Frozen food is defined as food that is stored at low temperature and used for a long time. The frozen food market is grouped into ready-to-eat, ready-to-eat foods, beverages and other frozen foods; by type of frozen fruits and vegetables, frozen meat and fish, frozen ready meals, frozen desserts, frozen snacks and other applications; and by distribution channel in supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online channels and others and Increasing frozen food demand in bangladesh day by day.
Frozen Food Demand in Bangladesh
The frozen food or convenience food industry, which started out by providing basic frozen vegetables and chips, today offers a wide variety of snack products, from plant-based snacks , vegan fast food to frozen meats and prepared products. With increasing consumer craving and acceptance, the frozen snacks market has witnessed healthy growth, complemented by the increase of stores and deeper penetration of organized retailers, as well as increasing available freezer space in distribution channels. Changing consumer lifestyles presents many opportunities for manufacturers in all industries. For some consumers, frozen foods are seen as inferior substitutes for fresh foods, which is one of the major limitations in this market.
There is a view that foods that are prepared a year or more before they are eaten may not be as nutritious. However, claims such as “frozen products can be as good as fresh products nutritionally” from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the International Food Information Council (IFIC). ) on the nutrient content of frozen foods changes. consumer awareness. Nutrients like vitamin C and folate can change with changes in temperature, while foods stored at different temperatures can lose nutrients. Because frozen foods are stored at stable low temperatures, there is no loss of these essential nutrients.The domestic frozen food market is also growing rapidly with an expansion of nearly 30% in 201112 compared to the previous financial year. Currently on the market is expected to be over 2,680 million BDT. Even if the current growth continues, the current market size will be over 3,400 million BDT.
Growing evolution : Frozen food demand in Bangladesh
With the rapid population growth in cities, especially in the capital Dhaka, and increasingly busy citizens – young adults, couples and the advent of nuclear families (with parents going to work) means an increasing demand for ready-to-eat meals. . City dwellers and households are gradually adapting to frozen foods (not only proteins like fish and meat but also vegetables). In addition, the marketing campaigns of frozen food companies in Bangladesh have spurred an increase in demand.
There is some benefits and side effects here
Frozen Food Benefits and Side effects
Benefits:
- In general, frozen foods retain vitamins and minerals and have no change in carbohydrate, protein or fat content. In some cases, frozen foods contain more vitamins and minerals than fresh foods because fresh foods lose vitamins and minerals over time, while freezing retains nutrients.
- Frozen foods can be a convenient and affordable way to incorporate healthy foods from all food groups, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy. In addition to the actual time savings, frozen food can be a boon for those with limited kitchen space or utensils. Not only can frozen foods be more affordable, but they can also help reduce food waste.
Side Effects:
- Basically, frozen food contains starch, which is added to keep food fresh for longer. The added starch improves both the taste and appearance of the food. Starch is basically a polymer, which is part of the glucose chain. Eating too many carbs can not only make your body susceptible to diabetes, but it can also damage tissues in your body.
- To keep food fresh for a long time, people put a variety of preservatives in it. One side effect of these preservatives is the risk of high blood pressure. Frozen foods are high in sugar and salt, which can lead to high blood pressure.
- Heart disease is another risk associated with frozen foods. Frozen foods contain large amounts of trans fats, which can not only clog your arteries but also put you at risk for heart disease.
- It also increases cholesterol levels in your body, leading to a number of heart problems.