Healthy Eating

The 20 Healthiest Store-Bought Thanksgiving Dishes

Save yourself time in the kitchen with these delicious & nutritious Thanksgiving options!

By: Lexy Parsons

Let’s face it — the holiday season can be stressful. Between holiday shopping, a jam-packed calendar, prepping for family time, and navigating inevitable family drama, there’s lots to think about and little time to get it all done. So, why not make life a little easier this year and take the stress of holiday cooking off your plate? Think about it — there’s a lot that goes into holiday cooking. Removing it from your to-do list will save you valuable time and energy. Plus (if you’re reaching for good-for-you items), it can help you stay on track with your fitness goals! And the thing is, there are so many healthy store-bought Thanksgiving dishes on the shelves, making it easier than ever to plan a delicious and nutritious meal. I mean really, it’s a no-brainer! Whether you’re in charge of cooking a few holiday sides or the whole meal, these ready-made holiday dishes will be a lifesaver. 

Ahead, healthy and easy store-bought Thanksgiving foods you need on your plate. From appetizers to main meals to dessert options, we’ve got all your needs (and cravings) covered.

Healthier Store-Bought Thanksgiving Appetizers

Kite Hill Butternut Squash Ravioli

Pasta lovers, this one’s for you. This fall-inspired pasta dish makes the perfect healthy appetizer that will satisfy your comfort food cravings and beyond. Made with an almond milk ricotta alternative and egg-free pasta, it caters to a variety of diets and meal plans. No prepping, no cooking, no messy cleanup. Simply heat and serve!

Crown Prince Natural Smoked Oysters

Simple, nutritious, delicious. These olive oil-marinated smoked Oysters come ready to enjoy as a healthy app or snack and will be loved by all. Enjoy with crackers or serve cocktail style! Some other tasty store-bought seafood starters include shrimp cocktail and smoked salmon.

Cucina & Amore Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta

Every Thanksgiving menu needs a healthy holiday bruschetta, and we’ve got just the one! Easy to dress up and simple to prepare, this tomato bruschetta will save you time without skimping on taste. It’s free from gluten, sulfites, and added sugar and full of flavorful ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, basil, walnuts, and pine nuts. Serve it up on your favorite toasted bread, add it to your charcuterie board, or spread it on crackers and roasted veggies.

Kettle & Fire Butternut Squash Bone Broth Soup

No time to make your own soup? Serve up this protein-packed gut-friendly Kettle & Fire Butternut Squash soup! Made with wholesome, organic ingredients like chicken bone broth, butternut squash, carrots, celery, and turmeric, it’s the perfect nutritious and delicious starter or side that will be loved by all. 

Simple Thanksgiving Store-Bought Sides

Strong Roots Root Veggies Fries

These carrot, parsnip, and red beetroot Strong Roots fries will make a vibrant and delicious superfood side dish at your Thanksgiving holiday or gathering. They’re packed with antioxidants, fully plant-based, and free from gluten. Toss them in the air fryer for a crispy crunch, or blend them into creamy root veggie mash. 

Banza Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese

If baked Mac & Cheese is a must-have Thanksgiving menu item, no need to cook from scratch! Simply grab a box of Banza and try making it with this better-for-you chickpea pasta alternative. With 25 grams of protein, 13 grams of fiber, and half the net carbs of traditional pasta, it’s a much healthier alternative to traditional calorie-dense recipes. Enjoy it as a simple side, healthy app, or serve it as part of the main meal!

Cascadian Farm Veggie Stuffing Alternative

Thanksgiving stuffing just got a healthy (and flavorful) upgrade. Unlike traditional stuffing (packed with calories and saturated fat), this Cascadian Farm Organic Hearty Blend is made with farro, broccoli, carrots, and chickpeas for a filling and flavorful alternative. It’s full of dietary fiber, rich in protein, and free from gluten! Serve with turkey or with tofu, or enjoy on its own.

Miss Jones Keto, Paleo, & Gluten-Free Cornbread

Love cornbread but don’t love the way it makes you feel? Give this keto and paleo-friendly alternative a try. It’s gluten-free and made with a two-ingredient almond and coconut flour blend, making it a much healthier alternative to traditional Thanksgiving cornbread recipes. Simply stir in eggs, non-dairy milk, and oil, then pop it in the oven. Tastes like homemade without all the prep work!

