With increasing awareness of the benefits of healthy eating, as well as the health risks associated with obesity, a growing number of consumers are actively seeking more budget-friendly, health-conscious foods. In fact, approximately 61% of the British public is now looking to consume healthier foods.

There is a common misconception that frozen food is less healthy than its chilled or ambient counterpart. However, multiple studies that have investigated the nutritional difference between frozen and ‘fresh’ food have found no significant evidence that the nutritional quality of food is worsened by freezing. Some research even suggests that frozen veggies, such as peas, can be superior in nutrient content compared to foods that have been stored for several days!

Eating well offers many lifestyle benefits, from protection against diseases to providing increased energy levels and mood regulation. Frozen food is a fantastic choice for health-conscious shoppers looking for convenient, tasty meals that don’t break the bank, and here’s why:

Peak Freshness Preserved
Frozen foods are often flash-frozen shortly after harvest, at their peak freshness. This freezing process locks in vital vitamins and minerals, preserving the food’s nutritional value. Fresh foods, on the other hand, lose their nutrients during handling, transportation and storage, as they are easily perishable. For example, spinach loses 75% of its vitamin C content 2 days after picking. This loss is reduced to 20% when spinach is frozen. The freezing process also protects the flavours and textures of the food, so you don’t have to compromise on taste. This means that the veggies you pull from your freezer are just as nutritious and delicious as the minute they were harvested on the farm.

Additive-Free Goodness
Frozen foods are often free from, or contain very few, additives and preservatives. This is because the freezing process itself acts as a preservative. Fruit and vegetables, for example, are usually frozen without any additional processing. Frozen-at-sea fish is frozen solid in a matter of hours. Fish sold as ‘fresh’, on the other hand, can be up to 2 weeks old by the time it reaches the supermarket. This can make frozen food a healthier alternative, especially compared to some canned or processed foods, which generally contain multiple additives like salt and sugar, affecting their overall nutritional profile. If you’re concerned about a lack of flavour and seasoning, consider seasoning your dishes at home for better control.

Choosing the Healthiest Frozen Foods
Here’s what to look for if you’re searching for the healthiest options in the frozen aisle.

1. Always check the ingredient list. The fewer, more natural ingredients, the better. Avoid products with long lists of unpronounceable additives.

2. The frozen food aisle is no longer limited to freezer staples like breaded chicken and turkey dinosaurs. Choose frozen fruits, veggies, and proteins that don’t have added sauces or breadcrumbs and instead, add your own flavour and seasoning at home.

3. Did you know you can even find items such as brown rice and quinoa in the frozen aisle? Increase your fiber intake by regularly swapping items such as frozen chips for whole grain alternatives.

Nutritious Frozen Food Recipes
Eating a healthier diet doesn’t mean you need to compromise on taste. Here are a few examples of some delicious meals you can cook at home, that make the most of nutritious frozen ingredients:

1. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: Simmer frozen butternut squash cubes with vegetable broth, frozen onions, and a sprinkle of nutmeg, then blend until creamy. This comforting, vitamin-rich soup is a winter staple, offering warmth and seasonal flavours, making it perfect for the colder months.

2. One-Pot Chicken and Veg Dinner: Add frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrots to a baking tray, spreading them out evenly. Place frozen chicken thighs alongside your veggies and season (we recommend garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper). Pop the tray in the oven until everything is cooked through and enjoy!

3. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine cooked frozen quinoa, thawed frozen spinach and peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Add some crumbled feta cheese and drizzle over your choice of dressing. Enjoy this delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish for a luscious lunch or as a scrumptious side dish at dinner.

As more consumers prioritise their health, frozen food is emerging as a smart choice for those seeking mouth-watering, nutritious, affordable food. With the help of frozen ingredients, you can create meals that are as good for your taste buds and bank balance as they are for your well-being. So, if you’re thinking of adding a bit more colour to your diet, remember to visit the frozen food aisle!

Sources:
https://grocerytrader.co.uk/front-of-mind-consumers-are-taking-health-more-seriously/
https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/resources-publications/benefits-of-healthy-eating.html
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/diet-and-mental-health
https://bfff.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Frozen-Food-Report-2-Nov-10.pdf