New research shows consumers who eat frozen fruits and vegetables eat more fruits and vegetables overall. In fact, consumers of frozen fruits and vegetables also have significantly greater intakes of key nutrients, such as potassium, fiber and calcium.

The study, supported by the Frozen Food Foundation, a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), McLean, Va., 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 of frozen fruits and vegetables, the results show:

• Frozen fruit and vegetable consumers eat more total fruits and vegetables than non-consumers;
• Consumers of frozen fruits and vegetables have significantly higher intakes of nutrients of concern—potassium, dietary fiber, calcium and vitamin D; and
• Adult consumers of frozen fruits and vegetables have significantly lower BMI than non-consumers.

"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," says Alison Bodor, president and CEO of the Frozen Food Foundation. "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."