Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
A kidney-friendly diet rich in vegetables is important for managing Chronic Kidney Disease in a healthy way. But are fresh vegetables better for you than frozen vegetables when you have CKD? Let’s look into both options to determine which one is best for CKD.
Nutritional Differences Between Fresh and Frozen Vegetables for Chronic Kidney Disease
Contrary to popular belief, frozen vegetables are actually just as nutritious as fresh vegetables. Studies show that frozen vegetables have similar nutrient levels as fresh vegetables. This is likely because frozen vegetables are picked at their peak ripeness and frozen shortly after.
There are some recent studies that show that certain vitamins and minerals are actually retained better in frozen vegetables, but this depends on how long you are storing your fresh vegetables for too. If you hold on to your produce for longer periods of time, it may be a better option to buy frozen vegetables.
Benefits of Frozen Vegetables vs. Fresh Vegetables for Chronic Kidney Disease
Ultimately, whether you choose fresh or frozen vegetables is up to your personal preference, especially since they have similar nutrient values. With that being said, there may be more benefits to buying frozen vegetables when you have CKD.
Frozen vegetables may taste better than fresh: Most frozen vegetables are picked and frozen at their peak ripeness, making them riper than some fresh vegetables you may find in the grocery store. When certain fresh vegetables are not in season and don’t look or taste great, try choosing frozen vegetables instead as they may taste better!
Frozen vegetables can be easier to cook with: Using frozen vegetables is a great way to make eating veggies so much easier! Frozen vegetables typically don’t require much prep work. This means that you can just add them to your recipe without having to cut and chop much else.
Frozen Vegetables for Your Budget
Frozen vegetables can be more budget-friendly: Frozen vegetables are often less expensive than fresh vegetables, making them a more cost-effective staple. For example, at Walmart , 12 ounces of frozen broccoli costs $1.16 while 12 ounces of fresh broccoli costs $2.61. While the difference may not seem large, this can add up quickly when buying multiple bags or servings of vegetables. Frozen vegetables also last longer, allowing you to go longer between grocery trips.
The Bottom Line for Frozen vs. Fresh Vegetables for Chronic Kidney Disease
Vegetables should be included in a kidney-friendly diet as they offer many health benefits like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When it comes down to it, fresh and frozen vegetables are both great options nutritionally. In terms of budget and taste, frozen vegetables might be a better option for you.
Ultimately, It can help to choose what is easiest and tastiest for you, so that you can get a variety of vegetables that you actually enjoy in your CKD diet! Check out some of my favorite kidney-friendly vegetable recipes below. Remember that you can tailor these recipes to your specific needs.
CKD-friendly vegetable recipes
- Vegetable stir fry
- Roasted frozen vegetables
- Cauliflower rice
- Garlicky ginger eggplant
- Roasted veggie barley bowl
- Vegetable stew
- Pesto and roasted vegetable pasta
- Quinoa with peas and onions
- Zesty sugar snap peas
References: