Mohit Marwaha, AVP, Yummiez, Godrej Tyson Foods
In today’s whirlwind lifestyle, working parents face the daily challenge of juggling demanding careers with the needs of their families. Amidst a flurry of meetings and looming deadlines, the additional burden of preparing nutritious, appealing meals can be overwhelming. This is where frozen foods come to the rescue, offering a practical solution to the modern family’s dilemma. According to Godrej Yummiez ‘STTEM – Safety, Technology, Taste, Ease & Mood Uplifter’ – The India Snacking Report (Volume I), 83% of mothers view frozen snacks as a quick and easy hunger fix for their children, while fathers tend to cook more using frozen foods than mothers. This guide further expands on the myriad ways in which frozen foods serve as a lifeline for busy parents, enabling them to provide tasty and nutritious meals without the time-consuming toil in the kitchen.
Time-Saving Convenience: Frozen foods offer unparalleled convenience, allowing parents to bypass peeling, chopping, and extensive cooking. A freezer stocked with a variety of frozen ingredients means a meal is always just minutes away, freeing up precious time for family activities or a few moments of well-deserved rest. According to the Godrej Yummiez report, 1 in every 4 Indians prefers frozen snacks since they can have more leisure time.
Nutritional Value: Contrary to popular belief, frozen produce can retain more nutrients than their fresh counterparts, which often lose nutritional value during transportation and storage. Freezing preserves vitamins and minerals, ensuring that your family receives the benefits of fresh produce year-round. For example, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that certain frozen vegetables, such as green beans and peas, can have higher levels of vitamins and nutrients compared to fresh ones, which can lose nutrients during transportation and storage.
Variety and Versatility: The array of frozen foods available today is staggering, ranging from exotic fruits and vegetables to complete entrees catering to various dietary preferences. In India, you can find a wide selection of frozen vegetables like green peas, mixed vegetables, sweet corn, broccoli, and cauliflower. As for frozen fruits, there are options such as mango, pineapple, pomegranate, and mixed fruit. This versatility ensures that even the pickiest eaters can find something to their liking, making mealtime a breeze.
Cost-Effectiveness: When comparing the cost of frozen foods with fresh produce and dining out, the economic benefits become clear. Frozen foods often come in bulk and at a lower price point, without sacrificing quality or flavour, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious families.
Long Shelf Life: The extended shelf life of frozen foods means less food waste and more money saved. By keeping a well-organized freezer, parents can ensure they have ingredients on hand, reducing the number of emergency grocery runs and impulse takeout orders.
Meal Planning Made Simple: With frozen foods, meal planning becomes a simple task. Parents can plan out the week’s meals, knowing that the ingredients will remain fresh until needed. This not only streamlines grocery shopping but also meal prep, making the daily question of “What’s for dinner?” a thing of the past.
Kid-Friendly Choices: From classic favourites like French Fries and Chicken Nuggets to more adventurous options like Crispy Veg Sticks and Cheese Corn Nuggets, the frozen aisle is full of kid-friendly choices. These options are not only tasty but also quick to prepare, making them perfect for those hectic evenings.
Balancing Work and Family: Ultimately, frozen foods can help working parents find a better balance between their professional responsibilities and family life. By reducing the time spent on meal preparation, parents can focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with their loved ones.
As we’ve seen, frozen foods are much more than a mere convenience; they are a practical solution for the modern family. They offer nutritional value, variety, cost savings, and ease of use, all of which contribute to a happier, healthier family dynamic. For working parents looking to simplify their lives and nourish their families, frozen foods are indeed a worthy addition to the weekly menu.