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Frozen meals are healthier than those served at fast food restaurants, according to a new study.

After analyzing data from the 2003-2010 What We Eat In America (WWEIA) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers found that people who ate frozen meals consumed fewer calories and more vitamins and minerals compared to those who ate at fast food chains.

The findings revealed that frozen food consumers ate on average 253 fewer calories than those who meals served at fast food restaurants.

"The analysis shows consumers of frozen meals come a little closer to meeting Dietary Guidelines for Americans than consumers of quick service restaurant meals, and they do it with 253 fewer calories a day," Dr. Victor L. Fulgoni, co-author of the analysis and vice president of Nutrition Impact, LLC, said in a news release.

The study revealed that frozen food consumers ate fewer calories, scored higher in total Healthy Eating Index and consumed more total vegetables, greens, grains and protein. They also consumed less refined grains and empty calories.

"We are excited about the results of this study as it shows that frozen meals can play an important role in helping Americans meet the US Dietary Guidelines," Kim Krumhar, Ph.D., Scientific Advisor - Nutrition, Nestlé, said in a statement.

The findings were presented at a scientific poster session at the Experimental Biology Conference (EB) April 26-30, 2014.