Individuals who are following a low-carb diet should be able to find a variety of low-carb frozen foods in grocery stores. Low-carb frozen foods may include green vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, and spinach as well as frozen meats and poultry such as ground beef patties and chicken. Those who are interested in purchasing low-carb frozen foods should be careful to read ingredient and nutrition labels, as some frozen food manufacturers may add sauces or fillers that contain carbohydrates. In some areas, such as the United States, it is also possible to find low-carb frozen desserts such as ice cream as well as prepared baked goods. Some companies also specialize in the preparation of complete frozen meals that are low in carbohydrates.
Many people follow low-carb eating plans for a variety of reasons, including weight loss or stabilizing blood sugar. For convenience sake, many of them rely on low-carb frozen foods as a significant portion of their daily diet. The availability of frozen foods varies by area, but many modern supermarkets contain a full range of frozen foods that allow the low-carb dieter to purchase and consume a varied menu.
Some readily available frozen foods that are also low in carbohydrates include beef, pork, and poultry as well as fish. Shoppers should be wary, however, of purchasing some types of frozen prepared meat products like meatballs or sausages. This is because manufacturers may add high-carbohydrate fillers to their recipes. Sausages often contain sugar as well. If in doubt, it is wiser to purchase unseasoned ground meats that cooks can flavor to their taste at home.
Fruits and vegetables are often available in frozen form and can be less expensive than purchasing fresh produce. Most green vegetables, for example, are relatively low in carbohydrates. Fruits can be trickier, as many contain a fair amount of sugar. Some individuals do find that they can eat high-sugar foods, such as raspberries, in moderation without significantly affecting their blood sugar levels. Some people also prefer to eat unthawed frozen fruits, finding them to be most refreshing.
In response to the need for low- or no-sugar desserts, some companies now prepare various types of frozen desserts that are sugar-free or that do not contain added sugar. While some of these products are not low in carbohydrates because they contain flours, starches, or high-sugar fruits, some are quite suitable for a low-carbohydrate diet. These items will typically include scoopable ice creams and sorbets as well as sugar-free ice cream novelties.