According to IRI®, which specializes in data and market research, frozen food sales increased by 21% in 2020. This shift in grocery shopping patterns is mostly tied to the recent socio-economic changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it may also be related to an increased self-awareness in environmental welfare. These are just a couple of the reasons that many people are turning more to frozen foods.
Cutting Back on Food Waste
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has recently published a report that confirms that frozen food produces less waste than non-frozen. It estimates that frozen foods reduce food waste by 47%. Considering that the average American household discards 41% of the food they purchase, frozen foods present the consumer with a viable means to reduce food waste in the home.
From Field to Frozen
One of the advantages of frozen foods is that they are harvested at peak freshness, then cleaned, washed, and prepared before they are frozen. The freezing process ensures products retain vitamins and nutrients as opposed to their unfrozen counterparts. Innovations in packaging allow consumers to use only what they need and store the rest, avoiding unnecessary food waste in the process.
Myths of Frozen Food
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the viability of frozen foods, as unfounded myths around the freezing process are debunked. Consumers are now aware that freezing food neither affects the flavor nor nutritional value of the food. This is down to the innovative development of the IQF process (Individual Quick Frozen). What’s more, freezing organic foods does not affect their classification as such.
Frozen Foods: A Stress-free Alternative
The advantages of frozen foods are manifold. They speed up preparation time, provide necessary daily nutrients, avoid food waste by using only what’s required of the recipe, and save time in meal planning. As a result of this, research has demonstrated that the increase in consumption of grains and legumes is attributable to this innovation in food technology. With 40% of Americans shifting towards plant-based meals, frozen foods have played a significant role in this paradigm shift.
About Riviana Foods
Riviana is America’s leading rice company and the most extensive marketer of wild rice in the world. With more than 100 years of experience, there has been a continued growth towards pursuing superior products, prime harvests and comprehensive consumer satisfaction. From the farm to the consumer, the company is committed to producing the cleanest, most wholesome rice products available.
