Frozen Foods Plays Key Role in Fruit & Veg Consumption, Study Finds

25 Apr 2017 --- New research has shown how consumers who eat frozen fruits and vegetables eat more fruits and vegetables overall, and have significantly greater intakes of key nutrients, such as potassium, fiber and calcium.

The study, presented by Maureen Storey, PhD, and supported by the Frozen Food Foundation, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011-2014.

When consumers of frozen fruits and vegetables were compared to non-consumers, the study results showed that they eat more total fruits and vegetables than non-consumers.

It also showed that consumers of frozen fruits and vegetables have significantly higher intakes of nutrients of concern, such as potassium, dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamin D, and that adult consumers of frozen fruits and vegetables have significantly lower BMI than non-consumers.

“At a time when Americans are only eating half of the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, our research shows that eating frozen fruits and vegetables can help fill the gap in fruit and vegetable consumption," said Dr. Storey.

“In addition to increased consumption of nutrients of concern, frozen fruit and vegetable consumers also had a higher intake of vitamins A and C.”

The US Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) define calcium, potassium, dietary fiber and vitamin D as nutrients of public health concern because low intakes are associated with health concerns.

Specifically, the guidelines attribute low intake of fiber and potassium to decreased fruit and vegetable consumption.

“This research adds substantiation to the growing body of evidence that supports the important role frozen fruits and vegetables can play to help Americans meet daily intake recommendations set by the DGAs,’ said Frozen Food Foundation President and CEO Alison Bodor.

“While this research focused on fruits and vegetables, frozen foods and beverages also provide consumers with nutritious and convenient meals options while minimizing food waste.”