Freezing food has been a go-to kitchen trick for centuries — it’s all about convenience and cutting waste. Whether you’re stocking up on seasonal mangoes or preparing meals for the week, the freezer is your best friend. It saves time, keeps food fresh, and prevents wastage. But have you ever stopped to ask: Is frozen food as healthy as we think? If you avoid those frozen peas or store-bought foods, this is for you. Let’s break it down and see what the pros have to say about your cool stash.
Also read: 5 Mistakes You May Be Making When Cooking Frozen Vegetables
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So, is frozen food healthy or not?
Answer: It depends on how you are freezing it. Nutritionist Shalini Sudhakar says there is a big difference between buying and freezing food at home. frozen goods from the shop. If you’re harvesting fresh vegetables and freezing them yourself, good for you. “It is safe and does not lose its nutrients,” explains Sudhakar. Low temperatures keep bacteria at bay, and let’s be honest—anything that makes kitchen work easier is a win.
But store-bought frozen meals? That’s another story. Packaged frozen foods are often loaded with sodium and preservatives to extend their shelf life. And if the temperature isn’t spot-on, bacteria can sneak in, making it dangerous. So, while freezing at home is nice, packaged frozen meals are an “unsafe option” as Sudhakar puts it.
Fresh vs. Frozen: Who Won?
Sure, fresh food sounds ideal, but don’t write off frozen just yet. Fitness coach Ralston D’Souza explains that some frozen fruits and vegetables can actually surpass fresh fruit in nutrients. Foods like peas “contain more vitamin C, some B vitamins and antioxidants than fresh foods.” Even frozen corn can pack more. Vitamin C and carotenoids compared to fresh corn. Why? Because fresh produce sitting on store shelves for days loses nutrients over time.
Is Zapping Your Food’s Nutrients Really?
It’s a shocker: It’s not the freezing that’s depleting the nutrition of your food — it’s how you handle it. Nutritionist Sidhakar says that repeated heating is the real villain. If you thaw frozen food, refreeze it, and thaw it again, you’re essentially losing all of its goodness. So, if you are using frozen food regularly, handle it carefully to keep it nutritious.
Also read: Food Trivia: Who Invented Frozen Food? Join us on an exciting journey through history.
The bottom line? Frozen foods can be extremely useful and healthy, as long as you freeze them yourself and follow proper storage methods.