Looking to refresh your freezer and stock it with healthy items to make simple, delicious meals? In this post, I’ll share my freezer essentials and provide you with plenty of ideas!
Almost a year ago, I shared my Pantry Essentials with you all – and that has been vital to refer back to as I build my new pantry here in Berkeley. Shopping for essentials can be expensive all in one go, but over time, stocking your kitchen with these types of supplies are cost-effective.
There are many nights I am craving a certain type of food and am able to make some variation (healthy veggie fried rice, Japanese ramen, or some type of Mexican) with my pantry and freezer goods instead of eating out.
Beyond your pantry, your freezer should be your best friend for quick meals! I have linked ways to use the ingredients so you can find recipes associated with them. Check out my favorites below, and share your own in the comments.
How To Stock Your Freezer for Healthy Eating
Frozen Vegetables
- French green beans
- Broccoli or cauliflower florets
- Fire roasted corn
- Shelled soybeans (edamame)
- Veggie mix for fried rice
Frozen Fruit
- Peeled and chunked bananas
- Assorted berries (strawberries, blueberries, cherries)
- Ground flaxseed meal (for smoothies, baking)
- Spinach cubes (just blend spinach and water and freeze in ice cube tray)
Frozen Prepared Foods
- Cooked lentils and chickpeas
- Veggie burgers or salmon burgers
- Leftovers! Pack extra servings in containers and freeze
- Cooked brown rice packets
Frozen Meat
- Whole chickens for roasting and making broth
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Ground beef
- Ground chicken or turkey
- Seafood – salmon, mahi mahi or haddock, etc.
Frozen Prepared Foods
- Cooked lentils and chickpeas
- Veggie burgers
- Leftovers! Pack extra servings in tupperware and freeze
- Cooked brown rice packets
- Breakfast burritos
Other
As you can tell, some of my favorite freezer staples come out of meal prepping – anytime I cook beans, grains, lasagna, soups, or other big meals, I do my best to save some portions!
What are some of your freezer essentials?
Marisa
Emily @ Sinful Nutrition says
I always have chia seeds, ground flax, frozen veggies, and almond milk ice cubes for smoothies!
Marisa says
Almond milk ice cubes are a great idea! Love that, Emily!
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says
There’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to make something and not having an ingredient that can be in your freezer! I keep a lot of protein in my freezer – chicken breasts, seafood and veggie burgers!
Marisa says
Definitely! I should keep chicken in there too – I’m always running to the store when I need some.
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
I always love seeing what other people stock in their fridge and freezer! I have many of the same freezer essentials: corn, dr praeger’s veggie burgers (my kids eat them multiple times a week for lunch), berries, lentils, Tj’s beets, edamame, ice cream 😉 and of course leftover soups, stews, casseroles
Marisa says
Right?! It’s something we are all inherently curious about 🙂 And yes – I need some ice cream in there too!!
Kalee says
I love the idea of freezing herbs (especially cilantro!). I’m always running to the store at the last minute to grab fresh herbs!
Marisa says
Yes! These herb cubes are the best! I’ve found them at Trader Joe’s and Sprouts but you can make your own version too if you have summer herbs or stock up at the grocery store!
Hillary says
I need to try those dark chocolate honey mints stat!!
Marisa says
They’re soo good! Amy from The Little Honey Bee turned me onto them!