Five Foods Always in My Freezer
Five Foods Always in My Freezer
Several years ago, I did a mini-series on what is always in this dietitian’s kitchen. Today, I am revisiting what is always in my freezer. The five things I list today are almost the same as they were a few years ago; four of the categories are still front and center, and the fifth has been replaced by a new food.
Years ago, we had a second freezer in the garage that held what I often called our Costco stash. When that freezer stopped working, I considered replacing it. But at the time, our teen was getting ready to move out, and we were transitioning into a different stage of life. It no longer made sense to have the extra freezer space, so we let it go.
Now, our freezer is the one attached to the kitchen refrigerator. It is smaller, which means I have to be a little more intentional about what goes in there.
Even with that smaller space, there are still a handful of foods that are always stocked. If something is running low, it goes on the list for the next grocery or Costco trip.
Here are five foods you will always find in my freezer - and while these may not necessarily be the foods to keep in your freezer, these could be ones to consider including.
Fruit
Frozen fruit is a staple in my freezer, especially because of smoothies.
During the warmer months, I make smoothies almost daily. Cherries are a favorite because they are the base of one of my go-to combinations: a chocolate-cherry smoothie. I also keep mixed berries, strawberries, and blueberries on hand so I can switch things up.
There are usually a few bananas in the freezer as well. This tends to happen when bananas get a little too ripe to eat on their own. Instead of tossing them, I put them in the freezer until I have enough for banana bread or another baked item. Or more for smoothies.
Frozen fruit is convenient, lasts longer than fresh, and can be used in a variety of ways beyond smoothies. It works well in oatmeal, yogurt, or even as a simple topping for pancakes.
Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are another non-negotiable in my freezer. While these are less Costco finds and more grocery-store pickups, Costco still has plenty of frozen vegetable options.
Most of the time, these grocery store versions are microwave steam bags. Broccoli, green beans, and mixed vegetables are the usual rotation. I’ve also discovered diced avocado, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash, so they are frequently in there. These make it very easy to include a vegetable with dinner, even on nights when time is limited.
There can be some hesitation about microwaveable options, but for me, the convenience and benefits of including vegetables regularly with meals outweigh any concerns. In just a few minutes, a vegetable is ready to go, making it much more likely to end up on the plate.
Frozen vegetables are also useful as ingredients in meals. Mixed vegetables can easily be added to dishes like soups, casseroles, or something simple like chicken and dumplings.
Proteins
This category includes several different foods, but they all serve the same purpose. They make it easier to build a meal.
Fish is always in the freezer. Salmon is the most common, but I will also pick up mahi-mahi or ono when I find them. And, sure, tilapia. Living in a landlocked state, frozen fish is often the most practical and cost-effective option. It also makes it easier to include fish in meals regularly.
Shrimp is another staple. It cooks quickly and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as shrimp tacos, shrimp scampi, or a simple sheet-pan meal. Sometimes I just boil about 12 – 18 shrimp for a shrimp cocktail.
Chicken is always there as well, usually in the form of tenders or thighs. And yes, thighs. They are flavorful and work well in many recipes.
Ground meat rounds out this category. This can be ground turkey, ground beef, or both. These are typically lean options, but there is still variety. Ground meat is one of the easiest ways to put together a quick meal, whether that is tacos, pasta, or a skillet dish.
Having protein options in the freezer helps take some of the guesswork out of meal planning.
Butter
Yes, butter has a place in my freezer. That is 100% the real deal
I usually have standard sweet cream butter and a spreadable butter –canola oil blend. Butter is used in a variety of ways, from baking to toast to adding flavor to different dishes.
At any given time, there is at least one stick in the freezer, and often it is an extra package. It is one of those items that I prefer to have on hand rather than run out of when I need it.
Whole Grain Bread
This is a newer staple compared to what I used to keep on this list.
I buy whole-grain bread in a two-pack from Costco. Since we do not go through it quickly enough to keep both loaves fresh on the counter, one goes straight into the freezer.
Freezing bread is not an issue. It thaws easily, and individual slices can go straight into the toaster.
This helps reduce waste and ensures that there is always bread available when needed. Whether it is for toast at breakfast or a quick sandwich for lunch, it is one less thing to think about during the week.
Why the Freezer Matters
The freezer is not just a place to store food. It is a tool that supports flexibility.
Frozen foods can help reduce food waste, stretch the grocery budget, and make it easier to put together meals without a last-minute trip to the store.
They also make it easier to include a variety of foods in your routine. Fruits and vegetables are picked and frozen at their peak, so they retain their nutritional value.
Having a few reliable options in the freezer can make a big difference on busy days when cooking from scratch is not realistic.
Final Thoughts on My Freezer Staples
Even with a smaller freezer, it is possible to keep these healthy freezer staples that make meals easier and more consistent.
For me, those foods include fruit, vegetables, protein, butter, and whole-grain bread. These staples provide a foundation that can be used in a variety of ways throughout the week.
Your list might look a little different, and that is fine. The goal is not to have a specific set of foods, but to find what works for your routine, your preferences, and your schedule.
Real World Nutrition Refreshed: I am revitalizing and updating my blog archive and re-publishing it. Stay tuned as I review, update, refresh, and re-share these posts to provide you with even more valuable information on nutrition, health, and overall wellness—and keep things timely. A portion of this blog was initially posted on July 19, 2022, and has been updated here.
