A 2025 survey by the Japan Frozen Food Association shows a slight rise in frozen food usage. The main factors were rising prices for fresh vegetables and convenience.
TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – A 2025 survey by the Japan Frozen Food Association shows a slight rise in frozen food usage. Women reported using frozen foods an average of 1.9 times per week, up from 1.8 last year, while men averaged 1.8 times per week, up from 1.7. Over 20% of respondents said their usage had increased compared with a year ago, with the most notable growth among 25–34-year-olds.
The increase in usage is largely linked to rising food prices. Many women have turned to frozen foods as the cost of fresh vegetables and other produce rises. Usage of frozen vegetables in particular rose by six percentage points. Respondents said that despite price increases, frozen foods remain essential, with convenience and the ability to save time and effort in meal preparation cited as key factors.
Experts highlight several advantages of frozen vegetables: prices are more stable than fresh produce, portions can be used immediately, and they are ideal for adding extra dishes or filling bento boxes. They are easy to store, helping reduce food waste, and can remain usable for one to two years if unopened. Surprisingly, frozen vegetables may even retain more nutrients than fresh supermarket produce. The Japan Frozen Food Association noted that fresh vegetables can lose up to half of their vitamin C and other nutrients within just half a day at room temperature, while frozen vegetables are briefly blanched after harvest and then flash-frozen, preserving nutrients.
To help consumers navigate both food prices and nutrition, the Kanto Smart Living Cooperative recommends purchasing frozen foods in portioned or smaller packages to reduce waste and simplify daily cooking. Mixing frozen vegetables with fresh ingredients can also help maintain nutrition while offering convenience, as long as proper storage is maintained.
One young woman buying frozen vegetables said, “Because the price of fresh vegetables has risen, I’ve started buying more frozen vegetables. They’re convenient and ready to use, which saves a lot of time when preparing bento or dinner, and I don’t have to worry about ingredients spoiling.” Another male respondent added, “I was pleasantly surprised after trying it. The vegetables were still crisp and refreshing, and you couldn’t tell they were frozen at all.”
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Kanto Smart Living Cooperative
PR Agency:
MERXWIRE INC.
Ada Huang
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SOURCE: Kanto Smart Living Cooperative
