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The Case for Frozen Foods: A Sustainable Solution to Food Waste

Key Points

The issue of food waste remains a significant challenge, predominantly occurring at the household level. A startling report from the United Nations highlighted that in 2022, over one billion tons of food waste were generated globally, averaging approximately 291 pounds per person. This waste statistic translates to about one-fifth of all food available to consumers. Individuals thus have a critical role to play in mitigating this issue.

Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Program, emphasized the severity of food waste, noting that millions of people around the world suffer from hunger while food is discarded unnecessarily. This loss not only affects food security but also has detrimental effects on the climate and the environment.

Fortunately, researchers suggest that opting for frozen foods over fresh options can significantly help curb food waste. The argument for frozen foods extends beyond sustainability and encompasses factors such as financial savings and nutritional value.

A thorough meta-analysis by researchers at Cornell University assessed food waste rates associated with frozen items at both retail and household levels. The findings indicate that frozen foods generally experience less waste compared to their fresh counterparts.

The study revealed that while frozen foods can still be wasted—often due to being forgotten or reaching their expiration date—they tend to have lower waste rates. In contrast, fresh foods are more frequently discarded because consumers may perceive them to be spoiled or may have prepared excessive amounts.

At the retail level, the research demonstrated a notable difference, with fresh produce being discarded nearly six times more than frozen items.

Nate Clark, Communications Manager at ReFed, articulated that given the current statistics—where 31% of food goes unsold or uneaten in the United States—choosing frozen foods is an effective way to minimize waste. He emphasized that of the uneaten food, a staggering 80% consists of perishables like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, whereas only 2% pertains to frozen items, indicating significantly reduced wastage.

Additionally, purchasing or freezing foods can allow consumers to save money, as frozen items often remain safe for consumption for extended periods, sometimes lasting months or years.

Further enhancing the case for frozen foods, several studies suggest that frozen fruits and vegetables maintain or even exceed the nutritional quality of fresh produce. This is largely due to the freezing process, which preserves vitamins and minerals by locking in freshness right after harvest.

The financial advantage of frozen foods is also noteworthy. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, prices for frozen produce are often lower than their fresh counterparts, with significant price differences highlighted in a 2024 report—citing, for example, that a cup of fresh corn costs $1.50, while frozen corn costs only $0.64.

5 Tips for Avoiding Food Waste, According to ReFed

Plan ahead: Enter the grocery store with a meal plan for several days or a week to avoid purchasing unnecessary items that may go to waste.
Store your food correctly: Familiarize yourself with best storage practices to extend the shelf life of your groceries. For instance, store apples in the refrigerator and oranges on the counter.
Use that freezer: You can also freeze fresh produce to prolong its usability, not just purchase frozen foods.
Understand labels: Recognize the differences between “best by” and “sell by” dates to make informed decisions about your food’s longevity.
Eat what you’ve got: Before shopping, check your pantry and fridge to use items you already have in your meal planning.

Source
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