By: Alison Bodor, President and CEO American Frozen Food Institute
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we eat. In fact, according to the American Frozen Food Institute’s (AFFI) recent consumer survey, “Frozen Food Sales Amid COVID-19,” 90 percent of consumers are eating more meals prepared at home since the start of the pandemic. Meal planning can be tough under the best of circumstances, but COVID-19 has added new challenges to family meals and those pressures confronting each family are different.
As we adjust to this new rhythm of back-to-school and work at home, AFFI is proud to support the FMI Foundation’s National Family Meals Month™ to share some helpful ways frozen foods can help with family meals and ease the stress of pulling them off.
Variety
Frozen foods open the door to new culinary possibilities. According to the IRi, 49 percent of consumers say their biggest challenge is new meal ideas or lack of inspiration to cook. From dumplings to power bowls to diced onions and fruit tarts, today’s frozen food aisle offers a variety of meal options to bring a world of flavor to home kitchens.
Easy to Prepare
Frozen ingredients come pre-cleaned and chopped, saving precious time. They also come with clear cooking instructions. Single-serve entrees are also the perfect meal solution for busy school days when everyone is working from home. Talk about simplicity when home cooks need it most!
Nutrition
Frozen foods fit every family’s lifestyle without compromising nutrition or taste. Studies show that frozen produce has the same, and in some cases higher, nutritional value than fresh-stored produce. In addition, frozen foods provide nutrition information and portion guidance to help meet the individual needs of consumers.
Reduces Food Waste
Frozen food generates 47 percent less food waste when compared to ambient and chilled food consumed in the home. Home cooks using frozen food can prepare the amount they want and store the rest for a later time, reducing spoilage and food waste. According to AFFI’s research, 60 percent of consumers are purchasing more frozen foods because of its longer shelf life.
Enjoyment
Frozen foods mean more time to enjoy wholesome, tasty meals with family. There are different sizes of frozen foods to serve individuals or families and various flavor options that bring extra enjoyment to any occasion.
This year’s National Family Meals Month is about more than just eating at home because, let’s face it, we’re all doing more of that. The unique circumstances of today present an opportunity for home cooks to take full advantage of all the frozen food aisle has to offer. For more information and resources, please visit www.FrozenAdvantage.com.
