STOUFFER'S® Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find STOUFFER’S meals in my area?
STOUFFER’S Frozen Meals can be found using the Buy Now product locator to identify stores near you that carry our meals and also check out the online shopping options.
Have any recipes changed?
We are always striving to ensure excellence in our recipes. Our Big Kitchens continually evaluate all of our products to meet our consumer expectations, as well as ours, when it comes to quality and taste.
How do I find out if your products contain any of the major food allergens?
According to the US FDA 90% of food allergic reactions are caused by: milk, egg, fish, crustacea (e.g., shellfish like shrimp, lobster, crab), tree nuts (almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts, etc.), wheat, peanuts, soybean and sesame. These are often referred to as the "Big 9" and we always label them whenever these foods or proteins derived from these foods are present in our products. Refer to the ingredient panel for more information.
What causes ice crystals to form on top of the product?
Ice crystals occur naturally on frozen products. Excessive ice crystals (a snowy appearance) may result from fluctuations in storage temperature.
Why is the sodium level in your products so high?
Our team of chefs work incredibly hard to create delicious frozen meals using ingredients you can feel good about. To learn more about Nestlé and our commitments check out our Creating Shared Value Report.
Do STOUFFER'S frozen meals have preservatives?
STOUFFER’S primarily utilizes freezing as a natural method of preservation, allowing us to minimize use of added preservatives. In fact, there are no preservatives in many of STOUFFER’S products.
I can’t find my favorite Stouffer’s meal in store, will you bring it back?
We understand it can be frustrating when something you love is suddenly not available. Contact us and we can help you find another favorite!
How long do Stouffer’s meals last in the freezer?
We do not recommend using a product past its shelf life. Product consumed on or before the date on pack would have the best quality, freshness, and performance.
Can I cook STOUFFER’S in a slow cooker?
Can I cook STOUFFER'S on the grill?
Yes, you can cook Macaroni & Cheese Stouffer’s Party Size Macaroni & Cheese (76 oz) on the grill.
Click here for Macaroni & Cheese Grilling Instructions.
Is it safe to use the product, once thawed? Do I prepare from a frozen or a thawed state?
STOUFFER’S meals were designed to be prepared from a frozen state. Party Size items may be thawed under refrigeration and prepared. See package for details.
My microwave does not have 50% power. What can I do to microwave your products properly?
50% power is synonymous with power level 5, medium, medium-low, and in some instances, defrost. However, if the microwave has only one setting, you can prepare the product on high starting with half the time listed on the package. If the product has not reached an internal temperature of 165F in that amount of time, continue cooking on high checking after each minute to prevent overcooking.
Can I make STOUFFER'S in the toaster oven or convection oven?
We do not recommend using a toaster oven due to the toaster oven's small size and close proximity of the heating element to the meal container. We also do not recommend the use of a convection oven to cook STOUFFER’S meals. Our chefs have found that for the best results our meals require the use of a conventional oven or microwave.
Can I microwave STOUFFER’S French Bread Pizzaor cook it in my Air Fryer?
You can partially cook your STOUFFER’S French bread pizza in the microwave and complete cooking in a conventional oven or Air Fryer to maintain the crispy bread texture. See package for complete instructions.
Can I/How do I cook multiple products at once?
To prepare more than one STOUFFER’S meal in the conventional oven it is important that the heat circulate around all edges of the trays. To cook properly, the trays should not touch each other or the sides of the oven walls. Rotate the tray half way through the required cooking time. Increase the cooking time 5 - 15 minutes if needed but do not increase the oven temperature. The internal temperature of the item must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to cook Stouffer’s products?
STOUFFER’S meals are designed to cook well in conventional ovens and microwaves. See the cooking instructions on your meal packaging or visit the product webpage to find specific cooking details.
Is the STOUFFER'S lasagna precooked?
STOUFFER’S lasagna is not ready to eat and requires cooking before eating. Follow the cooking instructions on the package or on our website.
How can I be sure my product is prepared correctly in the Conventional oven?
Make sure to carefully follow the cooking instructions on the package. Specific cooking instructions are also available on the product page for your STOUFFER’S meal.
Additionally, here are our best tips for success preparing STOUFFER’S Meals in a conventional oven:
- Prepare your meal from a frozen state unless otherwise noted on pack.
- Regularly calibrate your oven to ensure proper temperature
- Be sure to preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the package
- Adjust film/lid as instructed on packing
- Use baking sheet if specified and place baking sheet on center rack if suggested
- Cook recommended time using a timer
- Follow any stir/lid steps or heat adjustments if specified throughout the cooking process
- Carefully remove your meal from oven after proper cooking time – Will be hot
- Ensure your meal reaches the appropriate internal temperature of 165°F or as otherwise stated on the package instructions
What is the best way to prepare Stouffer's Sides?
Stouffer's Sides come in a microwave-safe tray so you can cook your side in the microwave only and save your oven space for the main entrée. The tray will not withstand the sustained high heat of a conventional oven.
Why can't I prepare Stouffer's Sides in the oven?
Stouffer's Sides come in a tray that is not safe for the oven. Always follow the cooking instructions on the packaging.
Can the tray be reused?
The tray should not be reused. It was not designed as a reusable container.
Is the tray recyclable?
Plastic Trays: Not only are we using 30% recycled plastic in our trays, but we’ve also removed the black pigment in an effort to increase the ability of this tray to be recycled. Be sure to check with your local community to see if our trays are accepted.
Plastic Bowls used in BOWL-FULLS and MAC-FULLS products. The paper box is recyclable, but you’ll have to check locally for whether the plastic tray, when rinsed, is accepted at recycling centers in your locality.
Aluminum Trays: This package is recyclable where suitable recycling programs exist. Recycling programs for aluminum packaging may not exist in your area.
Paperboard: The paperboard outer carton is recyclable. However, the pressed paper trays used in our multi-serve meals are not recyclable. They contain a layer of flexible material that does not allow them to be recycled. We have moved from a black liner to an undyed interior to help move us towards our Nestle USA 2050 sustainability initiative of zero environmental impact in our operations. Please continue to check on-pack for the most up-to-date recyclability
What is one serving of STOUFFER'S lasagna?
Serving size information can be found on the Nutritional Facts Panel on the package for all STOUFFER’S meals. Serving size information can also be found on the STOUFFER’S meal webpage.
When did STOUFFER'S® become part of Nestlé?
The STOUFFER'S brand, which dates back to the 1920s, launched its frozen foods division in 1954, offering take-home frozen meals from their restaurants to folks looking for easy dinner ideas or portable lunch ideas. NESTLÉ acquired STOUFFER'S in 1973.
What is STOUFFER’S doing to minimize waste produced when making your meals?
We achieved zero waste for disposal at all Stouffer’s-owned manufacturing facilities in 2020, meaning all locations have found ways to recycle, compost or recover energy from waste materials that would have otherwise gone to a landfill.
Do you sell Stouffer’s branded merchandise?
Yes! Check out our website at shopstouffers.com for apparel and home accessories that reflect our shared love of comfort food and fun.
Will the merch items come with Stouffer’s food?
Our classic meals will not be included with items purchased, but we suggest pairing merch with your favorite Stouffer’s dish for the ultimate comfort experience.
What is the best way to view your website?
Our website is designed to be viewed with a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels or greater. For the best viewing experience, we recommend you use Internet Explorer 9, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox version 4 or above.