A new report from the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association highlights a costly reality in American kitchens: forgotten leftovers and wilted produce are adding up to roughly USD 1,500 in wasted groceries per household each year. Drawing from data compiled by the USDA and ReFED, the report places the nationwide value of surplus food at an estimated USD 382 billion annually — a figure that carries new weight as families grow more attentive to tightening budgets.
“We hear from families all the time: they want to save money, eat healthier, and waste less — but they’re short on time,” said Tricia Greyshock, President & CEO of NFRA. “The frozen and refrigerated aisles already have the answers. These foods give families flexibility, freshness, and savings — often without realizing it.”
According to NFRA’s 2025 Food Waste Insights Report, frozen and refrigerated foods naturally curb the likelihood of waste thanks to longer shelf lives, portion-control options and preserved freshness. Nearly half of surveyed consumers say they are purchasing more frozen foods because they last longer, while 64 percent say these products help them maintain control over their grocery spending.
The report outlines several everyday adjustments that can significantly reduce waste without demanding elaborate meal planning. Families can opt for frozen berries instead of fresh, avoiding spoilage while maintaining flavor and nutritional value. Stocking the freezer with vegetables flash-frozen at peak freshness ensures that produce is available at any time, often in better condition than items that have spent days in transit. Buying proteins in bulk and freezing them in portions lowers cost per pound and prevents high-value ingredients from being discarded. Frozen entrees offer an inexpensive alternative to takeout on busy nights, while promptly freezing leftovers turns them into ready-made meals rather than forgotten containers at the back of the fridge. Together, these small choices can add up to substantial annual savings.
“Most people don’t realize how quickly small amounts of food waste add up,” said Eva Goulbourne, food systems strategist and founder of Littlefoot Ventures. “The frozen and refrigerated aisles are full of smart solutions — foods that stay fresh longer, fit busy schedules, and help households stretch their grocery dollars. Reducing waste doesn’t have to mean changing how you eat — it just means using what you already buy, smarter.”
The timing of NFRA’s findings aligns with the start of the holiday season, a period often associated with an uptick in household waste as families cook in large quantities, overbuy ingredients and lose track of leftovers. “The holidays are when we see the most food waste,” Greyshock said. “This year, be strategic, buy frozen sides you can heat and serve, choose make-ahead dishes you can freeze, and keep your fridge organized so nothing gets lost in the back.”
Kate Landis, Senior Director of Marketing at NFRA, added that families do not need to overhaul their habits to see meaningful results. “Frozen and refrigerated foods give you flexibility, the freedom to cook when you’re ready, not when the food says so. They help you waste less, save more, and still enjoy the meals you love.”
NFRA estimates that reducing household food waste by even half could save families approximately USD 750 each year — savings that could translate into a vacation, a month of groceries or a buffer for rising fuel costs. To support consumers seeking to minimize waste, the association’s Easy Home Meals platform provides free resources including storage guidance for frozen and refrigerated products, simple recipes built around freezer staples, budget-friendly meal plans and practical shopping advice.
More information, including recipes and tools to make groceries last longer, is available at EasyHomeMeals.com.
NFRA is a non-profit trade association representing all sectors of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. The organization sponsors national programs such as ReDiscover Dairy & Frozen in January, March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties in June and July, and offers consumer-facing safety information, meal ideas, recipes and promotional opportunities through its Easy Home Meals website and social media channels.
Find out more at: https://nfraweb.org/