans. "Popeye's has always been the best in my humble opinion," writes one about the chicken franchise's tenders. The sauce seals the deal, explains another, "Popeyes Blackened Ranch is so good. It's half the reason I go to Popeye's."
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Warehouse chains are as popular as ever, with Costco opening dozens of new locations this year as a result. It's just one component in an ongoing effort to lead the industry, though Costco has some steep competition. Similarly, Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale are sticking to innovation and customer service to be the premiere warehouse chain. All three chains offer similar benefits to their members, but there are also some key differences. If you live near at least two of the three chains, you may be torn on which warehouse is worth joining. From the variety of items in stock to online shopping and potential savings, there are many factors to keep in mind when deciding which warehouse chain to become a member of. If you need some guidance or have always wondered what exactly the difference is between Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale, this roundup will give you some additional insight. Membership Prices
Costco: America's leading warehouse club offers two main membership levels for families. Its introductory Gold Star membership costs $65 per year, or for $130 a year, you can opt for its executive membership. The biggest difference between the memberships is that executive members receive an annual 2% reward on qualified Costco purchases. Companies can also sign up for a business membership for $60 per year, which allows members to make purchases for resale. Sam's Club: Membership to the Walmart-owned club comes in at a slightly lower cost than Costco. Its introductory Club membership costs $50 a year, and its premium Plus membership costs $110 per year. Many of the benefits overlap between each membership level. However, Plus members qualify for perks like free shipping, earlier shopping hours, and added savings at the pharmacy. There is no business membership option at Sam's Club. BJ's: This East Coast wholesale chain offers two membership levels: Club and Club+. The Club costs $60 per year per member, with the option to add up to three additional members for $30 each. Club+ costs $120 per year, with members earning up to 2% back in rewards, plus added savings at BJ's gas stations. BJ's also offers two business membership levels for $55 and $110 annually. Return Policy
Costco: Costco members find the return policy quite generous, as most items can be returned at any time unless otherwise noted. Some exceptions include electronics, major appliances, and cell phones, typically with a 90-day return policy. Other specific items may be a final sale, but those are generally few and far between. Even grocery items can be returned for a full refund. Sam's Club: Most items can be returned to Sam's Club at any time, with few exceptions. Electronics come with a 90-day return policy, while items like heavy equipment and motorsports items must be returned within 30 days. Cell phones have one of the smallest return windows at 14 days. BJ's: While also generous, BJ's Wholesale is the only one out of the three major warehouse chains that put a limit on what would otherwise be an unlimited return window. General merchandise must be returned within one year of purchase, except for electronics. Those, from televisions to computers to electric scooters, must be returned between 14 to 30 days, depending on the exact item. Branded Credit Cards
If you want to take your warehouse brand loyalty a step further, you can sign up for a branded credit card that comes with an array of perks you can redeem while shopping. All three warehouse chains have their own version of a rewards credit card, with some slight variations. The Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi comes in individual and business varieties, with rewards like 5% rewards on gas at Costco, 3% on restaurants, and 2% on Costco purchases. With a paid Costco membership, there is no annual fee on the Costco Anywhere Visa. The Sam's Club MasterCard boasts similar perks, including 5% back in Sam's Cash on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Plus Members earn 3% back in Sam's Cash on Sam's Club purchases, with Club Members earning 1% back. With no annual fee, it's a solid credit card to consider if most of your shopping is done at Sam's Club. Not to be outdone, the BJ's One MasterCard and One+ MasterCard offer similar benefits to cardholders. Members can earn 3% to 5% back in rewards on most BJ's purchases, with 10 to 15 cents off gas at BJ's every day. Receipt Checking Process
Checking your receipt at the door is part of the warehouse shopping experience and one that members have come to expect. Last year, however, Sam's Club shook up the business model by introducing new technology that automatically verifies if all shopping cart items appear on the receipt. This is a major change from its competitors, Costco and BJ's, which still have employees at the exit door manually checking shopping carts. This process is not entirely human-free, as Sam's Club employees are still on standby to verify that the receipt matches what the AI-powered arches scan. Sam's Club is rolling these cart-checking changes out in phases nationwide. Number of Locations
Costco: According to Costco's website, there are currently over 600 warehouses across 47 states and Washington, D.C., as well as hundreds of international locations, which members can access regardless of their country of origin. International Costcos can be found in countries such as Taiwan, Japan, Australia, France, Mexico, and Canada. Sam's Club: The Walmart website notes that there are almost 600 warehouse locations across the United States and Puerto Rico. Sam's Club operates in 44 states. BJ's: BJ's is by far the smallest of the three warehouse chains in terms of total store count. There are over 200 BJ's stores across 20 states, all located along the eastern seaboard. If you live on the East Coast, it may be worth it to look into a BJ's membership. Otherwise, your main options for a warehouse club membership are between Costco and Sam's Club. Average Sticker Price
