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Information on frozen food - All the frozen facts you need from freezing to storing to defrosting.

Frozen foods have played an important role in the British home ever since the first frozen ready meal appeared on our plates in 1953.

Clarence Birdseye

As food products get more sophisticated, so have us shoppers! Now, more than ever before, Mums want to know where our frozen food comes from and to feel informed about foods we buy - read on for some frozen facts.

Read on to find out how to store frozen foods, how to keep your freezer regulated, the life-span of frozen foods, how to defrost your freezer, the nutritional and convenience and cost benefits of choosing frozen – and of course a whole many more things too!

History of Frozen

Frozen Environment

Far from being inferior to ‘fresh’ food, frozen food is often fresher than ‘fresh’ – and offers other advantages too.

  • Consumers are more and more demanding and so ready meals are becoming better all the time
  • Frozen food contains no preservatives. It is a natural form of preservation.
  • Frozen fruit and vegetables are nutritionally more reliable than fresh. Freezing prevents sensitive vitamins and nutrients from being lost during transportation from farm to shop.
  • Frozen food ensures that even the most exotic dishes are available on demand.
  • Freezing allows you to choose from a vast selection of otherwise seasonal ingredients all year round.
  • Frozen food also helps reduce food waste as you use only what you need – which means it’s good for your pocket and good for the environment.

Ways to defrost food:

Steak Fajitas

The purpose of thawing frozen foods thoroughly before cooking is to ensure that during cooking the food is heated sufficiently to kill harmful bacteria.

  • In the refrigerator
  • In cold water
  • In the microwave*
    *Most importantly, follow instructions from manufacturer
  • It’s best to plan ahead for slow thawing in the refrigerator. The bottom of the fridge is ideal.
  • For faster defrosting, place food in a leak proof plastic bag and immerse it in cold water. Change water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately.
  • For defrosting ready meals, always follow the instructions.Click here to see our guide on how to store, defrost and cook frozen foods.Click here to see how best to defrost TurkeyClick here to see how to defrost fishClick here to see how to defrost chicken

Why Buy Frozen

Frozen foods have played an important role in the British home ever since the first frozen ready meal appeared on our plates in 1953. As food products get more sophisticated, so have us shoppers. More families are looking for the most nutritious meals and to get the most value from their shop. Read on to find out why you should switch to cooking with frozen.

ice cream ImageWhy Buy Frozen Desserts?

Why Buy Frozen Fruit and Vegetables?

Why Buy Frozen Fish?

Why Buy Frozen Meat & Poultry?

Why Buy Frozen Pizza, Pasta, Potatoes & Ready Meals?

Frequently asked questions:

Q: How often should I defrost my freezer?

Q: How do I defrost a frozen turkey?

Q: How do you defrost chicken?

Q: How do you defrost fish?

Q: Can I refreeze frozen food?

Q: How long can I leave food in the freezer?

Q: What temperature should my freezer be?

Q: What is the best way of defrosting frozen food?

Q: How do you store frozen food?

Member Benefits

Exclusive Partnership deals on key products and services:

  • BFFF energy deals and rates
  • Vypr member deals and introduction
  • Defib Plus deals
  • Company Shop – membership
  • Mentor – MHE training health check

Exclusive access to networking opportunities and events:

  • Meet the Buyer events (retail & foodservice)
  • Annual Business Conference with networking dinner
  • Specialist H&S and Technical Conferences
  • Special interest groups (packaging, frozen food temperatures)
  • Annual Lunch
  • Awards Night
Upcoming Events More Events
Sponsorship Packages

We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to BFFF members across our events throughout the year, with flexible packages that can be tailored to suit your business objectives.

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