A nutritionist shares the 6 frozen foods she always buys: ‘They’re just as healthy—and cheaper than fresh’

1. Berries

use it for: Baked Desserts, Smoothies, Yogurt Toppings, Breakfast Bowls

Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, are one of the best natural sources of antioxidants. Studies show that antioxidant levels in berries remain stable long after they are frozen.

Some of the best stores to find bargain-priced frozen berries are Trader Joe’s, Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart. I’ve found that Costco can be more expensive per pound, but has organic frozen options at a great price.

2. Chopped carrots

use it for: soups, honey glazed toast, cereal bowls, stir fry

Chopped frozen vegetables cut down on prep time, encouraging you to include extra fiber and vitamins in your meals while keeping them from spoiling.

Carrots have a short shelf life, typically lasting only a few days in the refrigerator before they start to brown. Because they are frozen shortly after harvest, they can still retain their fiber, vitamin A, and beta-carotene nutrients.

3. fish

use it for: fish stew, baked, air-fried, steamed and grilled dishes

Unlike fresh fish that travels for days before reaching the stores, the fish you find in the frozen section is frozen immediately after being caught, keeping it at its peak freshness. I buy frozen fish to get my intake of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.

Try to look for fish that do not lose their texture or flavor when stored. Fatty fish like yellow tail and tuna do not freeze well. I recommend choosing frozen Pacific cod, tilapia, or Pacific halibut.

4. Spinach

use it for: shakes, scrambled eggs, dipping sauces, steamed

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When fresh spinach sits during transportation over long distances or sits in your refrigerator for a week, it’s folate content falls so much so that frozen spinach becomes the best source.

Even better, a cup of frozen spinach has more than four times the amount of nutrients, including iron, vitamin C, and calcium, compared to a cup of fresh spinach.

5. Peas

use it for: Salads, Caramelized in Butter, Cereal Bowls, Steamed Vegetables, Stir Fry, Dipping Sauces

Buying fresh peas is not always possible throughout the year. They can also be labor intensive and time consuming to shell and prepare.

But frozen peas, which are high in fiber and protein, can serve as a quick and easy addition to various dishes straight from the freezer.

6. Brown rice

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