Frozen Food Quality Maintained at Warmer Temperatures
Researchers found that raising freezer temperatures could cut energy use while keeping your food safe.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Nutrition
Live Poll
Would you trust frozen food stored at a slightly higher temperature if it saved significant energy?
A peer-reviewed study published in NPJ Science of Food has found that increasing frozen food storage temperatures from -18°C to -15°C does not compromise nutritional value or safety. This change could lower supply chain energy consumption by 7% across nine different food categories.
Why it matters
Reducing the energy intensity of the global food supply chain is a growing priority for sustainability. These findings demonstrate that industry standards may evolve without impacting the quality or safety of the frozen items stocked in your home or local grocery store.
This peer-reviewed research involved more than 20,000 quality measurements taken over 18 months across nine frozen food categories. The study compared product attributes at the current industry standard of -18°C against a warmer storage temperature of -15°C.
The players
Nomad Foods
A major frozen food company that produces brands across various European markets and joined the -15°C coalition to promote sustainable supply chain standards.
NPJ Science of Food
A peer-reviewed scientific journal that focuses on the integration of food science, technology, and health.
The details
Researchers evaluated how storage temperature variations affect food chemistry, safety, and nutritional content. By maintaining products at -15°C instead of -18°C, the study demonstrated that it is possible to achieve energy efficiency gains without degradation to the food's integrity. These findings suggest that the metabolic and physical processes that typically affect food quality at warmer temperatures remain stable at this slightly higher threshold.
Timeline
Nomad Foods joined The Move to -15°C coalition in June 2024.
The research paper was published on September 29, 2026.
Health Landscape
This study marks a significant step in re-evaluating the energy-intensive industrial standards of the global frozen food supply chain. It follows a broader trend of aligning food storage science with international sustainability targets.
These findings support the safety of frozen goods stored at slightly higher temperatures, though they are primarily intended to inform industrial supply chains. You should continue to follow your freezer's manufacturer guidance to ensure your home appliances maintain food quality and safety.
The takeaway
Science indicates that minor adjustments to freezer temperatures can significantly lower energy use without sacrificing food safety. When managing your home freezer, keep the unit operating at the manufacturer-recommended setting to best preserve the quality of your stored food.
Further reading
For more information on how to optimize your home pantry for safety and quality, explore our Nutrition section.
Live Poll
Would you trust frozen food stored at a slightly higher temperature if it saved significant energy?
