If you want healthy individual frozen lunches that can easily be taken to work or school and heated in the microwave, Aldi has several good options. I like the grocer’s quinoa bowls that are available in the freezer section any time of year. Also, from time to time, Aldi sells some especially good frozen riced cauliflower bowls in several Mexican or Tex-Mex flavors.
Whole & Simple White Meat Chicken & Mexican Style Street Corn or White Meat Chicken & Cilantro & Lime Riced Cauliflower Bowls cost $3.29 for a 7.5-ounce package at the time of publication.
These are an Aldi Find, which means they’re only in stores for a short time. Aldi won’t ship them to you either.
These are a product of Canada and provide one cup of vegetables per serving. They advertise authentic ingredients and “nothing artificial whatsoever!” Glancing through the ingredients list, these contain a lot of easily identifiable ingredients and look pretty healthy. They’re also fairly low in calories for an entrée — with just 180 to 220 calories per serving — so you aren’t going to feel like you just ate a heavy meal after enjoying one of these bowls. They also don’t skimp on the diced chicken.
These can be heated either in the microwave or in a conventional oven. I’ve always microwaved them.
To microwave, remove the outer package and pierce the film on top of the bowl. Microwave the bowl on high for 3 minutes, peel back film, stir, and cook for another 1 minute. Let stand for 1 minute in the microwave before serving.
To heat in the oven, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the outer package and pierce the film. Place the bowl on a baking sheet and bake on the middle rack for 30-35 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking time.
If you’re watching out for allergens, both of these riced cauliflower bowls contain milk.
Read on for more information about each variety.
Whole & Simple White Meat Chicken & Mexican Style Street Corn Riced Cauliflower Bowl
Whole & Simple White Meat Chicken & Mexican Style Street Corn Riced Cauliflower Bowl after heating in the microwave.
This features grilled chicken, roasted corn, black beans, roasted red peppers, and cotija cheese. It’s my favorite of the two rice cauliflower bowl flavors. The combination of cheese, veggies, chicken, seasonings, and riced cauliflower that makes me think I’m eating regular rice really hits the spot. I sometimes buy more than one of these when I spot them at Aldi, and I stash extras in my freezer at home.
Whole & Simple White Meat Chicken & Mexican Style Street Corn nutrition information, ingredients, and directions. (Click to enlarge.)
One bowl (213 grams) has 220 calories, 9 grams of total fat (12% DV), 3 grams of saturated fat (15% DV), 45 mg of cholesterol (15% DV), 470 mg of sodium (20% DV), 21 grams of total carbohydrates (8% DV), 4 grams of dietary fiber (14% DV), 4 grams of total sugars, 1 gram of added sugars (2% DV), and 15 grams of protein.
Whole & Simple White Meat Chicken & Cilantro & Lime Riced Cauliflower Bowl
Whole & Simple White Meat Chicken & Cilantro & Lime Riced Cauliflower Bowl after microwaving.
This features grilled chicken, black beans, roasted corn, and roasted red peppers. It has good cilantro flavor and has a moderate amount of spiciness. It’s a solid choice for a light, healthy meal. Of the two riced cauliflower bowls here, this one has the fewest calories. The other rice cauliflower bowl with the street corn remains my favorite, though.
Whole & Simple White Meat Chicken & Cilantro & Lime Riced Cauliflower Bowl nutrition information, ingredients, and directions. (Click to enlarge.)
One bowl (213 grams) has 180 calories, 3.5 grams of total fat (4% DV), no saturated fat, 30 mg of cholesterol (10% DV), 270 mg of sodium (12% DV), 22 grams of total carbohydrates (8% DV), 4 grams of dietary fiber (14% DV), 5 grams of total sugars, 2 grams of added sugars (4% DV), and 14 grams of protein.
The Verdict:
Whole & Simple White Meat Chicken & Mexican Style Street Corn or White Meat Chicken & Cilantro & Lime Riced Cauliflower Bowls are excellent healthy meals that feature whole, easily identifiable ingredients. They heat easily in the microwave, making them great for when you’re on the go. We highly recommend the Mexican street corn flavor.
I love the Mexican Corn Chicken Bowl. I wish it was a available all the time!!! When will it come out again in the stores?
Only Aldi knows if or when these bowls will come back. I’d love to see them as everyday Regular Buys. https://www.aldireviewer.com/when-will-this-aldi-find-be-back-in-stock/