This post is sponsored by the NFRA. All comments and opinions are my own.

It’s a great time to hit the frozen and refrigerated aisles at Publix…the Cool Food for Families promo is back at Publix! This is the perfect time to stock your fridge and freezer with all those tasty foods that make life so much easier!

Look for these great deals and coupons as part of the Publix sale valid through 10/25 at your local Publix –

Ripple Dairy-Free Milk, 48 oz $3.25
–$1/1 Ripple Dairy-Free Milk, 48 oz Grocery Advantage Buy Flyer “Extra Savings” In-Ad Publix Coupon (valid 10/12 to 10/25)
Just $2.25 after coupon.

Friendship Dairies Cottage Cheese, 16 oz, $2.50
–B1G1 Friendship Dairies Cottage Cheese, 16 oz Grocery Advantage Buy Flyer “Extra Savings” In-Ad Publix Coupon (valid 10/12 to 10/25)
$1.25 each after coupon.

Deep Indian Kitchen Item, Frozen, 7.5 to 10 oz, $4.39
–B1G1 Deep Indian Kitchen Item, Frozen, 7.5 to 10 oz Grocery Advantage Buy Flyer “Extra Savings” In-Ad Publix Coupon (valid 10/12 to 10/25)
$2.20 each after coupon

Armour Meatballs, Frozen, 20 to 64 oz, $7.99 +
–$1/1 Armour Meatballs, Frozen, 20 to 64 oz Grocery Advantage Buy Flyer “Extra Savings” In-Ad Publix Coupon (valid 10/12 to 10/25 
Just $6.99 after coupon.

Jones Dairy Farm Golden Brown All Natural Sausage, Frozen, 5 to 7 oz, $2.29
-$1/1 Jones Dairy Farm Golden Brown All Natural Sausage, Frozen, 5 to 7 oz Grocery Advantage Buy Flyer “Extra Savings” In-Ad Publix Coupon (valid 10/12 to 10/25)
$1.29 after coupon.

Bob Evans Side Dish, Refrigerated, 12 to 32 oz, $3.79
-$0.75/1 Bob Evans Side Dish, Refrigerated, 12 to 32 oz Grocery Advantage Buy Flyer “Extra Savings” In-Ad Publix Coupon (valid 10/12 to 10/25)
$3.04 after coupon.

Del Monte Veggieful Bites or Contadina Pizzetta, Frozen, 10 ct, $3.99
-B1G1 Del Monte Veggieful Bites or Contadina Pizzetta, Frozen, 10 ct Grocery Advantage Buy Flyer “Extra Savings” In-Ad Publix Coupon (valid 10/12 to 10/25)
–$0.75/1 Del Monte Veggieful Bites, any flavor
–$0.75/1 Del Monte Veggieful Bites 7.5 oz printable
$1.25 each after coupon.

Bays English Muffins, 6 ct, 2/$5

Land O Lakes Cream Cheese, 8 oz, 2/$5

Fage Greek Yogurt, 5.3 to 7 oz, 10/$10

Dairy Pure Milk or TruMoo Chocolate Milk, Half Gallon, 2/$5

Three Bakers Bread, Frozen, 17 oz, 2/$8

Reddi Wip, 6.5 oz, 2/$5

Wyman’s of Maine Fruit, 3 lb, $10.99

The Cheesecake Factory At Home Grand Cheesecake Selection, Frozen, 35 oz, $17.59

Coolhaus Ice Cream, Pint, 2/$8
–$1.50/2 Coolhaus Pints, Bars, or Sammies
$3.25 each after coupon.

Breyers Carb Smart Bars, 6 pk, 2/$6

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Cups, 4 oz, 10/$10

Busy moms and dads can certainly agree that the taste and convenience of frozen foods just can’t be beat! As dining habits and demands continue to change, the frozen food aisle is quickly expanding to meet those needs. With 3,700 frozen options to choose from, everyone from novice cooks and parents to chefs and foodies can create their own impressive food experience.

Plus, you can find exactly what you need no matter what you love. Whether you’re looking for vegan, ethnic, gluten-free, organic or antibiotic-free meat…the frozen food aisle has it all. Today’s frozen foods are created and tested by chefs and nutritionists using on trend ingredients and flavors.

For me, convenience is key! Frozen foods last much longer than their fresh counterparts. Use just what you need and put the rest back in the freezer for next time. You know what that means… less waste and more savings—that’s right up my alley!

• Many frozen foods are perfectly-portioned so there’s no waste.
• You are paying for 100% edible food – no stalks, seeds or rinds.
• Frozen foods are consistently priced year-round

Freezing is the best method for preserving food. I used to help my grandmother “put up” veggies every summer so we could enjoy all our favorite foods in the fall, winter and beyond. Today’s quick freezing process freezes foods in just minutes stopping the clock and preserving all the nutritional value, freshness and flavor.

So the next time you want to enjoy those fall cranberries in the summer or some tasty summer veggies for a smoothie in the cold of winter, you can! Frozen foods make it easy to enjoy nutritious, quality fruits and vegetables year-round.

Keeping your freezer stocked means delicious, quality foods are ready-to-use, making meal prep fast and easy. Be sure to look for lots of great deals when you shop this week at Publix. Stock up and enjoy delicious foods AND save time and money!

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of those tasty frozen & refrigerated foods you love.For the best food quality and safety measures, use the following tips when shopping, storing, thawing and cooking frozen and refrigerated foods.

SHOPPING TIPS

• Make the frozen food and dairy departments your last stop in the supermarket.
• Select frozen food packages that are clean and firm. Discolored packages and large amounts of frost may mean that the package has not been kept at the appropriate temperature during storage.
• When bagging groceries, pack all frozen food and refrigerated food together to help maintain their cold temperature.

REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER STORAGE TIPS

• Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40° F and the freezer at 0° F. Use a refrigerator/freezer thermometer to make sure the proper temperature is maintained.
• Put a purchase date on all frozen food products, then rotate foods, putting newly purchased items in the back of the freezer. Use products on a “first in, first out” basis.
• Don’t over-fill the freezer. The freezer should be about 3/4 full, leaving room for air to circulate around food.
• The best way to minimize freezer burn is to avoid temperature fluctuations within your freezer (e.g. make sure the door is kept closed and freezer is about 3/4 full.) In addition, ensure products are wrapped well, in air-tight packaging.
• Try to not open the freezer or refrigerated unless it’s necessary. When you do, don’t linger with the door open.

THAWING INSTRUCTIONS

• Most frozen foods are intended to be cooked directly from the frozen state. They are not meant to be stored in the refrigerator before cooking or eating.
• Do not refreeze thawed frozen foods for safety and quality reasons.
• Never defrost food at room temperature. Only thaw food in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave.
• Food thawed in cold water or in the microwave should be cooked immediately.

COOKING TIPS

• You should not eat frozen foods before following cooking instructions on the package.
• Be sure to follow the package cooking instructions for optimal food safety and quality.
• Use a food thermometer which measures the internal temperature of cooked meat, poultry and egg dishes, to make sure that the food is cooked to a safe internal temperature. See Safe Internal Temperatures PDF
• If your microwave’s wattage is lower than the wattage on the label’s instructions, it will take longer to cook the food to a safe internal temperature.