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New Year, New You: The Rise of Frozen and Dairy Foods in 2025

As the New Year begins, millions of Americans are setting resolutions aimed at improving health, managing budgets, and increasing convenience. Recent research conducted by the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) highlights a significant trend: a large number of consumers are turning to the frozen and dairy aisles of supermarkets as their go-to solution for achieving their goals.

The Power of Pre-Portioned Ingredients

Statistics show that 66% of Americans believe that pre-portioned ingredients play a crucial role in supporting their health objectives. Not only do these products help individuals maintain their resolutions, but they also align with budget-conscious decisions. An impressive 75% of respondents noted that cost savings are a major incentive for opting for frozen and refrigerated options, indicating a notable shift in shopping behavior.

Tricia Greyshock, President and CEO of NFRA, commented, “Maintaining New Year's resolutions can be challenging, particularly with hectic schedules and financial constraints.” The survey underscores how frozen and dairy foods can deliver smart, delicious, and value-driven choices tailored for modern lifestyles.

Smart Shopping Strategies for Families

Today's parents have transformed into savvy shoppers, as shown by the survey breakdown: 77% utilize pre-portioned ingredients to achieve family health goals. To kick off the year effectively, 52% of families use January as a month to reorganize their refrigerators and freezers, aiming to optimize overall kitchen space and efficiency.

Additional insights reveal that 50% are switching from traditional snacks to yogurt, promoting healthier snack choices. Moreover, 75% of families rely on frozen options, especially during busy mornings, streamlining their routines. Economically, 78% engage in bulk purchasing to manage their budgets while minimizing waste—a practice that is increasingly becoming standard among shoppers.

Generation Z and Millennials Transforming Consumption

A noteworthy observation from the survey is the shift in preferences among younger consumers. An overwhelming 86% of Gen Z and millennials seek out frozen foods to experiment with diverse global flavors, reflecting a culinary curiosity that drives their purchasing decisions. Notably, 88% of these consumers aim for meal preparation that takes 45 minutes or less, emphasizing the need for quick and efficient meal solutions that fit into their fast-paced lives.

The year-over-year purchase data indicates a consistent growth trajectory in frozen food sales, especially among the younger demographic, marking a significant cultural shift in food consumption.

Health Meets Budget: A New Reality

The survey results clearly illustrate that health and budget concerns are increasingly correlated. For instance, 67% of respondents affirmed that bulk buying serves as a critical strategy for managing their financial plans while combatting food waste—something every conscious consumer takes seriously. The most favored budget-friendly staples include:

• - Milk (52%)
• - Cheese (51%)
• - Yogurt (48%) (with a marked preference among parents at 55%).

Embracing Modern Lifestyles with Ease

Budget-consciousness is not the only trend shaping purchasing behavior; a significant 58% of Americans emphasized their commitment to healthful eating as part of their