With everyone leading busy lives, it’s no surprise that frozen foods have become a staple in modern diets. But if you think chefs turn their noses up at the frozen food section, you might be surprised. As it turns out, there are some frozen goodies that even culinary professionals can’t resist.
This list is based on real-world trends, data, and interviews with chefs themselves. It’s a deep dive into the freezer aisle, highlighting what’s worth buying and what you should probably leave behind. Expect insights into the value, safety, and convenience of these items, along with some expert guidance to refine your grocery shopping list.
Frozen Berries
Frozen berries are a top pick among chefs for their versatility and year-round availability. Unlike their fresh counterparts, frozen berries can be kept for months without spoiling, allowing you to enjoy your favorite berry dishes even when these fruits are out of season. Their frozen state also locks in their nutritional content, making them a healthy addition to your meals.
The current trend of health-conscious eating has put frozen berries in the spotlight. They offer great value as they are often cheaper than fresh berries, yet deliver similar nutritional benefits. Plus, with more people cooking and baking at home, having a bag of frozen berries on hand adds convenience and variety to home-made meals and desserts.
Frozen Spinach
Frozen spinach is another favorite among chefs. It saves a lot of preparation time as it’s already cleaned and chopped. Plus, its frozen state can enhance its texture, making it perfect for dishes like lasagna and dips that require a creamier consistency.
More people are recognizing the value of frozen spinach as a time-saving option that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. It’s also a safe choice, as it’s typically flash-frozen soon after harvest, which helps preserve its essential vitamins and minerals. So next time you’re in the frozen aisle, don’t overlook the humble frozen spinach.
Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp are another chef-approved staple. They’re usually flash-frozen soon after being caught, which helps maintain their freshness and flavor. This means you can have restaurant-quality shrimp dishes at home, no matter how far you live from the coast.
Given the rising popularity of seafood and the convenience of having it ready at your disposal, frozen shrimp is a no-brainer. It offers great value too, as it’s often cheaper than fresh shrimp, yet delivers a similar taste and texture. Plus, with the current emphasis on home cooking, having frozen shrimp on hand broadens your culinary repertoire.
Frozen Puff Pastry
Even seasoned bakers will admit that making puff pastry from scratch is a labor-intensive process. That’s why many chefs choose to buy frozen puff pastry. It delivers the same flaky, buttery goodness without the hassle, making it a perfect base for both sweet and savory creations.
The trend of home baking has made frozen puff pastry a hot commodity. It allows home bakers to create impressive pastries with minimal effort, adding value and convenience to their baking endeavors. Plus, it’s a safer option as it eliminates the risk of undercooked dough, a common issue when making puff pastry from scratch.
Frozen Pizza
While this may come as a surprise, many chefs do buy frozen pizza. Not necessarily for the pizza itself but for the convenience of having a ready-made dough. It can be a lifesaver for quick meals, and with some fresh toppings, you can easily elevate it to gourmet status.
As more people are spending time at home and looking for easy meal solutions, frozen pizza has gained popularity. It’s a cost-effective option compared to takeout and allows for customization to cater to different dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a safe choice as it’s typically pre-cooked, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Frozen French Fries
Another surprise on the list, frozen french fries, are often overlooked, but many chefs appreciate them for their consistency and convenience. They’re pre-cut and partially cooked, saving you the trouble of peeling, cutting, and soaking potatoes for that perfect fry.
With the rise of home cooking and the desire for restaurant-quality meals, frozen french fries are a valuable addition to the freezer. They provide a quick and easy side dish for a variety of meals and are a safer option as they’re typically pre-cooked, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Canned Soup
Canned soups are typically packed with sodium and lack the fresh flavors of homemade soup, making them a hard pass for most chefs. While they may seem like a convenient option for quick meals, the trade-off in taste and nutritional value is significant.
The trend of health-conscious eating has caused many to steer clear of canned soups. As more people are cooking at home and aiming to eat cleaner, fresher meals, canned soups are losing their appeal. Plus, with the wealth of easy soup recipes available, making soup from scratch has never been easier.
Pre-made Frozen Meals
Pre-made frozen meals are another item that most chefs wouldn’t touch. While they offer convenience, they often fall short in terms of flavor and nutritional value. These meals are typically high in sodium and preservatives, making them a less than ideal choice for regular consumption.
The shift towards healthier eating and home cooking has made pre-made frozen meals less attractive. People are becoming more conscious of what they’re putting into their bodies and are looking for fresher, healthier options. So while these meals may save you some time, they don’t offer the best value in terms of health and taste.
Frozen Fish Fillets
Frozen fish fillets are usually a no-go for chefs. Unlike shrimp, frozen fish often loses its texture and flavor during the freezing process, resulting in a less than satisfactory dish. Plus, it’s hard to judge the quality of the fish when it’s frozen, making it a risky choice.
With the increasing demand for fresh, high-quality ingredients, frozen fish fillets are falling out of favor. Consumers are willing to pay a bit more for fresh fish to enjoy its superior taste and texture. Plus, with concerns about the sustainability and traceability of seafood, it’s more important than ever to know where your fish comes from.
Pre-cut Frozen Vegetables
Pre-cut frozen vegetables may seem like a time-saving option, but most chefs would advise against them. The process of cutting and freezing vegetables can lead to a loss of texture, resulting in mushy vegetables once cooked. Plus, they often lack the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh vegetables.
As more people are cooking at home and seeking fresh, high-quality ingredients, pre-cut frozen vegetables are losing their appeal. They may offer some convenience, but the trade-off in taste and texture is significant. So, while they might save you some chopping time, they’re not the best choice for flavorful, appealing dishes.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
