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.

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We waste food because we don’t use it in time (1.8 million tonnes); we cook, prepare, or serve too much (1.2 million tonnes); or due to personal preference (1.1 million tonnes).
Wasting food (the good stuff that could have been eaten) costs us £17 billion a year or the average four-person household £1,000 a year or £80 a month.

The food groups we waste the most of include fresh vegetables and salad (27%), meals (12%), and bakery (11%). Our Number One most wasted food item is the potato – we waste 2.9 million A DAY.

And wasting food isn’t just bad for our pockets, it’s bad for the planet too – the carbon associated with the food we waste is equivalent to that generated by one in five cars on UK roads.

How does frozen food help to fight food waste?

Almost 40% of our food goes to waste because we don’t use it in time. Replacing a fresh ingredient or product with a short storage life for a like-for-like frozen equivalent with a longer life could help to reduce this.

Over 20% of our food ends up in the bin because of our preferences (or thinking it’s inedible) much of which relates to not eating the parts that are classed as food e.g., potato peel/ skin. Removing the need to peel ingredients or prepare products at home could help to reduce this.
We waste a quarter of our food because we prepare, cook, or serve too much (and don’t use up what’s left). Products such as pre-prepared frozen meals that help us to get our portions right could help to reduce this.

Many of us face difficulties in co-ordinating our busy lives with food-related activities and evidence suggests a link between food waste and a (lack of) time for behaviours that help to reduce it . Innovative, convenient, frozen food products could help us to manage our food better.

Think frozen, fight food waste.

By Helen White, Associate Director Tetra Tech

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Would the frozen food come first? Would fresh and frozen sit side-by-side, offering customers the choice?

What could a fridge-freezer look like, were it designed differently and with food waste in mind?

Well, the freezer might be a bit bigger for a start – to encourage us, perhaps, to buy more frozen food, especially that which could replace highly wasted fresh items.

I’m sure many of us fill up our freezers, leaving little room for new frozen finds and befuddling us as to what’s already in there …

In this article I suggest eating from the freezer (at least) once a week, not only as a way of making meal planning/ life easier, but also as a method of freeing up space.

(And it’s a good way of not wasting food and saving money – you’ve already paid for the food in your freezer, so it makes sense to use it up.)

The freezer acts as a pause button

Food in a freezer won’t go bad and most bacteria cannot grow in it, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

But there is a risk that the freezer, no matter what size, becomes just another stage in the waste journey – a waiting room for unloved and unused food on its way to the bin.

Freezers tend to be opened less frequently than fridges, as the products inside are accessed less often.

The secret is making sure that what goes in comes out again to be used as delicious dinners and mouth-watering meals, saving time, money, and food waste.

Organising the freezer is probably not going to spark much joy

But it’s worth working out what some of those Unidentified Frozen Objects might be and having a bit of a sort out: make a note of what’s in there, group product types, label the UFOs.

By eating frozen/ from the freezer (who’s up for Friday Freezer Nights?) and organising the space a little, you’ll be making room for all those lovely swaptions. Click here to read my top 10.

With more space, you can think and shop frozen first.

And there are other benefits to making room in your life for frozen food – luxury ingredients, restaurant style at home, and fruit for your smoothie all year round.

What’s not to love?

By Helen White, Associate Director Tetra Tech

The post Why We Should LOVE Frozen appeared first on Frozen Food Revolution.

One in three (32%) Brits believe frozen food is inferior to fresh food, with 57% of these people having concerns about its quality. What is interesting, however, is that half of those who think frozen food is better than fresh food, think that frozen food is fresher than fresh food. Try saying that 5 times fast!

Contrary to common belief, frozen food is not a compromise on quality. Let’s unpack why:

Nutrition
Frozen foods are often frozen shortly after harvest. The freezing process locks in vital vitamins, minerals, flavours and textures, preserving the nutritional value and quality of food whilst at its peak freshness. Additionally, freezing pauses the spoilage that can happen in fresh food during transportation and storage. Canned foods often go through long cooking processes at high temperatures, which can lead to nutrient loss, and they commonly contain added salt, sugar, or preservatives, affecting their overall nutritional profile. Frozen foods, on the other hand, typically have fewer additives, with fruit and vegetables usually being frozen without any additional processing. Opting for frozen food therefore doesn’t mean settling for poor quality; in reality, it often means you’re getting better quality instead.

