Ingredient format

IQF

Individually quick frozen: each piece frozen separately, so the product pours free instead of setting into a block.

What it is

What IQF means

IQF stands for individually quick frozen. The fruit or vegetable is washed, cut to size and frozen fast, with the pieces kept apart while they freeze, usually by moving them through very cold air. Each dice, slice, berry or floret freezes on its own instead of setting into one solid block with its neighbors.

The practical result is a free-flowing product. You can pour or scoop out exactly the weight a batch needs and return the rest to the freezer, without thawing the whole case.

Freezing quickly also forms smaller ice crystals than slow freezing, which does less damage to the product's cell structure. That is why IQF product generally holds its shape, color and texture better once cooked. Many vegetables are briefly blanched before freezing to stop the enzymes that would otherwise dull their color and flavor in storage; fruit usually is not.

How it compares

IQF versus similar formats

The formats buyers most often weigh it against, and what actually differs.

IQF vs.
Block frozen
Block-frozen product is frozen as one solid mass in its carton. It suits a process that uses the whole block at once, but it has to be thawed or broken up before it can be portioned. IQF can be measured out straight from the freezer.
Not a format we currently list.
IQF vs.
Dehydrofrozen
Dehydrofrozen product has part of its water removed before it is frozen. IQF is frozen with its natural water content, so it is heavier per pound of finished ingredient and releases more moisture as it cooks.
About Dehydrofrozen →
IQF vs.
Frozen Puree
Frozen puree is the same fruit or vegetable cooked or milled smooth before freezing, usually in pails or drums. Choose IQF when you need identifiable pieces in the finished product.
About Frozen Puree →
IQF vs.
Prepared IQF
IQF Roasted, IQF Sautéed, IQF Riced and IQF Ready to Eat are all frozen the same way. The difference is the step before freezing: the product is roasted, sautéed, riced or fully cooked first, so that step is already done when it reaches your line.
About IQF Roasted →About IQF Sautéed →About IQF Riced →About IQF Ready to Eat →