10 Fresh Foods You Should Always Choose Over Frozen or Canned Options

While we’re all for the convenience of frozen and canned goods, there are some foods that simply taste and nourish better when bought fresh. For instance, we toss frozen berries into our blender for smoothies, as they’re frozen at their peak for a taste of summer year-round. A weeknight meal often begins with a can of chickpeas or white beans, and canned tuna or salmon is a lunch favorite. But when it comes to many other foods, freezing and canning can impact their quality or nutritional value, so they’re best purchased fresh whenever possible.

Leafy greens

While frozen leafy greens can be useful for dishes like Creamed Spinach Casserole, we usually recommend buying them fresh. Leafy greens have a high water content and many types are quite fragile, making them unsuitable for freezing. Once frozen and thawed, they become watery and lose much of their flavor.

Mushrooms

Frozen mushrooms tend to lose some of their nutrients and become mushy and flavorless when thawed. Similarly, canned mushrooms, which are usually packed in brine, can have a similar texture and blandness. While frozen and canned mushrooms work fine in soups or ragù, they’re not ideal if you're aiming for a crispy texture—mushrooms need to be completely dry to achieve a golden, crispy finish.

Oily, Soft-Fleshed Fish

Oily, soft-fleshed fish like mackerel and trout don’t freeze as well as other types of fish. If you choose to buy them frozen, it's best to consume them within three months to ensure the best quality.

Pasta

Canned pasta is affordable and convenient, making it a nostalgic option for many (shoutout to Chef Boyardee!). However, these canned versions are often packed with sodium, sugar, and preservatives, while the more wholesome alternative—regular dried pasta—is just as budget-friendly. You might even discover you enjoy homemade pasta dishes more than their canned counterparts.

Avocados

Only opt for frozen avocados if you plan to use them in smoothies, dips, or dressings. However, even in these cases, fresh avocados are still preferred. Once frozen and thawed, avocados lose their flavor and creaminess, making them unsuitable for topping salads or toast. In most cases, it’s best to buy avocados fresh.

Steak

We generally recommend avoiding frozen steak because freezing and thawing can cause the meat to become waterlogged, preventing it from getting that perfect sear on the grill. For freezing, moister, more flexible meats like ground meat are a better fit.

Potatoes

Raw potatoes don’t freeze well, often turning mealy and soft when thawed. However, if your recipe calls for a large amount of potatoes, frozen shredded potatoes can save you time and effort. But in most cases, we suggest sticking with fresh, non-frozen potatoes, as they are affordable, readily available, and incredibly versatile.

Coffee beans

Coffee beans are perishable and always taste best when fresh and fragrant. We recommend purchasing whole coffee beans rather than pre-ground coffee for the most flavorful brew. Additionally, since exposure to oxygen makes coffee stale, whole beans stay fresh longer.

Herbs

Delicate herbs like parsley, and more robust ones like rosemary, are best bought fresh rather than frozen. Freezing herbs causes them to lose their unique flavors and textures, making them less effective in dishes. Drying herbs, on the other hand, concentrates their flavor, making them more intense than when fresh. The takeaway: Avoid frozen herbs, and use both dried and fresh herbs in your cooking.

Burger Patties

We always recommend buying ground meat and shaping your own burger patties rather than buying pre-made ones. Pre-made patties aren’t always made from pure meat and can be unnecessarily expensive. Additionally, since it’s so simple to form patties from ground meat, the convenience of pre-made versions doesn’t justify the cost. For a more wholesome, affordable, and flavorful burger, make your own.