Safety
Freezing food to temperatures of -18°C or lower deactivates or kills the growth of harmful microorganisms, which can cause food spoilage and pose serious health risks. This means you can enjoy your frozen meals with the confidence that no hidden bacteria, yeasts, or molds will develop. However, it’s important to note that freezing doesn’t kill all microorganisms. When frozen food is defrosted, these microorganisms can become active again, meaning good cooking practices are essential to ensure the safety of your food. Make sure you cook your food until it is steaming hot and cooked through. To be more precise, this means that the core of your food must reach at least 70°C for 2 minutes.

The Rise of the Frozen Aisle
A growing number of shoppers are discovering that frozen food is delicious and high in quality, as well as excellent value for money. As this awareness has spread, the frozen food aisle has experienced a renaissance, with diverse and premium innovations constantly hitting supermarket shelves.

1. Culinary Diversity: Frozen food is no longer limited to a few British freezer staples like potato smiley faces and turkey dinosaurs. The frozen aisle now offers a wide array of dishes from various cultures and cuisines from all around the world. Gyoza’s, onion bhajis and Korean fried chicken name just a few tasty foods for you to taste. You can even get your hands on those trendy bao buns that are popping up all over Instagram right from the frozen aisle.

2. The Big Night In: Due to increasing bills across the board, most of us have less disposable income to spend on luxuries such as eating out. This has brought about the rise of the ‘Big Night In’. Many shoppers are upgrading to more premium frozen foods for special occasions and weekend treats, from artisan dine-in boxes to luxury frozen desserts. These products can offer you the experience of restaurant-quality dining without the hefty price tag, making them a favorite among those seeking a bit of luxury at home.

3. Changing Consumer Diets: An increasing number of you are embracing vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. In July 2023, vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians made up 21% of the British public. This means that more consumers are on the hunt for mouth-watering meal options that are high-quality, nutritious and cater to their dietary requirements. In fact, 21% of the British public said they are more likely to buy frozen food if new product developments are high quality and diet specific, such as vegan. With this change in consumer diets has come a diverse range of frozen food that makes vegetables and meat alternatives the star. Crispy bang bang cauliflower bites and delicious sweet potato falafel balls are just a couple of examples of frozen food innovations that cater to all tastes and requirements.

Embrace the Frozen Food Revolution
Keep in mind that quality isn’t determined by whether your veggies are kept in the fridge instead of the freezer. Quality encompasses nutritional benefits, safety advantages, taste and culinary diversity. The next time you browse the frozen aisle, keep an eye out for those diverse, premium innovations that are reshaping frozen food.

Sources:
https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/consumer-trends/revealed-one-in-three-say-frozen-food-is-inferior-to-fresh/514215.article#:~:text=Frozen%20food%20has%20an%20image%20problem.
https://yougov.co.uk/topics/society/trackers/dietery-choices-of-brits-eg-vegeterian-flexitarian-meat-eater-etc

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In February 2023, Which? captured the prices of own-brand fresh and frozen products across eight popular food categories from Aldi, Asda, Iceland, Lidl, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Ocado and Waitrose. The items compared included many fresh and frozen favourites, such as meat feast pizzas, chips, raspberries and broccoli. The comparative prices showed that consumers can achieve savings of up to 86% when by buying frozen food over fresh!

You might be wondering how frozen food can make you substantial savings compared to fresh food if the quality and taste is just as good, so we’re here to explain why.

Why Frozen Food Keeps Your Costs Down
There’s a common belief that frozen food is lower in quality and less tasty than alternatives because of its cheaper price tag. However, this is actually a misconception, and it’s worth debunking.

