Extension for Real Life

Fresh, Frozen, or Canned: Which is Better?

Fruits and vegetables are a crucial part of a healthy diet. They offer a variety of vitamins and minerals that help fuel and support your body! When you’re purchasing produce at your local grocery store, there are a variety of options to choose from. Do you head to the fresh, frozen, or canned section to pick up your fruits and veggies? Maybe you go to all three.

Is one type better than the other? Overall, all three offer the same benefits. But there are a few small differences among them:

Fresh

• There is greater variety since some produce can’t be frozen.
• The taste of fresh produce is at its peak when purchased in season.
• Items cost less when purchased in season but are more expensive when the produce is not in season.

Frozen

• Fruits and vegetables are frozen at peak freshness, meaning they are similar in color and flavor to fresh produce.
• They have a long freezer life, around 10 months.
• Buying frozen produce is an affordable option, especially when buying out-of-season fruits and vegetables.

Canned

• Produce is picked and canned at peak freshness, meaning they are just as flavorful.
• They have a shelf life of two to four years.
• Buying canned goods is a great budget-friendly option.

But what about nutritional value? Is fresh produce more nutritious than frozen or canned? People assume that frozen or canned items are not the “best” options of the three and do not provide the same nutrients as fresh. That’s simply not the case! The nutritional value of frozen and canned fruits and vegetables is very similar to fresh produce.

Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, fruits and vegetables contain necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs. What matters is that you are incorporating produce into your diet. According to the USDA, it’s recommended to fill your plate with half fruits and vegetables. Learn more about how to build healthy and nutritious meals for your family by checking out MyPlate.