Foods you should never buy frozen
While its nutritional content has improved over the years, processed breaded food can still contain raising agents, E numbers, palm oil and added salt and sugar. Cheaper products are more likely to contain these unwelcome extras
A fresh burger needs only one key ingredient – minced meat – plus a little seasoning and perhaps an egg for binding. That means they're super easy to make from scratch. Although they offer an easy dinner option, frozen burgers from supermarkets are usually packed with preservatives
Squid freezes well and usually comes gutted and cleaned ready to use. Defrosting it properly makes a difference to the outcome so allow to thaw overnight in the fridge (not at room temperature) or run it, still bagged, under cold water.
Frozen party food can be useful if you’re cooking for a crowd, but it’s generally highly processed. Finger foods like mini cheeseburgers, pizzas and chicken dippers can contain dozens of extra ingredients including preservatives, emulsifiers, added sugar, palm oil and hidden allergens
Research by The Guardian found that some frozen chicken breasts are pumped with enough water and additives to make up a fifth of the weight. Known as ‘plumping’ (or ‘tumbling’, when the meat is mixed with water and additives)
While they might be tempting in the summertime, frozen dairy desserts and cones are usually packed with excess sugar, palm oil, additives and preservatives. Normal dairy ice cream, however, typically contains minimal ingredients and is made with real milk.
Free-from products, while removing certain allergens, aren’t necessarily a healthier choice, especially when they're frozen. Many options are processed and will include added sugar and salt as well as additives.