1. Reduced Transportation Costs: Frozen food doesn’t require costly air freight or expedited shipping. Its extended shelf life means it can travel by more economical means, keeping prices down. Fresh food, on the other hand, is highly perishable. This means costly transportation methods must be used for swift delivery to its end destination

2. Less Food Spoilage: Fresh food is notorious for its short shelf life. In fact, the most thrown away food group in the UK is fresh vegetables and salad, making up 28% of edible food waste. Frozen food stays edible for much longer, drastically reducing the likelihood of food spoilage and waste. Producers and retailers must account for food potentially becoming damaged or spoiled before being sold, meaning fresh food has a notably higher markup than frozen.

3. Seasonality: Many fruits and vegetables have limited growing seasons. If a food is out of season in one area, it needs to be transported from an area where it is in season. This adds to the price of fresh food due to the additional fuel, labour and import regulation costs. Frozen food, on the other hand, is frozen in bulk immediately after harvest. This means it is available all year round without the addition of costly off-season imports or long-distance transportation.

Budget-Savvy Shopping Strategies
Substituting fresh items on your shopping list for frozen food is a budget-savvy choice in itself, but we have many more meal planning and shopping tips that can help you stretch your budget even further:

1. Shop Smart: Keep an eye out for promotions and discounts on those frozen staples you regularly eat. You can often find great deals in the frozen aisle, from multibuys to meal deals. Planning your meals based on what’s on sale can save you up to £520 a year! So, stock up on your fave frozen foods when prices are low to save big in the long term, without worrying about spoilage.

2. Versatility: Frozen food isn’t just about ready-made meals like chicken nuggets and chips. The frozen aisle is much more versatile, offering frozen ingredients such as diced onions, chopped garlic and sliced apples. Whether you need veggies for a delicious stir-fry or berries for a juicy smoothie, you can find them in the frozen aisle, all whilst staying within your budget.

3. Meal Prep: Spend some time in the evenings or at the weekend preparing meals in advance. Cook up a big batch of chili for example, using frozen ingredients where possible, then freeze individual portions for quick, cost-effective weekday meals. Remember to label your freezer-safe containers to prevent food getting forgotten about and to make sure you use what you have before buying more.

Budget-Friendly Frozen Food Recipes
From hearty stews to delicious desserts, frozen food will help you make tasty, nutritious meals that don’t break the bank. To get you started, here’s a few recipe ideas:

Veggie-Packed Stir-Fry: Toss a medley of frozen veggies (like onion, broccoli, baby sweetcorn, and peppers) into a sizzling pan with some soy sauce and your choice of meat or meat alternative. Add some frozen herbs and spices for extra flavour and serve over rice or noodles for a quick and healthy meal.

Frozen Fruit Smoothies: Blend a mixture of frozen fruits with yogurt or milk for a refreshing, budget-friendly snack. Whether you prefer tropical mango and pineapple or a blast of berries and bananas, you can find a wide range of fruit in the frozen aisle.

Pizza Night: Top a frozen pizza crust with your favorite frozen veggies, meats, cheese, and sauce for an easy, fun and affordable pizza night. Feeling adventurous? Throw in some frozen seafood like prawns or why not add some pineapple to your pizza…

‘Picky-Tea’: If you’re not up to preparing a home-made dinner (we get it, sometimes you just want to pop something in the oven and unwind on the sofa), then frozen options are great for a ‘picky-tea’. The frozen aisle offers a wide variety of tasty, budget-friendly small bites for those laid-back evenings. Vegetable samosas, gooey mozzarella sticks, prawn skewers and flavourful chicken gyozas are just a few examples of what the frozen aisle can offer to jazz up your dinner.

By making the most of frozen food’s versatility and cost-saving benefits, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals without stretching your budget.

Sources:
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/can-switching-to-frozen-food-save-you-money-aSfQs0Y7oQLd
https://www.theecoexperts.co.uk/home-hub/food-waste-facts-and-statistics#:~:text=The%20most%20thrown%20away%20food,28%25%20of%20edible%20food%20waste.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/deals-expert-shares-how-saves-29710511

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The Global Issue
It’s estimated that one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted each year, so its important we find a solution to food waste. This shocking statistic reveals the scale of the issue we’re facing. The most common reasons for food waste are fresh foods being left in the fridge until they become inedible and excessive cooking, meaning perfectly good food is thrown away. We expect everyone is guilty of accidentally cooking too much pasta for their spag bol from time to time.

