The Surprising Frozen Food You Should Always Buy at Sam's Club

You know fruit is good for you. You also know, that two pints of blueberries and a few fresh mangoes later, and you're looking at a serious chunk of change.

That's why it's ideal to stock up on fruit in an unexpected place: the frozen food aisle. But when you buy frozen fruit at conventional supermarkets, chances are you're slinging 10-ounce (or so) bags o'blueberries into your cart. That's about, oh, three smoothies and one serving of oatmeal worth. Sigh.

Since frozen fruit lasts for months in your freezer, consider picking them up at a bulk retailer. Many offer impressive deals that get the cost-per-serving down below what it would cost if you bought a standard-sized bag of frozen fruit, and markedly less than fresh fruit's retail price. Sam's Club, in particular, offers some impressive bargains: Member's Mark frozen strawberries, blueberries, mango, and "Triple Berry Blend" retail between $7.48 - $8.98 for four-pound bags.

Of course, frozen fruit isn't a swap for fresh fruit in all situations, but frozen fruit certainly has its perks. "There's guaranteed consistency in size, quality experience due to closely monitored product specification," says Jeff Ferrell, Merchant, Frozen Foods at Sam’s Club. "The fruit is frozen at peak ripeness, which locks in flavor and nutrients for a consistent and quality eating experience." Ferrell also notes that the convenience-factor is nice, since you don't have to worry about spoilage or waste like you do with fresh fruit.

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Well, it's settled, it's officially Smoothies Day at our residence. Now the only question left is shall we blend up a Triple Berry Delight or Mango Bliss?