We asked a registered dietitian nutritionist to weigh in on the debate over buying fresh or frozen vegetables.
Frozen vegetables are frozen at their peak of ripeness which helps preserve the nutrients. A 2017 study published in Journal of Food Composition and Analysis examined the nutrient composition of fresh, fresh-stored and frozen fruit and vegetables. Fresh-stored was inserted into the study to mimic usual patterns of storing fruit and vegetables for up to five days after purchase. Based on the data collected over two years, scientists determined that the assumption that fresh produce has much more nutritional value compared to frozen is incorrect. The data showed that fresh produce loses vitamins over time during refrigerated storage.