When food is wasted, so are the precious resources that went into producing it, including water and energy. Additionally, decomposing food in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. At least 25% of today’s global warming is driven by methane from human actions. Climate change is having a devastating impact on the food and drink industry. Drought and extreme heat disrupts plant growth, flooding can drown crops and even submerge entire fields, and hurricanes can bulldoze through huge farms in a matter of minutes, destroying full harvests and endangering livestock.
As global temperatures rise, and the frequency of natural disasters increase, it’s crucial we start taking food waste more seriously. The reason we need a solution to food waste is that by reducing the food goes in the bin, it’s estimated that we could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10%. If that’s not enough to convince you, here’s an added incentive: an average family with children could save around £720 per year – just think of all the extra freezer bags you could buy…

Frozen Food and Waste Reduction a Solution to Food Waste.
Reducing food waste and understanding how you can minimise your carbon footprint can often be confusing and seem time-consuming. However, here at the British Frozen Food Federation, we’re dedicated to making this easier for you. Buying frozen food over alternatives can help reduce your carbon footprint in many ways, including:

1. Long Shelf Life: Frozen food retains its quality for a great deal longer than fresh food, giving you more time to enjoy your meals before they spoil. This means you won’t be tossing out grub as often, and you can cut down on those extra trips to the supermarket.

2. Reduced Impulse Purchases: Fewer supermarket trips means fewer opportunities for those expensive, spur-of-the-moment buys that you don’t really need. That means less temptation to grab that extra chocolate bar and more chance of sticking to your shopping list.

3. Better Portion Control: With frozen food, you can use what you need and store the rest for another time, without worrying about it spoiling. There’s less chance of you cooking too much food and throwing the excess away.

Tips for Frozen Food Storage
Here are some simple, effective ways you can make your frozen food last longer and your time spent on meal planning shorter:

1. Prevent Freezer Burn: Freezer burn occurs when air reaches your freezer and dries out your frozen food. It’s usually caused by food not being wrapped in air-tight packaging. When it comes to wrapping up your food, think tinfoil, freezer paper, or trusty freezer bags. These will keep your grub safe from freezer burn and help them hold onto their mouthwatering flavours.

2. Use Containers: Organise your freezer by investing in an array of freezer-safe containers. These will not only keep your food neatly arranged and perfectly portioned but also protect it from freezer burn.

3. Label Everything: Label your freezer-safe containers with the date and their contents. This will help you with meal planning and ensure nothing gets forgotten about and discovered years later!

The global issue of food waste is a complex problem with serious environmental consequences. However, by bringing more frozen food into your meal planning and following these nifty storage tips, you can make a positive impact on the environment whilst enjoying the convenience and benefits of frozen food. So, next time you reach for that bag of frozen vegetables or left-over frozen cottage pie, know that you’re not just saving time – you’re also helping to reduce food waste and your carbon footprint.

Sources:
https://www.recyclenow.com/how-to-recycle/food-waste-recycling
https://www.edf.org/climate/methane-crucial-opportunity-climate-fight#:~:text=Methane%20has%20more%20than%2080,by%20methane%20from%20human%20actions
https://www.zerocarbonacademy.com/posts/over-one-third-of-global-food-is-wasted-with-economic-and-environmental-repercussions-initiatives-to-reduce-food-waste-or-repurpose-it-are-vital-in-the-pursuit-of-net-zero#:~:text=Around%202.5%20billion%20tonnes%20(over,for%20one%2Dthird%20of%20this.
https://www.wwf.org.uk/press-release/hidden-waste-report-shines-light-uk-food-waste

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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

The post Your Secret Ingredient for Healthy Eating appeared first on Frozen Food Revolution.

