U.S. Consumers Turn to Frozen Food to Help Reduce Their Food Waste

Food waste is a significant and current worry for many consumers given that about 40% of all food produced in the U.S. is wasted.

According to two recent surveys, customers choose frozen meals to help cut down on food waste at home. Publications from the Cornell University Dyson School of Business and the market research company 210 Analytics shed information on the lower rates of food waste associated with frozen goods and, respectively, how customers are using frozen goods to reduce waste.

“As shoppers and policymakers alike look for ways to reduce food waste, new data show that freezing is an important solution. Freezing is nature’s pause button – preserving foods so families can benefit from the longer shelf-life made possible. Whether enjoying frozen fruits and vegetables, pre-portioned meals and appetizers, or other meal ingredients, consumers rely on frozen food to provide flexibility in meal planning and a convenient way to reduce their food waste,” AFFI President and CEO Alison Bodor, mentioned.

The amount of frozen food that is wasted in grocery shops and homes was examined in a review of the literature by Cornell University. This review of numerous research confirmed that, on average, less food is wasted from frozen sources than from fresh sources, both at the retail and consumer levels.

Even while the rates of food waste vary depending on the type of food, the frozen versions of the fruits and vegetables tested are often considerably less likely to be thrown out than their fresh counterparts. The study also revealed that concerns about rotting or an abundance of leftovers are frequently the reason why refrigerated items are thrown away. By extending product shelf lives and enabling people to prepare only what they need, freezing food can assist to address these issues.

A study by 210 Analytics of more than 1,500 American customers examines concerns, attitudes, and behavior linked to wasting food and the benefits of purchasing frozen goods or freezing food at home, adding to the body of knowledge on the topic. 83% of study participants felt that purchasing frozen food is a useful way to reduce food waste in their homes.

The capacity to make precisely the right amount of food from frozen was cited as an advantage by consumers in significant numbers, and 79% of survey participants stated that this feature influences their decision to buy. Additionally, customers claimed that using frozen components increased meal flexibility. Nine out of ten consumers of frozen foods concurred that using frozen food enables having a backup plan without the risk of deterioration.

In one particular case, frozen potatoes are becoming more popular. Potato-producing nations (U.S. alike) frequently export and freeze their extra supplies to prevent waste and increase revenue. This trend has fueled a rise in the demand for frozen potatoes throughout the world.

Many consumers recognize the financial impact of food waste in addition to the environmental impact. 86% of SNAP-eligible households said they could not afford to waste food, and they said that using frozen food items helps them save money since they can consume the food over a longer period.

“Reducing food waste isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for the wallet. With the preservation made possible by freezing, consumers can avoid at-home spoilage of food ingredients and still adjust meal plans due to last-minute changes. This new data shows that when you want to cut back on food waste, the freezer is your friend,” Bodor summed up.