Lauren Woodley, Head of Nutrition & Sensory Science, Nomad Foods

In today’s fast-paced world, frozen food is emerging as a humble hero in the pursuit of healthier eating. As Head of Nutrition at Nomad Foods, I have seen firsthand how freezing technology and frozen food offers a powerful solution to many of the health challenges facing UK consumers. Yet, despite its benefits, frozen food is still misunderstood by many.

Freezing is not just a method of preservation, but a way of locking-in goodness. When fruits, vegetables, fish and other ingredients are frozen shortly after harvest, catch or preparation, a ‘pause’ button is effectively pressed on their nutrient levels. This means essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals and protein are retained at levels often superior to those found in freshly stored equivalents that have spent days in transit or sat on shelves.

The nutritional value of frozen food is backed by science, but public perception hasn’t always kept pace. While 67% of UK consumers recognise that frozen can be just as nutritious as fresh, there remains a gap in understanding, particularly among younger generations; only 53% of 18–24-year-olds believe that frozen can be just as nutritious as fresh, whereas this number rises to 77% of over 55-year-olds. Bridging this gap is essential if we’re to support healthier eating habits across all age groups.

Frozen food also plays a vital role in making healthy eating more accessible. For busy households, the freezer offers a convenient and reliable source of nutritious ingredients that are ready when needed. Whether it’s sustainably sourced fish, flash-frozen vegetables, or healthy ready meals, frozen options help people build balanced meals quickly and simply without compromising on quality or taste.

Importantly, frozen food supports dietary variety throughout the year. In the UK, 32% of adults appreciate how using frozen food allows them to cook meals using seasonal produce, like peas, berries, and spinach, regardless of the season. This not only enhances nutritional intake year round, but also reduces food waste, with 59% of UK consumers saying that their freezer helps them discard less – a win in the pursuit of healthy, sustainable diets, as food waste is not only bad for the planet and the wallet, but also represents wasted energy and nutrients that could be nourishing others.

At Nomad Foods, we’re committed to improving the nutritional profiles of our frozen products. From reducing salt and saturated fat to increasing fibre, vegetable and protein content, we’re constantly evolving our recipes to meet the needs and tastes of modern consumers. We also believe in transparency, helping shoppers understand what goes into their food through clear front- and back-of-pack labelling, and educating as to why frozen can be a smart, health-conscious choice through our responsible use of claims and communications.

As we look to the future, we strongly believe that frozen food has a critical role to play in shaping a better food system. It offers a scalable, sustainable way to deliver nutrition to millions, while supporting diverse dietary needs and lifestyles. Indeed, 60% of UK adults say they cannot live without their freezer and 46% believe it’s underrated. By continuing to educate consumers and innovate within the category, we can help ensure frozen food is recognised not just for its convenience, but also for its contribution to public health.

It’s time to rethink frozen. Not as a compromise or short-cut solution, but as a cornerstone of a healthy, balanced, modern diet.