The Best and Worst Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables to Buy

You might think pre-cut foods—like diced, spiralized, or shredded fruits and vegetables—are a total win. But there are some downsides to buying pre-cut produce: higher costs, shorter shelf life, reduced nutritional value, and the potential for cross-contamination.

The Upsides of Buying Pre-Cut Produce

That said, let’s be honest—sometimes saving time in the kitchen is worth the extra cost. Plus, if buying pre-cut produce helps you eat more fruits and veggies, it’s probably a habit worth forming, at least for now. And let’s face it—some fruits and veggies are just a pain to prep, like fresh coconut and butternut squash.

Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, and author of The Everything Easy Pre-Diabetes Cookbook and The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club puts it into perspective: "We all wish there were more hours in the day. So buying pre-prepped veggies can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re pressed for time or working with a recipe that has a lot of ingredients," she says. "For example, pre-packed stir-fry veggies save a ton of time compared to buying each ingredient individually, washing, and trimming them. This can even save you money since you’re only purchasing what you need."

If you’re buying pre-cut produce, here are the best and worst options to choose.

The Best Pre-Cut Foods to Buy

Coconut
There’s a strong case for buying pre-prepared coconut. "A whole coconut can be a hassle to crack open, so if you’re craving fresh coconut meat, pre-cut is the way to go," says Harris-Pincus.

Pineapple
A whole pineapple can be a bit overwhelming to tackle. "Pre-peeled and cored pineapple rings are perfect for grilling or baking into desserts with no fuss," says Harris-Pincus. Pre-cut pineapple is also excellent in marinades or as a topping for salads and chicken dishes.

Pomegranate Seeds
"Pomegranate seeds are delicious, but getting them out of the fruit can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the process," says Harris-Pincus. "Skip the mess and buy them pre-packed." These seeds are a fantastic addition to salads, yogurt, cereal, bowls, oatmeal, and even fish.

Zoodles
Zoodles can be quick to spiralize once you get the hang of it and have the right tools. But if you don’t own a spiralizer, picking up a pre-cut pack of zucchini noodles is a convenient choice. If you find yourself using them often, you might want to invest in your own spiralizer. Explore our collection of Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle (Zoodle) Recipes for more ideas.

Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is packed with antioxidants but can be a hassle to prep. "This vegetable takes some serious effort to peel and cut," says Harris-Pincus. "Plus, they’re usually quite large, and you often end up with more than you need." Pre-cut cubes are perfect for roasting, soups, grain bowls, and a variety of other dishes.

The Worst Pre-Cut Foods to Buy

Mixed Berries
Mixed berries are delicate and don’t last long once they’ve been washed and sliced, so pre-cut and packaged ones won’t stay fresh for long. Plus, they’re usually much more expensive. "The quality isn’t nearly as good as fresh berries, so it’s better to buy them whole and prep them yourself," advises Harris-Pincus.

Citrus Slices
It’s better to buy whole citrus and peel it yourself. Not only is it easy, but you’ll get more nutrition from the fruit. "Citrus slices lose some of their Vitamin C once exposed to oxygen. If you're buying them to boost your immune system, opt for whole oranges, mandarins, or clementines," suggests Harris-Pincus.

Broccoli
There’s no need to spend extra on pre-packaged broccoli. "Precut broccoli and cauliflower heads are usually overpriced, especially since they're so simple to prepare—just give them a quick rinse, no peeling needed," says Harris-Pincus.

Cucumbers
Pre-sliced cucumbers tend to get slimy quickly, making them a poor choice for pre-cut. Plus, they’re easy to slice yourself at home. The same goes for bell peppers, celery, carrots, and other veggies commonly found on veggie platters.