Figuring out which club offers the lowest prices on groceries can be tricky—though some news outlets have attempted to figure it out. This past March, The News & Observer compared the prices of 60 items at Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's warehouses in Raleigh, N.C., and found Sam's Club to have the lowest prices and highest quantity of items. The publication reported that it didn't use "true receipt amounts," as it didn't include sales tax or store discounts when comparing prices. These findings aligned with the conclusions from an October 2023 study conducted by the AARP. When weighing the warehouse clubs against each other, it's important to note that Costco often charges more for products purchased online than it does in-store. Costco also sells more organic products than its competitors, which could mean some items will ring up higher than they would at Sam's Club or BJ's. So, really, the only way to know for sure is to shop around on your own. It may be worth signing up for a free trial membership at Sam's Club to compare with Costco. Costco doesn't offer free trials, but it does extend its money-back guarantee to its memberships. So, if you sign up for a Costco membership and aren't satisfied, you can cancel for a full refund. For non-food items, one unique benefit about BJ's is that is that it accepts manufacturer coupons, which neither Costco or Sam's Club will do. That can add up to even more savings on already-low prices. Food Court
Costco: One aspect of a Costco membership that customers enjoy is access to the warehouse's food court. The Costco food court sells a number of low-cost items like its famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo and $1.99 slice of pizza. The menu is regularly changing, with Costco replacing its Pepsi products with Coca-Cola products this year. Sam's Club: The Walmart-owned warehouses include cafes that sell a variety of pizza slices, hot dogs, pretzels, and a pizza-pretzel hybrid. For dessert, members can buy frozen yogurt cups and sundaes. Though there are slight menu differences, the offerings at Sam's Club and Costco are largely the same. One major difference, however, is that Sam's Club cafes are open to all, while Costco's food courts are reserved for members and their guests only. BJ's: BJ's warehouses used to offer food courts, too, but those have been discontinued. Instead, BJ's locations have featured Dunkin' kiosks since 2016. So, while you cannot get a cheap slice of pizza, you can at least sip on some iced coffee—something that Costco and Sam's Club food courts do not offer, though Costco does have frozen coffee drinks. Variety of grocery and non-grocery items
No matter which warehouse you choose, you can find most, if not all, of your weekly groceries there. All three chains sell their products in bulk quantities, meaning you will have a lot more food to store in your cabinets and refrigerator when you return home. All three clubs also carry their own store brands, offering more savings over name-brand goods. There are some differences between the three chains, however. For starters, if you are looking for the widest selection of organic products, stick with Costco. If you just want sheer volume and the most amount of options possible, look into a BJ's membership. It may seem like Costco sells everything under the sun, but it actually carries far fewer items than its competitors, offering about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units—aka items). Meanwhile, BJ's states that it offers more than 7,000 SKUs. Sam's Club's SKU information isn't readily available on its website, though the The Motley Fool reported that it carries between 6,000 and 7,000 products. Online shopping
Costco: Online shopping is available at costco.com. In fact, even non-members can purchase items online, including groceries. However, non-members will pay a 5% surcharge on their purchases. Members and non-members alike can have their groceries ordered online and delivered via Instacart. Costco.com offers same-day delivery on all groceries with a $35 minimum spend. Curbside pickup is not available at most warehouse locations. Sam's Club: Sam's Club members can shop online for groceries and other items you would find in the warehouses. Same-day delivery for groceries is available for members only. Curbside pickup is also available for members. The in-store shopping experience is also made easier through technology, thanks to the Sam's Club Scan & Go feature in its app. BJ's: Online shopping is available for BJ's members. The warehouse's 1-day non-member shopping pass also extends online, allowing customers to make purchases on BJs.com without a membership card. When ordering groceries online, BJ's offers both same-day delivery and curbside pickup. BJ's also offers ExpressPay in its warehouse locations, making the in-store checkout experience far quicker. Payment options
Costco: Costco only accepts Visa credit cards in addition to cash, most debit cards, Costco Shop cards, personal and business checks from Costco members, traveler's checks, EBT cards, and mobile payments. Additionally, the retailer's health services accept FSA/HSA Visa or MasterCard debit cards. Sam's Club: The Walmart-owned warehouse club accepts all major credit cards from U.S. accounts, including American Express, MasterCard, and Discover. The retailer also accepts cash and checks, Sam's Cash, SNAP or EBT, Walmart credit cards, and prepaid credit cards. BJ's: BJ's accepts Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover Network for both digital and in-person purchases. Customers can also pay via cash, check, and debit card when shopping in-club.
