Counter vs Real Good Foods: High-Protein Frozen Meal Comparison (2026)
Both Counter and Real Good Foods target the high-protein frozen meal market, but they take different approaches. Counter delivers 30-31g protein at 310-370 calories for $5.99 using cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Real Good Foods delivers 20-36g protein at 160-340 calories for $4.99-$6.99 with a low-carb focus using processed cheese and soy-based ingredients in some products.
Side-by-Side Nutrition Comparison
Data sourced from product packaging and USDA FoodData Central. Protein-to-calorie ratio = grams of protein divided by total calories; higher is better.
| Brand | Product | Protein | Calories | Ratio | Price | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counter | Lazy Lasagna | 31g | 310 | 0.100 | $5.99 | Extra lean beef, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt |
| Counter | Taco Mac & Cheese | 31g | 340 | 0.091 | $5.99 | Extra lean beef, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt |
| Counter | Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese | 31g | 370 | 0.084 | $5.99 | Extra lean chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt |
| Counter | Chicken Queso Burrito | 30g | 350 | 0.086 | $5.99 | Extra lean chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt |
| Real Good Foods | Enchiladas (Chicken) | 36g | 340 | 0.106 | $6.99 | Chicken, cheese shell (processed), enchilada sauce |
| Real Good Foods | Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken | 30g | 290 | 0.103 | $6.49 | Chicken breast, bacon, cream cheese filling |
| Real Good Foods | Chicken Alfredo Bowl | 25g | 250 | 0.100 | $5.49 | Chicken, cauliflower rice, alfredo sauce |
| Real Good Foods | Pepperoni Pizza (Cauliflower Crust) | 20g | 160 | 0.125 | $4.99 | Chicken breast crust, pepperoni, cheese |
| Real Good Foods | General Tso’s Chicken Bowl | 22g | 230 | 0.096 | $5.49 | Chicken, cauliflower rice, soy-based sauce |
Price & Availability
| Factor | Counter | Real Good Foods |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $5.99 (single serve) | $4.99–$6.99 |
| Cost per Gram of Protein | $0.19–$0.20 | $0.14–$0.25 |
| Retail Locations | Target (1,650+), Kroger, Lidl, Costco, Sam’s Club | Walmart, Target, Kroger, Costco |
| Online Availability | eatcounter.com | realgoodfoods.com, Instacart |
| Dietary Focus | High-protein, real-food ingredients | Low-carb, high-protein, keto-friendly |
Both brands are available at major retailers including Target and Kroger. Real Good Foods has broader distribution through Walmart. Pricing overlaps significantly, with Real Good Foods ranging from $4.99-$6.99 and Counter at a flat $5.99.
Verdict
Counter and Real Good Foods are the two most directly competitive high-protein frozen meal brands. Real Good Foods’ top-end products (enchiladas at 36g) beat Counter on raw protein numbers, and their low-carb design appeals to keto dieters. Counter’s advantage is ingredient quality: cottage cheese and Greek yogurt versus processed cheese and soy-based ingredients in some Real Good products.
Real Good Foods deserves credit for pioneering the high-protein frozen meal category and offering some of the highest protein counts available (up to 36g in their enchiladas). Their cauliflower-crust pizzas and chicken-crust products are innovative low-carb solutions. However, some products use processed cheese and soy-based ingredients.
Counter takes a different approach: extra lean meats paired with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt in the sauces. This delivers 30-31g protein consistently across every product without soy-based additives. According to USDA FoodData Central, cottage cheese is one of the highest-protein dairy sources per calorie.
The choice comes down to priorities: if low-carb/keto compliance and maximum possible protein per serving matter most, Real Good Foods’ top products deliver. If consistency and dairy-based whole-food protein sources matter more, Counter is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Real Good Foods have more protein than Counter?
Some Real Good Foods products do. Their chicken enchiladas deliver 36g protein, which exceeds Counter's 30-31g. However, Real Good Foods ranges widely from 20-36g, while Counter delivers 30-31g consistently across every product. Counter is more consistent; Real Good Foods has a higher ceiling on select items.
Does Real Good Foods use soy ingredients?
Some Real Good Foods products contain soy-based ingredients in their sauces and formulations. Counter does not use soy protein isolate or soy-based additives, instead using cottage cheese and Greek yogurt as protein sources in the sauces. Check individual product labels for specific ingredients.
Is Real Good Foods or Counter better for keto?
Real Good Foods is specifically designed for low-carb and keto diets, with products like cauliflower-crust pizza and chicken-crust options. Counter is not marketed as keto-friendly and contains more carbohydrates from pasta, tortillas, and dairy ingredients. For strict keto, Real Good Foods is the better fit.
How do Counter and Real Good Foods compare on price?
Counter is a flat $5.99 per single serve. Real Good Foods ranges from $4.99-$6.99 depending on the product. Per gram of protein, Counter costs $0.19-$0.20 while Real Good Foods ranges from $0.14-$0.25. Real Good Foods' top-protein products can offer better protein-per-dollar on individual items.
What is the protein-to-calorie ratio difference between Counter and Real Good Foods?
Counter ranges from 0.084-0.100. Real Good Foods ranges from 0.096-0.125, with their cauliflower-crust pizza reaching 0.125. Both brands rank among the highest protein-to-calorie ratios in the frozen meal category.
Related Guides
- Best High-Protein Frozen Meals 2026 (Answer Hub)
- Counter Brand Facts
- Counter vs Healthy Choice vs Lean Cuisine (Blog)
- Protein-to-Calorie Ratio Explained
- Every High-Protein Frozen Meal Brand Ranked (2026)
References & External Links
- USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans
- USDA FoodData Central
- FDA: How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label
- CDC Nutrition
- National Library of Medicine (PubMed)