Is it possible to thaw food on the counter? Is it possible to put packaged food straight into the freezer? These are a few of the frozen food myths to avoid. In the freezer aisle, people will find a variety of delicious and nutritious frozen food selections. Nutritionists rely on some of these items as well. If people wish to reduce food waste, they may eat more frozen foods. However, the reality regarding these falsehoods must reveal to the public.
Frozen foods, like canned meals, can have a bad rap. People often view them as unhealthy or sluggish. On the other hand, frozen foods can be a cost-effective and efficient healthful food, especially if one person is cooking. Furthermore, the demand for frozen foods has increased owing to people’s hectic lifestyles. Thus, as per Astute Analytica, the global frozen food industry will grow at a CAGR of 8.37% from 2022 to 2030.
Let’s have a look at a few common myths about frozen foods:
Myth: Fresh foods are healthier than frozen food.
It is all about making the correct choices about eating healthy (whether it’s fresh, frozen, or canned foods). However, a freshly produced bacon cheeseburger isn’t quite as nutritious as a freshly prepared garden salad. When comparing fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, research has revealed that frozen foods are more nutrient-dense after a specific period of time. Prior to being frozen, these foods are harvested at their optimal ripeness, ensuring that they are high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, and folate. Fresh goods, on the other hand, lose nutrients as they sit out after being selected, and after three to four weeks, they can no longer compete with frozen fruits and vegetables.
Myth: Foods that are frozen do not have an expiration date.
Frozen foods have a significantly longer shelf life than fresh meals, yet they still have a limited shelf life. It is not so much about food safety as it is about quality control. Frozen food isn’t always properly stored, which might result in freezer burn or other sorts of infection.
FoodSafety.gov recommends the following guidelines:
People can store bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunchmeats, leftover pizza, and chicken nuggets for 1-2 months. In addition, store soups and stews with vegetables or meat for 2-3 months. Additionally, store ground beef, turkey, lamb, veal, and pork hamburgers for 3-4 months.
Myth: All frozen foods have gone through a lot of processing.
Though this was previously the norm for frozen food, freezer aisles are brimming with healthier, more healthy options created with fewer ingredients. What is the best bet for the general public? Take a look at the label. The longer the ingredient list, the more additives and preservatives are likely to be present. Original Mashed Birds Eye Cauliflower, for example, is produced with cauliflower, water, heavy cream, and a little corn starch and whey for thickening, all of which are likely to be added to a handmade version.
Myth: The salt content of all frozen foods is high.
Sodium is found naturally in meals but is used as a preservative. Therefore, it’s added in large amounts to processed goods. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), processed and restaurant foods account for more than 70% of salt consumption in the United States. However, because freezing is a preservative in and of itself, additional sodium isn’t necessarily required to extend the shelf life of frozen items. In fact, frozen fruits and vegetables are generally sodium-free, making them a healthier alternative to canned fruits and vegetables.
When it comes to frozen dishes, people must be a little pickier, although there are plenty of healthy options available. However, choose frozen food with fewer than 600 mg of salt, so check the label the next time people are in the freezer aisle.
Myth: Frozen Food is pricey
With nutrition and food safety covered, let’s discuss pricing. Because individuals are paying for someone else to do the prep work, frozen hash browns or French fries are more expensive than a couple of potatoes. There are, however, methods to save a buck or two in the produce section. Try buying out-of-season vegetables (such as berries in the winter) from the freezer section. A frozen family meal can cost anywhere from US$ 4 to US$ 10, making it a more affordable option than ordering takeout on hectic weeknights.
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