Roasted Veggies

From roasted root veggie blends to fire-roasted corn to pre-cooked mixed greens, there are endless store-bought veggie blends to choose from that will save you time and stress. How you flavor your menu is up to you! Head to the freezer or prepared foods section of your closest grocery store to find what’s local. Use your veggies of choice in stuffings, soups, mashed potatoes, and more! Add extra herbs or spices, flavor it with sauces or marinades, or simply heat and serve.

Thanksgiving Sauces & Condiments

Primal Kitchen Bone Broth Gravy

This creamy, dreamy bone broth gravy makes any dish taste like Thanksgiving. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and tastes homemade. Made with turkey, bone broth, coconut cream, and a variety of wholesome spices. Drizzle it on everything without guilt!

Canned Pumpkin

Save yourself the prep work, roasting, and cleaning — grab a can (or two or three) of pumpkin puree instead! From soups to pasta to baked goods, there are so many ways to use pumpkin puree, beyond pie. Just make sure you’re grabbing unsweetened pumpkin puree (different from canned pumpkin pie!).

Stonewall Kitchen Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

Unfortunately, high fructose corn syrup can still be found in many store-bought foods – including some store-bought cranberry sauces. If a healthy homemade sauce isn’t happening this year, don’t worry, you’ve got options! This store-bought blend is made with real cranberries, oranges, organic cane sugar, and wholesome spices. Though still high in sugar, it’s a much healthier alternative to processed and refined items!

Healthy Thanksgiving Main Dishes

Pre-Cooked Thanksgiving Turkey

Short on time, space, or energy? Do yourself a favor and pick up a fully cooked and ready-to-eat Thanksgiving turkey! Not only will it save you 8 hours of *valuable* cooking time, but it will also free up your kitchen and oven, so you have space for other yummy dishes. And because you have to heat it up before serving, you’ll still get that fresh-out-of-the-oven home-cooked feel! Order from your local health food market, healthy grocery stores like Whole Foods, or online from stores like William Sonoma

Good Catch Plant-Based Crab Cakes & Seafood Burgers

Considering a seafood-centric Thanksgiving? Serve it up, vegan-style. Made with a six-legume blend of peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans, and navy beans, these plant-based seafood options make the perfect protein-packed main meal. Serve as a simple side dish, or dress it up for the main meal! 

Rao’s Meat Lasagna Meal

Looking for a Thanksgiving turkey alternative? Try an Italian-inspired feast instead! Made with Italian tomatoes, ricotta cheese, wholesome pasta, and a beef meat sauce, this premade dish makes healthy holiday eating simple. Serve with a side salad, roasted veggies, or a serving of turkey.

Rotisserie Chicken

Want to save time and money without sacrificing the main dish? Skip the turkey and grab an organic pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from Whole Foods. Full of protein and easy to dress up or down, this turkey alternative makes for a simple and satisfying holiday meal.

Desserts

Raised Gluten Free Dutch Apple Pie

The sweetest way to savor apple season without the prep work or stress of baking. This lightened-up store-bought apple pie is vegan, gluten-free, and will be loved by all. Warm it up and serve with your favorite toppings like dairy-free ice cream, coconut whip, or full-fat yogurt!

Cosmic Bliss Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Because what’s pie without ice cream?! This coconut milk-based ice cream is dairy-free, naturally sweetened, and made with five wholesome ingredients. Serve it with pie, your favorite Thanksgiving dessert, or alone by the spoonful!

So Delicious Dairy-Free Coconut Whipped Cream

Let’s face it, adding whipped cream to your plate is a tasty way to take any Thanksgiving dish to the next level. That said, traditional whipped cream is loaded with sugar and empty calories. The good news? There are tons of healthy options, including this dairy-free plant-based dessert! Made with coconut milk and coconut oil and just 30 calories per serving.  

Cappello’s Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

No need to stress about Thanksgiving dessert when you could slice, bake, and serve this pre-made paleo and vegan-friendly cookie dough! Simply made with almond and arrowroot flour and sweetened with maple syrup. And considering they’re vegan, you could even enjoy the unbaked dough — yum!

Keep It Simple & Stress-Free With a Store-Bought Thanksgiving Menu

Whether you’re traveling, have limited (or no) access to a kitchen, or are simply short on time, energy, or resources, opting for pre-cooked Thanksgiving dishes can be a major lifesaver. Not only will you reduce unnecessary holiday stress, but you’ll also have more time for family, friends, and some much-needed self-care! 

Use this store-bought Thanksgiving list to inspire your healthy holiday menu! And maybe you mix and match — grab some store-bought dishes that are more time-consuming, and make a few healthy homemade recipes from scratch! There’s no right or wrong way to feast and celebrate — just know you have options.