By Jennie Norka, Senior Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs
AFFI urges the inclusion of frozen food options in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and stresses that frozen food can be part of a healthy dietary pattern. In written comments submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), AFFI highlighted some key reasons why frozen food should be included in the upcoming nutrition recommendations:
- Freezing Extends the Shelf Life of Foods
Freezing naturally preserves food by locking in its moisture without requiring added salt or sugar. This prevents nutrient degradation, meaning that frozen vegetables, fruits, legumes and proteins retain the same high nutritional value as fresh options. With its extended shelf life, frozen food is less likely to go to waste and shoppers can stretch their food dollars farther.
- Frozen Meals Provide Portion-Controlled Options
The DGAC emphasized portion control as an important part of healthy eating patterns. Balanced portion sizes play a significant role in preventing overconsumption. Pre-portioned frozen entrees are a helpful tool that can be part of public health solutions for portion management, offering a consistent and measurable way to manage calorie intake. A 2023 survey of over 1,000 individuals, conducted by Georgetown University, found that half of the respondents choose single-serve prepared meals as a convenient option for healthier eating.
- Meeting the Needs of Americans
The DGAC holds a commitment to dietary flexibility, cultural inclusion and ensuring that dietary patterns can be adapted to personal preferences. Today’s frozen food industry offers a range of high-quality meals and dishes that cater to different cultural and dietary preferences. Furthermore, a recent analysis conducted by AFFI found that the best-selling frozen meals and side dishes are nutritionally comparable to their homemade equivalents. That’s why AFFI calls for the final nutrition recommendations to more broadly incorporate frozen food options, such as prepared meals and legumes.
As USDA and HHS begin development of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, AFFI urges the agencies to publish recommendations that reflect the practical realities of American diets, the benefits of frozen food, and provide flexibility that works with today’s busy families.
