Did You Know Frozen Foods Can Be Better?

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This post brought to you by Frozen Food Foundation. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey All!

I just learned there was A study conduced by the Frozen Food Foundation and University of Georgia that mimics consumer purchasing and storage habits of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The study compared the nutrient content of eight commonly purchased frozen and fresh fruits and vegetables: blueberries, strawberries, broccoli, green beans, corn, spinach, cauliflower and green peas. To account for variables such as growing conditions, country of origin, and time in the supply chain, samples were prepared from fresh produce taken from six independent grocery stores.

Each fruit and vegetable was analyzed under three conditions: frozen; fresh (on the day of purchase); and fresh-stored (after five days of storage in a kitchen refrigerator).

Surveys show that Americans may, on average, store perishable fruits and vegetables for up to five days or more, based on bi-weekly grocery shopping habits.

The study results reveal that, in many cases, the nutritional value – namely the amounts of Vitamins A, C and folate – of frozen fruits and vegetables is greater than that of fresh-stored produce owing nutrient degradation resulting from long storage time.

I was always taught fresh was better, but after learning about this study I’m glad I no longer have to worry or feel bad about buying frozen. Frozen fruits and veggies no longer have to be only used for smoothies or recipes. You can enjoy them on their own as they have great nutritional value.

I recently went grocery store shopping, as I knew I was going out of town on a business trip. I wanted to get a number of good frozen food options for my family to make for themselves while I was away and to enjoy when I got back. Who wants to cook when you’re jet lagged? Not me! I got Lean Pockets, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender’s, Birds Eye, Buitoni, and some Lean Cuisine products. All of which include frozen produce. As you can see I stocked up my basket.

Birds Eye and Buitoni are my favorites as the veggies taste amazing when you just pop them in the microwave to steam. Buitoni pasta always tastes fresh and is easy to make. Combining the two provides a great low calorie easy meal for my family.

I just pop the veggies in the microwave for 4 minutes and they are done. The pasta only takes about 5-7 minutes to do. You just drop it in some boiling water with a tablespoon of oil oil and then drain and mix with your favorite pasta sauce. As you can see together they make on easy dish.

And if they are super in a rush they can always grab a tasty Lean Pocket!

I got the Broccoli and Cheese variety with whole grain crust. We’re not big meat eaters so these are perfect for on the go and low calorie. The Healthy Choice, Marie Callender’s, and Lean Cuisine meals are also delish as they are perfect for my diet. I have to fit in my wedding dress, so these meals help with that battle. They are also enjoyed by my family which is a bonus.

Frozen Foods allow me to save time while cooking and allow me to provide nutritious and delicious meals for my family. I don’t know what I would do with out them.

For More info on Frozen Foods follow the Frozen Food Foundation Facebook and the Frozen Food Foundation Twitter.