The 7 Best Frozen Fruits to Always Have On Hand, Say Experts

We’ve all been there before: You buy a bunch of fruit at the grocery store, promise yourself you’ll eat it, and before you know it, the fruit has gone bad. Or, on the flip side, you’re craving an orange or some berries, but you’re all out. Though fruit is sweet and delicious, and one of the healthiest things you can eat — many fruits are high in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D, and potassium — it can be challenging to keep the right amount in the fridge all the time. This is where the best frozen fruits come in.

Obviously frozen fruits last far longer than fresh, and they’re still packed with nutrients. In fact, a study by the Frozen Food Foundation, in partnership with the University of Georgia, found that frozen fruits have equal or greater amounts of nutrients than fresh.

Plus, frozen fruit generally tends to be cheaper than fresh. And beyond being healthy and more cost-effective, frozen fruit can also help you cut back on food waste — no more having to toss out spoiled avocados or containers of moldy berries because you didn’t eat them in time.

If you’re looking for tips on which bags to buy and how to use them, we asked experts for their recommendations.

Related: Sign up to receive delicious recipes, expert advice, and shopping tips in your inbox!

1. Berries

Fresh berries, like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, often go bad quickly in the fridge. That’s why frozen is clutch.

“Frozen berries are a great way to get the nutrition you need without compromising on taste,” says Ashley Kitchens, MPH, RDN. “Frozen berries retain all of their flavor, color, and nutritional value due to being quickly frozen at the peak of ripeness. Whatever your dietary needs, frozen berries can provide a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that will help you stay healthy and energized.”

Add them to smoothies, blend into chia pudding, or make a sauce to top pancakes.

2. Cherries

No more waiting around for summer to enjoy cherries — just keep a bag in your freezer. “Cherries are high in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation,” says Kristin Gillespie, dietitian and certified nutrition support clinician.

According to a 2018 review in Nutrients, cherries may help reduce inflammation and positively affect mood. The same review found that both sweet and tart cherries may help improve the quality and quantity of sleep, too.

Gillespie points out that frozen cherries are a “nutritious and delicious addition to smoothies, yogurt, and baked goods.”

3. Banana

Extend the life of your bananas by chopping them up and storing them in your freezer, or just buy a bag of frozen diced bananas at your local supermarket.

“Frozen bananas are chock-full of fiber and nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and manganese,” explains Johna Burdeos, RD.

Plus, bananas may help improve heart health. They’re rich in potassium, which helps the body clear excess sodium in the urine. That, in turn, can be beneficial to blood pressure.

Burdeos points out that, similarly to berries, this fruit works well in smoothies, or on top of cereals and yogurt. “You can also thaw them and add them to baking,” she says.

4. Dragonfruit

You’re probably already most accustomed to seeing dragon fruit (also known as pitaya) in the freezer section, notes dietitian Jessie Carpenter. This colorful fruit, which contains antioxidants including flavonoids, phenolic acid, and betacyanin, is also a popular ingredient in smoothie bowls.

“It’s high in fiber, which can help control blood sugar, and it’s naturally sodium-free, which is helpful if following a low-sodium diet,” Carpenter says. It also boasts a high water content and is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

This tasty fruit works beautifully in acai bowls and is a bright addition to mocktails.

5. Mango

Known for their versatility and tangy flavor, mangos are some of the best frozen fruits out there.

“Frozen mango is packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber,” says Burdeos. “Eat as-is for a quick and healthy frozen sweet treat — I especially like mangos in smoothies because of their smooth and creamy texture.”

Mangos also work well in salsas and fruit salads.

6. Pineapple

Fresh whole pineapple, although tasty, can be tricky to cut, so why not get a bag of frozen diced pineapple instead?

“Frozen pineapple is a great addition to smoothies, as it adds a sweet and tangy flavor,” explains Gillespie. “It’s also high in vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme that can aid digestion.”

7. Avocado

If you find your fresh avocados are going bad before you can use them, pick up frozen diced avocados during your next grocery store run.

“Frozen avocado is a convenient alternative to fresh avocados that can be used in various dishes,” says Kitchens. “It has all the same nutritional benefits as fresh avocados, but it does not have the same shelf life, nor does it require the same amount of preparation.”

She points out that frozen avocado helps add a creamy texture to smoothies and salad dressings, or you can thaw it and use it to make guacamole and avocado toast.

Even better? This green fruit comes with a whole bunch of health benefits. “It’s an excellent source of healthy fats and vitamins A, C, E, K, B6, and folate, as well as magnesium and potassium,” she says.

Read next: 17 Best Healthy Freezer Essentials To Have On Hand