Meatballs, Frozen

Meatballs, frozen, Italian style

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Meatballs FAQ

Table of Contents

• Are meatballs gluten-free?
• Are meatballs keto?
• Are meatballs a good source of protein?
• Are meatballs high in carbs?
• Are meatballs high in cholesterol?
• Are meatballs low FODMAP?
• What are some meatball alternatives?
• Are meatballs halal?
• Are meatballs kosher?

Are meatballs gluten-free?

It highly depends on the brand and the recipe used to make the meatballs. Many frozen meatballs do contain breadcrumbs as a binder, which contains gluten. However, there are specific gluten-free brands such as ‘Rosina’s Gluten-Free Italian Style Meatballs’ available on the market.

Are meatballs keto?

Traditional meatballs, especially frozen meatballs, might not be keto-friendly as many of them contain breadcrumbs or fillers that are high in carbs. A typical meatball could contain about 9 grams of carbs. A keto-friendly diet usually restricts carb intake to 20-50 grams per day.

Are meatballs a good source of protein?

Yes, meatballs are a good source of protein. A serving of three medium-sized meatballs (85 grams) provides around 19 grams of protein. The daily recommended dietary allowance of protein for adult men and women is 56 grams and 46 grams, respectively.

Are meatballs high in carbs?

Yes, meatballs, especially those which contain fillers like breadcrumbs, are high in carbs. In a typical meatball of about 85 grams, you can find approximately up to 9 grams of carbs. For comparison, the average daily recommended intake of carbohydrates for adults is around 130 grams.

Are meatballs high in cholesterol?

Yes, meatballs can be high in cholesterol due to the meat content. A serving of three medium-sized meatballs (around 85 grams) contain around 70 milligrams of cholesterol. The daily recommended intake for cholesterol is less than 300 milligrams for healthy adults, or less than 200 milligrams if you have a high risk of heart disease.

Are meatballs low FODMAP?

Not all meatballs are low FODMAP. FODMAPs are types of carbohydrates that certain individuals may find difficult to digest. Regular meatballs that are frozen often contain onions and garlic, which are high in FODMAPs. However, meatballs made without these ingredients or replaced with a low FODMAP option like leek leaves (for onion) and garlic-infused oil (for garlic), can make the meatballs suitable for a low FODMAP diet.

What are some meatball alternatives?

There are many alternatives to meatballs depending on dietary needs. For vegetarians and vegans, meatless “meatballs” can be made using lentils, chickpeas, mushrooms or various vegetable combinations. If you’re reducing meat intake, turkey or chicken meatballs are great lower-fat alternatives to traditional beef meatballs. Those who prefer seafood can try fish or shrimp meatballs.

Are meatballs halal?

The halal status of meatballs depends entirely on the ingredients used and how it was prepared. If the meat used in the meatballs is from a halal source, and no non-halal ingredients (like alcohol, gelatin from non-halal sources etc.) are used, then the meatballs would be considered halal. It’s best to check the product packaging or in a restaurant, ask the chef.

Are meatballs kosher?

Meatballs can be kosher if they are made with kosher ingredients and prepared according to kosher laws. This means the meat should be from a kosher animal, and mixed with non-dairy ingredients. If the meatballs are being purchased ready-made, they should carry a reliable kosher certification (hechsher). In restaurants, ensure they are following kosher guidelines.