Research Has Validated Higher Frozen Food Storage
A study found that raising freezer temperatures to -15°C can cut energy use without compromising food quality.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Nutrition
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Would you trust frozen food stored at a slightly higher temperature if it saved significant energy?
Nomad Foods published a peer-reviewed paper in NPJ Science of Food confirming that frozen food can be safely stored at -15°C instead of the industry standard -18°C. This adjustment reduces supply chain energy consumption by 7%.
Why it matters
Reducing freezer temperatures globally aims to lower the high energy demands of the frozen food supply chain. The research provides the scientific basis for industry discussions on more sustainable storage practices.
The 18-month study analyzed 20,000 quality measurements across nine different frozen food categories. It found that the higher temperature maintained food safety, quality, and nutritional value.
The players
Nomad Foods
Nomad Foods is an international frozen food company that produces brands such as Birds Eye, Findus, and Iglo.
NPJ Science of Food
This is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes research on the science and technology of food.
The Move to -15°C
This is an industry coalition dedicated to optimizing frozen food supply chain temperatures to save energy.
The details
Researchers conducted comprehensive testing over 18 months to ensure that the 3-degree temperature increase did not negatively affect product integrity. By maintaining the same quality standards while requiring less power, the finding supports broader sustainability goals in the food industry.
Timeline
June 2024: Nomad Foods joined The Move to -15°C coalition.
September 29, 2026: The research findings were published in NPJ Science of Food.
The Big Picture
This study updates the legacy storage standards that have long dictated the energy footprint of the global frozen food sector. By validating a higher temperature, the findings challenge the necessity of the current industry-wide -18°C benchmark.
For consumers, this shift does not require changes to home freezer settings or grocery habits, as the focus remains on the industrial supply chain. Shoppers can expect the same nutritional value and food safety in their frozen products while benefitting from more sustainable production.
The takeaway
The research demonstrates that minor adjustments in industrial temperature settings can yield significant environmental benefits without sacrificing food safety. This development represents a key step toward improving the sustainability of the global cold chain.
Further reading
For more on industry standards and research, visit the Nutrition section.
Live Poll
Would you trust frozen food stored at a slightly higher temperature if it saved significant energy?
