Two new studies have found that frozen food can help reduce food waste at home. The studies, conducted by Cornell University and market research firm 210 Analytics, found that frozen foods are wasted less than fresh foods at both the retail and consumer levels.
The Cornell study found that, among fruits and vegetables, frozen products are typically much less likely to be discarded than the fresh equivalent. The study also reported that, when refrigerated foods are discarded, it is commonly due to concerns about spoilage or excess leftovers. Freezing food can help to address these challenges by extending the shelf-life of products and allowing families to prepare exactly what they need.
The 210 Analytics survey found that 83% of U.S. consumers agreed that buying frozen food is a good solution to limit the amount of food waste in their household. Consumers largely reported benefiting from the ability to prepare what they need with frozen food, and 79% of survey respondents reported that the ability to prepare exact portions is a purchase driver. Consumers also reported that frozen ingredients provided additional meal flexibility, with nine in 10 frozen food consumers agreeing that frozen food allows having a backup plan without the risk of spoilage.
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) released the studies in conjunction with its “Less Waste” campaign, which aims to educate consumers about the benefits of frozen food and how it can help reduce food waste.
“Reducing food waste isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for the wallet,” said Alison Bodor, president and CEO of AFFI. “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.”
The reports are available online at www.frozenadvantage.org/less-waste.
Key Takeaways:
- Two new studies have found that frozen food can help reduce food waste at home.
- The studies found that frozen foods are wasted less than fresh foods at both the retail and consumer levels.
- Consumers largely reported benefiting from the ability to prepare what they need with frozen food, and 79% of survey respondents reported that the ability to prepare exact portions is a purchase driver.
- Consumers also reported that frozen ingredients provided additional meal flexibility, with nine in 10 frozen food consumers agreeing that frozen food allows having a backup plan without the risk of spoilage.
- The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) released the studies in conjunction with its “Less Waste” campaign, which aims to educate consumers about the benefits of frozen food and how it can help reduce food waste.