Myth 1: Frozen food is cheaper because it’s lower quality
Frozen food can be incredibly budget-friendly. In fact, you can achieve savings of up to 86% when by buying frozen food over fresh. In today’s tough economic environment, cutting spending whilst still being able to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals is a top priority for all of us. Some shoppers assume, however, that because frozen food is often cheaper than alternatives such as fresh food, it must be of a lower quality. There is a perfectly good explanation as to why frozen food generally has a cheaper price tag, and it’s probably not what you’d expect.

The Truth: As frozen food has a long shelf life, it doesn’t need to be transported by costly air freight or expedited shipping. It can travel by much more economical means, keeping prices down. As there’s much less chance of frozen food becoming damaged or spoiled before being sold, producers and retailers don’t need to account for this in the price.
Frozen fruits and vegetables are often frozen in bulk immediately after harvest. This means they are available all year round without the addition of costly off-season imports or long-distance transportation, again keeping prices down. Therefore, buying frozen food means you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals without stretching your budget (keep an eye out for sales and discounts to maximise your savings).

Myth 2: Frozen food isn’t as nutritious as fresh food
One of the most common myths surrounding frozen food is that it’s nutritionally inferior to fresh food, however this just isn’t the case. You don’t need to take our word for it, as scientific research reveals otherwise.

The Truth: Multiple studies investigating the nutritional difference between frozen and fresh food have found no significant evidence that the nutritional quality of food is worsened by the freezing process. Some research even suggests that frozen veggies, such as peas, can be superior in nutrient content compared to fresh food that has been stored for several days. This is because fresh foods lose their nutrients during handling, transportation and storage, as they are easily perishable. Spinach, for example, loses 75% of its vitamin C content 2 days after picking. This loss is reduced to 20% when spinach is frozen. Freezing foods at their peak freshness locks in vital vitamins and minerals, preserving the food’s nutritional value. Additionally, the freezing process itself acts as a preservative, meaning frozen foods are often free from, or contain very few, additives and preservatives.

Myth 3: Frozen food doesn’t look and taste as good at the alternatives
Many people presume that frozen food lacks an appealing appearance or has an inferior texture when cooked.

The Truth: As well as locking in vital vitamins and minerals, the freezing process also helps preserve the flavours and textures of foods, therefore prolonging the nutritional value and the quality of food whilst at its best. Additionally, freezing food to temperatures of -18°C or lower deactivates or kills the growth of harmful microorganisms, which can cause food spoilage and pose serious health risks, generally making frozen food a safe choice. Due to innovation and diversification, you’ll now find a huge variety of frozen options that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences. From premium frozen meals to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone, so you can enjoy flavorful, high-quality meals that don’t break the bank.

Myth 4: Frozen food is less sustainable
Some people believe that frozen food is less environmentally friendly than fresh food due to concerns about energy use in the freezing process.

The Truth: In the UK, we waste a staggering 3 million tonnes of edible food every year. The most common reasons for food waste are fresh foods being left in the fridge until they become inedible and excessive cooking, meaning perfectly good food is thrown away. When food is wasted, so are the precious resources that went into producing it, including energy. When rotting food decomposes in landfills, it releases methane – a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to global warming. Frozen food can actually help you to reduce your carbon footprint for various reasons. Its long shelf life means it lasts much longer than fresh food, so you’re less likely to throw it away if your plans or your fancies change.

With frozen food, you can use what you need and store the rest for another time, without worrying about it spoiling. This also means fewer trips to the supermarket are needed, reducing the amount of harmful carbon emissions coming from your car or the bus. The next time you fill your freezer with frozen food, know that you’re not just saving precious pounds, you’re also contributing to reducing food waste and your carbon footprint!

The world of frozen food is riddled with myths and misconceptions that deter shoppers from visiting the frozen aisle and taking advantage of its benefits. By debunking these myths, we hope to have encouraged you to explore the vast array of frozen options available that offer convenience, quality, nutrition, sustainability and value for money, without compromise.

Sources:
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/can-switching-to-frozen-food-save-you-money-aSfQs0Y7oQLd
https://bfff.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Frozen-Food-Report-2-Nov-10.pdf
https://www.wwf.org.uk/press-release/hidden-waste-report-shines-light-uk-food-waste

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