Savvy Shopping: Why Frozen Spinach Is the Best Bargain for Healthy Eating + Easy Cheesy Spinach Pie Recipe

Want to know the best bargain in the frozen foods aisle? It’s frozen spinach in those handy 10-ounce boxes. You might not think much of it at first, but trust me, this frugal gem is about to become your new best friend—whether you’re making an Easy Cheesy Spinach Pie or sneaking extra greens into your meals. Ready for a game-changer?

Now, when I think of spinach, I can’t help but picture Popeye the Sailor Man. Every time he was faced with danger, he’d pop open a can of spinach, chug it like it was the elixir of life, and then proceed to flex those superhero muscles to take down the bad guys. Seriously, spinach was his secret weapon—a true “superfood” before we even started talking about superfoods.

And let’s be honest, spinach really is a superfood. It’s one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables you can find, packed with iron, cancer-fighting antioxidants, and vitamins A and K, which are essential for bone health. Fun fact: cooking spinach actually helps make those nutrients more accessible to your body. So yes, we should be eating more of it.

But here’s the thing:

Have you ever tried sautéing a giant bunch of fresh spinach? You start with a massive mound, and before you know it, it’s wilted down to the size of a sad little serving. Enter frozen spinach, where someone has already done the wilting for you and passed the savings right on to your shopping cart.

Let’s break it down with a little price comparison, shall we?

1 pound (16 ounces) of fresh spinach will cook down to about 1 ¼ cups of drained spinach—basically equivalent to a single 10-ounce box of frozen spinach. The price difference? Well, at the time of writing, a bag of fresh spinach (8 ounces) costs anywhere between $3.00 and $6.00, while a 10-ounce box of frozen spinach will run you about $2.00 to $2.50. That’s right—two 8-ounce bags of fresh spinach to match one 10-ounce frozen box will cost you anywhere from $6.00 to $12.00, compared to the frozen version at just $2.00 to $2.50. Talk about a steal!

But wait, there’s more!

Frozen spinach isn’t just cheap—it’s incredibly versatile. You can toss it into soups, stews, casseroles, or even hide it in meatloaf and burgers (your kids will never know!). Add it to smoothies for an extra nutrient boost, or top off your eggs with a little green goodness. The options are endless—just please, please don’t try to throw it in your salad. That’s just not its vibe.

And when you’re ready to take your frozen spinach to the next level, try this delicious recipe for Easy Cheesy Spinach Pie—a quick and hearty dish that’s loaded with flavor, protein, and, of course, plenty of healthy greens.

EASY CHEESY SPINACH PIE

Yield: 6 pieces Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes

What You’ll Need:

1 box (10 ounce) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained

4 eggs

1 container (16 ounce) cottage cheese

2 cups mozzarella or Italian blend cheese, shredded

½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

See optional ingredients below.

Here’s How:

Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Grease a 9-inch pie plate or spray with cooking spray. Defrost spinach and squeeze dry by wringing in a clean kitchen towel, set aside.

In a mixing bowl beat the eggs then add all the remaining ingredients, mixing until blended.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pie plate and bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set.

If you want to dirty a skillet you could sauté and add any (or all) of the following optional ingredients: ½ cup chopped onion, ½ cup chopped red peppers, or ½ cup sliced mushrooms.

So, the next time you’re cruising the frozen food aisle, remember this: for a nutrient-packed superfood that’s easy on your wallet, grab a box of frozen spinach. It’s not just for Popeye anymore—it’s a budget-friendly powerhouse that can elevate all kinds of dishes, from Easy Cheesy Spinach Pie to your next hearty soup or casserole.