The Move to -15°C Coalition has published research showing that Britain’s relationship with frozen food is “fast-changing” as people prioritise cost, waste saving and sustainability.
The study of more than 2,000 UK adults found that nearly one in three people (29%) are using more frozen food than they were three years ago.
It found that:
- 96% see it as good value
- 94% see it as convenient
- 91% see it as a way to reduce food waste
The Move to -15°C, a global coalition of more than 50 members across the cold chain, is working to reduce carbon emissions by raising the frozen food temperature standard across the supply chain from –18°C to –15°C. It said this was a small change that “could save 17.7 million tonnes of CO₂ annually”, which it said was equivalent to removing 3.8 million cars from the road.
The Coalition’s work is grounded in a number of studies that suggest that increasing the frozen food temperature set point from -18°C to -15°C does not compromise food safety across a range of products, with microbial activity remaining inactive below -12°C, and has no significant impact on taste, texture or nutrition.
Sandra Roling, managing director of the Move to -15°C Coalition, said: “This research shows that consumers are aligned with the coalition’s purpose: they want smarter, more sustainable freezing that doesn’t compromise quality or safety. Every degree counts and with modern technology, data, and cross-sector collaboration, we can make a meaningful impact.”
The coalition’s members are now collaborating on pilot programmes across the UK and internationally, which will compare products stored and transported at -18°C and -15°C, collecting data and shared scientific evidence to inform future policy.
Roling continued: “A change in global temperature standards will only work if everyone moves together, from ports to plates. The UK pilot phase is about building proof, trust and momentum. It’s a small technical shift with a big environmental return.”
The findings come as the Coalition builds its pilot programmes to demonstrate the safety, energy and cost benefits of the move in practice. Results inform a wider campaign of engagement with policymakers, regulators and industry leaders.
