A guide to buying frozen summer berries.

Frozen berries are a freezer staple for smoothies, baking and desserts. Here's how to choose good ones, and what to check before you buy in bulk.

01IQF or block frozen?

IQF (individually quick frozen) berries are frozen separately, so they pour freely and you can use exactly what you need. They hold their shape best and are the right choice for most uses. Block-frozen berries are frozen together in a mass, which suits purées, jams and sauces where shape doesn't matter, and usually costs less.

02Check the country of origin

Since 1 July 2018, most food sold in Australia must carry a country-of-origin label under the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016. For frozen berries, the label tells you where the fruit was grown or packed, so you can choose by origin. The reforms followed a 2015 hepatitis A outbreak linked to imported frozen mixed berries, which led to recalls and a national debate about origin labelling and imported food testing.

03Spot freezer damage

Shake the bag. IQF berries should rattle loose. Solid clumps suggest they have partly thawed and refrozen. Look for frost. Heavy ice crystals inside the pack mean moisture has migrated out of the fruit. Check colour. Berries should be bright and even, not dull, pale or darkened with juice.

04Know what you're buying

Strawberries: whole or sliced, and sizes vary, so ask for the size range if appearance matters. Blueberries: highbush (larger) or wild/lowbush (smaller, more intense), often sold by grade (see how frozen blueberries are graded). Raspberries: the most delicate, so look for whole fruit rather than crumble. Mixed berries: check the ratio, since cheaper blends can be heavy on the least expensive berry.

05For businesses: ask for the paperwork

A reputable supplier should provide a specification sheet (variety, grade, size, origin) and be able to trace each batch back to its source, with certificates of analysis on request. Consistent supply through the year matters too, since berry crops vary by season and country.

06Using frozen berries well

Smoothies and bowls: straight from frozen. Muffins and cakes: add from frozen, tossed in a little flour to reduce sinking and colour bleed. Sauces and compotes: simmer from frozen. Toppings: thaw briefly in the fridge, but expect softer berries than fresh.

See our IQF strawberries and blueberries.