Top 10 ingredients loved by Mom's Meals

When it comes to food, ingredients abound. So how does our team of chefs and registered dietitians decide on what foods to use in their dishes? Get the scoop on the ingredients we love most!

At Mom’s Meals^®, we incorporate particular ingredients, so every meal not only delivers great flavor but is also packed with nutrition. Amanda Daines, RD, LD, director of research and development, and nutrition services, reveals some top ingredients used throughout our recipes.

1. Whole wheat pasta

Whole wheat pasta is a type of whole grain. Whole grains provide nutrient dense, complex carbohydrates that can help improve blood cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that at least half of all the grains you eat are whole grains.

Mom’s Meals selections with whole wheat pasta: 

• Pasta Primavera with Ham and Cornbread

Menus: General Wellness, Heart Friendly, Diabetes Friendly, Protein+ and Renal Friendly

• Beef Goulash over Whole Wheat Pasta and Seasoned Vegetables

Menus: General Wellness, Heart Friendly, Lower Sodium and Diabetes Friendly

2. Cherries

Cherries are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals — including potassium, calcium, vitamin A and folic acid. They’re also an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They protect cells from damage caused by oxidants or free radicals and ward off chronic illnesses — like heart disease and cancer.

Mom’s Meals selections with cherries:

• Pork Stir Fry Rice and Spiced Fruit Medley

Menus: General Wellness, Heart Friendly, Lower Sodium, Protein+, Gluten Free and Renal Friendly

• Beef Pepper Steak with Gravy over Pasta and Spiced Fruit Crisp

Menus: General Wellness, Lower Sodium, Protein+ and Renal Friendly

3. Canola oil

Canola oil is widely considered to be a healthy oil. It contains zero trans-fat, is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat. Both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can improve cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease. Canola oil is eligible to carry a qualified health claim from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its ability to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease when used in place of saturated fat in the diet. Mom’s Meals uses canola oil in about 85% of our meals. 

Mom’s Meals selections in which canola oil is used include:

• Beef Stew and Cornbread

Menus: General Wellness, Heart Friendly, Lower Sodium, Diabetes Friendly and Protein+

• Ham Patty, Cheesy Potatoes and Cinnamon Apples

Menus: General Wellness, Diabetes Friendly, Protein+ and Gluten Free

4. Eggs

A nutrient-dense food, eggs contain 13 essential vitamins and all nine essential amino acids. They contain the highest biological value (or gold standard) for protein and are packed with choline, selenium, riboflavin, vitamin D and phosphorus.

Mom’s Meals selections with eggs:

• Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal and Scrambled Eggs

Menus: General Wellness, Heart Friendly, Lower Sodium, Diabetes Friendly, Vegetarian and Renal Friendly

• Colby Cheese Omelet, French Toast Sticks, and Brown Sugar Peaches and Apples

Menus: General Wellness, Heart Friendly, Lower Sodium, Diabetes Friendly, Vegetarian and Renal Friendly

5. Carrots

Loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber, carrots offer a host of health benefits. Studies have shown that carotenoids, an antioxidant pigment found in carrots, may decrease your risk of age-related macular degeneration, as well as help protect against prostate, colon and stomach cancer. Eating more carrots has also been linked to lower cholesterol levels, which helps decrease your risk for heart disease.

Mom’s Meals selections with carrots:

• Chicken and Vegetable Pot Pie Soup

Menus: General Wellness, Heart Friendly, Lower Sodium and Diabetes Friendly

• Korean Style BBQ Meatballs, White Rice and Seasoned Vegetables

Menus: General Wellness, Heart Friendly and Protein+

6. Poultry

Poultry like lean chicken and turkey is a great source of protein and provides many other nutrients your body needs — such as iodine, iron, zinc, vitamins (especially B12) and essential fatty acids. Protein-rich foods like poultry can help with weight loss and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Mom’s Meals selections with poultry:

• Creamy Turkey and Rice Soup and Cinnamon Apples

Menu: General Wellness, Heart Friendly, Lower Sodium, Diabetes Friendly, Gluten Free and Renal Friendly

7. Broccoli

A cruciferous vegetable, broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse. It benefits digestion, the cardiovascular system and the immune system. It has anti-inflammatory and even cancer-preventing properties. The fat-free veggie is also low in sodium and calories (about 31 calories per serving).

Mom’s Meals selections with broccoli:

• Chicken Teriyaki with Stir Fry Vegetables and White Rice

Menus: General Wellness, Heart Friendly, Protein+ and Gluten Free

• Cheesy Chicken and Rice with Broccoli and Sweet Pineapple and Apples

Menus: General Wellness and Gluten Free

8. Garlic

Garlic is small but mighty! Studies have linked garlic to improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels — and has cancer-fighting characteristics. Significant evidence suggests garlic can play a role in preventing cancer and slowing its progression.

Mom’s Meals selections with garlic:

• Four Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Basil Butter Sauce and Seasoned Green Beans

Menu: General Wellness, Vegetarian and Renal Friendly

• Vegetable Primavera and Sweet Pineapple and Apples

Menus: General Wellness, Heart Friendly, Lower Sodium, Diabetes Friendly, Vegetarian and Renal Friendly

9. Beans

Due to their high fiber content, beans, including pinto beans, kidney beans and black beans, can help lower cholesterol and prevent blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal. They provide steady, slow-burning energy, which is especially important for people with diabetes.

Mom’s Meals selections with kidney beans:

• Beef Chili with Beans and Cornbread

Menus: General Wellness, Lower Sodium, Diabetes Friendly and Protein+

• Southwestern Style Chicken with Vegetable Hash and White Rice

Menus: General Wellness, Heart Friendly, Lower Sodium, Diabetes Friendly, Protein+ and Gluten Free

10. Nonfat dry milk

Nonfat dry milk provides bone-building nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin A. It may be added to recipes to increase the amount of protein and energy, especially for people with health conditions who need extra protein.

Mom’s Meals selections with nonfat dry milk:

• Pureed Beef Pot Roast with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes and Peach Cobbler

Menu: Pureed

Tasty decisions to make

We can help take the guesswork out of eating right with nutritious, ready-to-heat-and-eat meals conveniently delivered direct to your home. Choose every meal in every delivery from our menus designed by registered dietitians and professional chefs. All meals are crafted in USDA- and FDA- inspected facilities, providing the highest level of compliance with federal regulations governing food production.

Not only do we offer nine condition-specific menus and 60+ options, but our culinary team also spends countless hours in the kitchen creating meals with flavors our members love.