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If you want to know how strong and fit you are, forget the fancy gym machines and the complicated fitness trackers, and forget comparing yourself to your younger self. The real measure of functional strength that helps you crush everyday life and maintain muscle as you age is your ability to sustain effort under pressure. And that's precisely what this 60-second test will reveal. The wall sit test is brutally simple, but don't be fooled—this one-minute challenge will quickly expose weaknesses in your legs, core, and mental toughness. If you think you're in great shape but can't last a full 60 seconds, it might be time to rethink your training. On the flip side, if you breeze past the one-minute mark, you're moving like someone years younger than your birth certificate says. So, are you ready to find out your true fitness age? RELATED: If You Can Hold a Wall Sit for This Long, Your Leg Endurance Is Next-Level How to Do the 60-Second Wall Sit Test
Before you take on the challenge, make sure you're doing it right. Proper form is key to getting an accurate score and avoiding unnecessary strain. Follow these steps to set yourself up for success.
Scores and Ranking—How Do You Stack Up?
Once you've given it your best shot, it's time to interpret your results. Your wall-sit endurance reflects your muscular endurance and overall fitness level. Check the rankings below to see where you stand.
Struggling to hit 60 seconds? Don't sweat it—yet. With the right training, you can improve your endurance and level up your score. How to Improve Your Wall Sit Score
If your legs started shaking like a leaf 30 seconds in, don't worry—you can build the strength and endurance to dominate this test. Here are some of the best exercises to incorporate into your routine.
Commit to doing these exercises a few times a week, and your wall sit time will start climbing in no time. Tips and Tricks to Crush the Wall Sit Test
Want to maximize your performance and avoid burning out too quickly? These pro tips will help you hold on longer and stay strong throughout the challenge. Test and retest every four to six weeks to track how you stack up.
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Think you have a strong core? This ultimate core test will challenge your endurance, stability, and total-body control. The 1-minute plank challenge is a deceptively simple way to measure your core strength and mental grit. It might sound easy, but once the clock starts ticking, those seconds can feel like an eternity, especially if your form starts to break down. A strong plank isn't just for show; it directly reflects how well your core supports your entire body. Whether lifting weights, sprinting up a hill, or carrying groceries, a stable core helps you move more efficiently and avoid injury. If you struggle to hold a plank for a full minute, it might indicate that your core muscles, shoulders, glutes, and lower back need some extra work. So, are you ready to put your core to the test? Drop into position, focus on your form, and see where you stack up. Your results might surprise you, but no matter where you land, there's always a way to improve. How to Do the 1-Minute Plank Test
Once you complete the test, check your time against the ranking breakdown to see where you stand! How Do You Rank? A Breakdown of Results
The goal is simple: hold a proper forearm plank for one full minute without sagging at the hips, arching your back, or shifting weight improperly. Once you finish, check your score:
How to Improve Your Plank Score
If you struggled to make it to a minute, don't worry; progress happens with consistent effort. Here's how to level up your core strength:
Tips & Tricks to Nail the 1-Minute Plank Test
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