Breaking the ice on consumer resistance to frozen foods

Frozen food is expected to contribute around AU$596bn to the global economy by 2026. However, unless we can break the ice on consumer perceptions, much of this growth could be left on the shelf.

A recent study in the UK has explored the reasons behind ongoing consumer resistance to frozen food, despite the growth in global demand for sustainable and convenient food options.

The research, published in the British Food Journal, found that anxieties around nutritional quality and freshness fuel health concerns, which in turn drive resistance to buying frozen products.

“While frozen foods can be just as nutritious as fresh options, many consumers simply don’t believe it,” said Dr Muhmmad Waqas, Senior Lecturer, Portsmouth Business School, University of Portsmouth, who led the study. “Our findings show that these doubts not only reduce purchases but also prompt negative word-of-mouth — making the problem even harder to fix.”

Researchers used a two-stage approach, starting with qualitative interviews to identify the key concerns consumers had about frozen foods, and then testing these findings on a larger scale.

Among the findings, the study highlights that credible, positive information can significantly reduce negative perceptions, especially when frozen foods are seen as affordable options. Information credibility — meaning trusted, clear communication about the benefits of frozen foods — emerged as a powerful tool to counter scepticism.

The global food sector reached an estimated AU$15.22 trillion (£7.4tn) value in 2023, underlining the growing importance of consumer trust in food marketing. Yet only 43% of consumers believe commercial foods are healthy, and fewer than half trust food producers, according to recent European research. Frozen foods in particular struggle against negative perceptions, even though they are often more sustainable and less wasteful than fresh produce.

Young consumers were found to be especially resistant, with a 2023 survey showing nearly half (48%) of 16–24-year-olds in the UK preferring fresh over frozen options.

Drawing on innovation resistance theory, the study argues that consumers reject frozen foods not just because of habits or convenience but because of deeper conflicts with their existing beliefs about what is ‘healthy’ or ‘good’ food. Unlike theories that focus on adoption trends, innovation resistance theory helps explain why certain innovations — like widespread frozen food use — may face cultural or psychological barriers.

In particular, the study found that:

• Freshness and nutrition concerns are the key drivers of health fears.
   
• Health fears lead directly to consumer resistance to frozen food.
   
• Resistance strongly predicts negative word-of-mouth, damaging brand reputation.
   
• Credible information about frozen food can reduce negative word-of-mouth, especially when reinforced by messaging around affordability.
   

The findings have important implications for food brands and retailers. Tackling health myths about frozen food could not only grow sales but also help combat food waste, aligning with broader environmental goals.

“Frozen food has a crucial role to play in creating a more sustainable and affordable global food system,” said Professor Yuksel Ekinci, Faculty of Business and Law, University of Portsmouth. “But first, brands need to rebuild trust — starting with honest, transparent communication about the health and sustainability benefits of their products.”

The researchers call for new marketing approaches focused not just on convenience or cost, but on demonstrating the genuine health and environmental benefits of frozen foods — and doing so with credible, trusted voices.

“This isn’t just about frozen peas or pizzas,” said Waqas. “It’s about changing the conversation around what we eat, what we trust, and how we can create a food system that works for people and the planet.”

Image credit: iStock.com/VLG