According to a survey commissioned by the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA), 66% of Americans say pre-portioned ingredients help them achieve their health goals, while 75% cite cost savings as a top reason for choosing the frozen and refrigerated aisles, signaling a continued shift in shopping and eating habits.

Dairy products are a huge part of their plans.

"New Year's resolutions can be tough to maintain, especially when juggling busy schedules and tight budgets," said Tricia Greyshock, president & CEO of NFRA. This survey highlights the ways frozen and dairy items can offer practical, delicious snacking and meal options that make it easier to eat healthfully, save money, and deliver meals on the table efficiently.

Smart Solutions for Today's Families: Parents are emerging as sophisticated category shoppers, with 77% using pre-portioned ingredients to meet family health goals. The research reveals clear strategic planning:

  • 52% use January to reorganize their freezer and refrigerator spaces for the year ahead
  • 50% have switched to yogurt from traditional snacks for healthier choices
  • 75% rely on frozen options to streamline busy morning routines
  • 78% leverage bulk buying for budget management while reducing waste

Generation-Defining Changes: Beyond simple convenience, younger consumers (Gen Z and millennials) are revolutionizing how these aisles are used:

  • 86% turn to frozen foods to explore global flavors and expand their culinary horizons
  • 88% prioritize meals that can be prepared in 45 minutes or less
  • Year-over-year data shows sustained growth in frozen food purchases among Gen Z and millennials, up from 2023 levels

Health and Value Convergence: The research demonstrates how health goals and budget consciousness are increasingly linked:

  • 66% of Americans rely on pre-portioned ingredients to support health goals
  • 67% cite bulk buying as key to managing budgets while reducing food waste
  • Most popular, budget-friendly essentials:
    • Milk (52%)
    • Cheese (51%)
    • Yogurt (48%, with notably higher adoption among parents at 55%)

Meeting Modern Lifestyles: Time optimization remains crucial, with consumers seeking solutions that fit their busy lives:

  • 58% prioritize healthful eating as part of their "New Year, New You" goals
  • 42% of parents specifically seek time-saving snack or meal options for school morning routines
  • 49% have increased frozen food purchases due to rising costs, showing practical adaptation to economic pressures