There is a myth that frozen produce is less nutritious than fresh, but nothing could be further from the truth! Generally, frozen fruits and vegetables are picked at peak ripeness, when they’re the most nutritious. Once harvested, the vegetables are often washed, blanched, cut, frozen, and packaged within a few hours. This process helps seal in the nutrients!

Frozen fruits and veggies are often more affordable than their fresh counterparts. Because they have a longer shelf life than fresh produce, they can often cost less, making them a fantastic solution for families on a budget!

Frozen produce can also help reduce food waste! How many times you have purchased fresh fruit and veggies at the beginning of the week only to find them uneaten and spoiled by the end of the week? We are all guilty of it! Stocking your freezer with frozen fruits and veggies means they are ready when you are! If a schedule changes or you need a quick dinner on the fly, frozen produce can come to the rescue.

Bonus, there are frozen proteins as well! Frozen fish and poultry are easy to find and typically easy to cook! In fact, many frozen fish options can thaw in less than 30 minutes and be ready to pop in the oven.

Not to mention, the category of “frozen meals” has really taken a turn for the better in the recent years. Many companies are swapping in veggies for processed grains, lowering the sodium and saturated fat content, and making the meals taste better! Win-win!

Having a freezer stocked with nutrient-rich meal options might just keep you from running through the drive through line next time you are in a hurry! So, as you head to the grocery store this month, be sure to stock up on some delicious and nutritious frozen meals and produce to make feeding you and your family easier this spring!