Seventy-eight percent of consumers cite price as the biggest factor in their grocery decisions, driving increased adoption of frozen foods as Americans seek to curb food costs, according to the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association, the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based trade group announced Feb. 24.
Recent findings from the USDA Consumer Price Index for Food show food away from home rose 4.1 percent over the last year while food at home rose just 2.4 percent, highlighting the savings of eating at home. NFRA data shows 73 percent of consumers agree they can make an affordable and tasty meal using items from their freezer.
“The frozen food aisle has shifted from pass through to destination for many shoppers,” the association stated. “Several factors are driving this shift, with price chief among them.”
Convenience and daily consumption drive adoption
Convenience is another core reason Americans are turning to frozen food options, with 38 percent of shoppers reportedly consuming frozen food daily or every few days as options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacking have become more plentiful. From single-serve options perfect for solo diners to family-sized formats ideal for gatherings, frozen food delivers flexible portioning while dramatically reducing prep time.
Today’s frozen food landscape features an unprecedented array of convenient options, including specialized dietary choices like plant-based proteins, gluten-free alternatives and carb-conscious meals. The category also offers global flavors with ease and convenience. Millennial and Gen Z shoppers especially are turning to frozen foods to broaden their options, often inspired by social media and global flavors that are easy to try through frozen formats.
Health benefits and waste reduction
Pre-portioned serving sizes and a wide variety of dietary options support healthier eating goals. Flash freezing locks in both the freshness and nutritional value of fruits, vegetables and other products. The portioned nature and extended shelf life of frozen offerings can help households significantly reduce food waste.
During March Frozen Food Month, many supermarkets will have discounts and coupons on a variety of frozen foods. Shoppers can also participate in Easy Home Meals’ $10,000 sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 first prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the grand prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card.
Easy Home Meals, brought to consumers by NFRA, features recipe ideas, inspiration, food hacks, cooking tips and more to help shoppers create affordable meals. The site provides resources for getting more value, flexibility and inspiration from frozen foods.
NFRA is a nonprofit trade association representing all segments of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. The organization sponsors national promotions ReDiscover Dairy & Frozen (January), March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties (June/July). For additional information about March Frozen Food Month and the $10,000 sweepstakes, visit EasyHomeMeals.com.
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