Eighty-three percent of shoppers share that buying frozen food is a good solution to limit the amount of food waste in their household, according to a survey of 1,500 U.S. consumers by market research firm 210 Analytics. The American Frozen Food Institute shared that the study, in addition to publications from the Cornell University Dyson School of Business, found that frozen food contributes to lower food waste rates.
In the 210 Analytics survey, 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.
“As shoppers and policymakers alike look for ways to reduce food waste, new data shows that freezing is an important solution,” said American Frozen Food Institute President and CEO Alison Bodor in a statement. “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.”
The Cornell University review explored the rate of waste among frozen foods. This analysis affirmed that frozen foods are wasted less than their fresh counterparts at both the retail and consumer levels. While the rates of food waste vary among different types of food, among the fruits and vegetables studied, frozen products are typically much less likely to be discarded than their fresh equivalent.
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