4 Reasons to Visit the Frozen Foods Aisle

March is Frozen Food Month. If you rarely visit these aisles in our store, you’re missing out on an array of nutritious, convenient and budget-friendly recipe ingredients and
meal solutions that can simplify the process of feeding your family. Here are four reasons that a stroll through the frozen foods aisle is a must during your next shopping trip.

Meals in a Moment’s Notice
Like filling your pantry with healthy staples, your freezer can be stocked with veggie burgers, fish fillets, steam-in-bag veggies, unsweetened fruit and whole grain waffles, so you’re ready to make a nutritious meal in minutes. And don’t overlook lower-sodium frozen lunch or dinner entrées that boast high fiber, whole grain, or lean and plant-based proteins. Such nutritious ingredients and complete meals can save you in a pinch and often cost less than ordering out.

Nutrition with Ease
At one time, frozen foods had an unfavorable reputation. They were thought to be more expensive, higher in sodium and nutritionally inferior to their fresh counterparts. Thanks to product innovation and customer demand over recent years, better-for-you offerings in the freezer aisle abound with some foods carrying a more robust nutrition profile than fresh, at a lower price. Frozen fruits and vegetables are also 100% recipe ready—no need to wash, peel, shell, seed or cut before use. While most fruits and vegetables are packaged without sugar, salt, fat and even preservatives, always scan labels to ensure there aren’t surprise sources of these additives tucked inside.

Gentle on Your Budget
If cost and time are a barrier to eating enough fruits and vegetables, look to the freezer aisle to eliminate this obstacle. Frozen fruits and vegetables are consistently priced, always in season and a cinch to use. From smoothies to soups, stir-fries, casseroles, grain bowls, stews and more, the possibilities are truly endless. To easily see the cost savings yourself, refer to the unit price of the frozen fruit or vegetable and compare it to that of the fresh. Note that seasonality, organic vs. conventionally grown or value-added (think veggie noodles, riced cauliflower, broccoli in sauce, etc.) are factors that may cause such offerings to cost more than standard frozen produce.

Food Waste Reduction
According to the USDA, American consumers waste about one pound of food per day. Even properly stored fresh foods spoil rather quickly, so careful meal planning and shopping for items with a longer shelf life can help you waste less. Thanks to perfect portioning and the option to use only what’s needed and freeze the rest for later, frozen foods can contribute to a significant reduction in food waste in your home. Utilizing the freezer is also a simple way to get more life out of foods that may have otherwise been tossed, particularly leftover soups, stews and casseroles. Most foods can be frozen without any negative impact on flavor or quality. Exceptions to this rule include mayonnaise, cream sauces, lettuce, eggs in shells and canned foods.