Could a shift in how we view frozen foods help us to eat more healthily? A new report suggests that a shift in how we see frozen foods could be helping us eat more healthily and sustainably
Frozen foods have historically had a bad reputation. Common misbeliefs around frozen foods include people worrying that they are less nutritious than their fresh counterparts, fears that frozen foods are filled with preservatives, and concerns around the quality and cost. But according to the new Frozen in Focus report, a major shift in how frozen food is viewed across Europe could help us to change how we eat for the better.
The report, commissioned by Nomad Foods (the company behind Birds Eye), highlights a shift in how consumers see frozen food and its role in helping us eat more healthily and sustainably. 7,500 adults across Europe were surveyed. Results revealed that over half (51%) of us tailor our food shop based on our freezer space. 63% of those surveyed said that they believe frozen food is as nutritious as fresh, while an overwhelming 88% said health is a key consideration with the food choices they are making. Nearly half of us use frozen ingredients multiple times a week.
Frozen food can offer an accessible, affordable, and time-saving way to maintain a balanced diet. Making the most of our freezer space can also be a great way to help avoid food waste and prepare ahead to help avoid unhealthy food choices later. According to the Frozen in Focus report, 47% of consumers say that using their freezer helps them to discard less, with nearly a third of us (29%) using the freezer more now than we did five years ago.
While there seems to be a promising shift, an earlier study released in April in the British Food Journal revealed that many of us still have concerns about the nutrition and freshness of frozen foods, which can make us reluctant to buy frozen foods.
The benefits of frozen foods
There are numerous benefits to making the most out of our freezer space and using more frozen foods at home. Freezing fresh fruit, vegetables, and leftovers can help us avoid throwing away produce before it starts to go bad. It can also help us to save money in the long run, as it makes bulk buying fresh produce possible, lowering the overall cost and allowing us to batch cook ahead of time to avoid takeaways or other unhealthy food choices at the end of a long day (or week) at work.
Nutritionist Resource member and Registered Nutritional Therapist Sarah Brown, BSc, DiplON Nutritional Therapy, mBANT, explains more about how you can eat healthier while making the most of your freezer.
“A ‘minimally’ processed food may be canned or frozen and may have had minor alterations, but essentially maintains its nutritional profile. These are not the enemy! You can retain their convenience safe in the knowledge that they’re still doing some good.
“You don’t need to create a perfect diet, just a consistent one. Think of the 80:20 rule. If you can eat minimally processed food and a wholefood diet for around 80% of your week, then some processed meals are not the end of the world.
“Cooking at home is one of the best ways to reduce processed food intake while still enjoying the dishes you love. You control the ingredients, portion sizes, and flavours. Batch cook. Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze portions for later. This way, you have healthy alternatives to processed frozen meals. Great for chillis, curries and soups.”
Frozen foods can also offer a cheaper alternative to pricey fresh fruit and vegetable options. Nutritionist Resource member and nutritional therapist Rebecca Leonard, BSc Hons, BA Hons, NTPDip, mBANT, mCNHC, explains more about how to make the most of frozen fruit and veg – and which are worth stocking up on.
“Frozen vegetables are a convenient way to always have a range of ready-to-use when needed, and they have a long shelf life, meaning you'll have them to hand for longer. Frozen vegetables and herbs are often flash-frozen very soon after they are harvested, meaning much of the nutrient content is maintained. One thing to note is that freezing can change the texture of some foods, so you may find that broccoli or cauliflower is a bit softer than fresh.”
Freezing fresh foods can help you save time and money while still having a nutritious diet. Nutritionist Resource shares how to freeze foods safely while keeping them tasting fresh – and avoiding freezer burn. Staples such as bread, vegetables, fruit, meat, and even tofu can be kept safely in the freezer for months – just remember to defrost things safely. Leaving food out at room temperature can expose it to harmful bacteria; allowing things to defrost in the fridge overnight is often one of the safest options.
