If you think frozen food is always the “less healthy” choice, then think again. Freezing can lock in nutrients right after harvest. Add in lower prices, and year-round availability, and suddenly, the freezer aisle looks like a gold mine. Here are eight foods that make sense to buy frozen.
8. Edamame
Fresh edamame is difficult to find and often limp by the time it hits grocery shelves. Meanwhile, frozen edamame is flash-frozen at peak freshness, locking in fiber, protein, and antioxidant isoflavones. You can steam or microwave pods in minutes for a healthy snack, or add shelled edamame to salads or stir-fries.
7. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, but that nutrient degrades quickly once peppers are harvested and kept at room temperature. That means frozen bell peppers are a better option, preserving more of the vitamin C and antioxidants. They’re also cheaper than fresh peppers out of season, which can be overpriced and bland.
6. Salmon
Fresh salmon at the counter is often previously frozen anyway, and may lose omega-3s if stored too long. Frozen salmon, on the other hand, preserves flavor, nutrition, and safety. It generally does not contain preservatives either. Also, buying frozen lets you cook portions as needed, instead of rushing before the fish spoils.
5. Shrimp
Nearly all shrimp sold in US grocery stores are frozen at sea or shortly after harvest. The “fresh” shrimp on ice? It has usually been thawed from the frozen stock and may come with a shorter shelf life. When you buy frozen, you can thaw only what you need and keep the rest safe.
4. Peas
Frozen peas are among the clearest “always buy frozen” choices. Fresh peas can lose vitamin C and sweetness quickly after harvest, so they become starchy by the time they reach stores. Frozen peas are packed right way, locking in the nutrients and bright color. For budget shoppers, frozen peas also stretch meals without adding cost.
3. Berries
Fresh berries are delicate and quick to mold. Meanwhile, frozen berries are picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen to lock in antioxidants. Studies from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry even show that frozen berries can retain or even surpass the antioxidant levels of fresh berries that sit in storage for days.
2. Corn
Fresh corn can start losing natural sugars within hours of harvest. But when processed or frozen right away, their sweetness remains, as well as the vitamin C and antioxidants like lutein. Frozen corn is also budget-friendly, especially out of season, when fresh corn tastes bland and costs more.
1. Spinach
Frozen spinach is picked at peak freshness and frozen within hours, helping retain nutrients like folate and vitamin C. A bag of frozen spinach is also cheaper than buying the equivalent fresh weight, plus there’s no risk of slimy leaves going bad in the fridge. It’s prewashed and pre-chopped, making it easy to add to omelets, soups, or smoothies.