If you’ve recently walked down the frozen food aisle at your local grocery, you may have noticed an increase in frozen food options—including options representing different countries, diets, and taste preferences. And, of course, Citrus Pear offers meals meant to be frozen as a healthy and easy dinner option.

But with so many options, we can’t help but wonder if frozen foods are actually a healthy choice. Can frozen meals be part of a healthy diet? And do frozen vegetables offer the same nutritional benefits as fresh?

The first thing to understand is when produce is frozen. Frozen fruits and vegetables tend to be frozen at the peak of ripeness, typically within hours of picking. This means produce is frozen at its peak nutritional value—locking in their vitamin and mineral content. Because of this, frozen produce doesn’t lose nutrients over time, like fresh fruits and vegetables do after picking, making frozen food potentially even more beneficial for our bodies.

Eating frozen food can also be beneficial for your budget. Often, frozen foods are more affordable and last longer than fresh—reducing food waste and cost.

While frozen foods can be a great addition to any diet, there are a few things to keep an eye on when selecting a frozen meal. It’s always a good idea to compare nutrition labels to find the healthiest option. Specifically, you’ll want to look out for how much sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat are in a meal. Instead, aim for foods that have a higher fiber, vitamin, and mineral content—like Citrus Pear meals! And don’t forget to keep an eye on the number of servings per container, to make sure you are keeping your portions in check.

Once you’ve brought your frozen food home, be sure you are storing them properly for best quality and flavor. At Citrus Pear, we recommend eating our meals within 6 months of your class. It’s also a good idea to keep frozen meals in the back or bottom of your freezer, so they are exposed to air less frequently. And when thawing, be sure to do so safely, either in the refrigerator or submerged in cold water.

But most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your healthy, convenient, and nutritious frozen food item. You deserve it!

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