Blast Frozen vs IQF Chicken Paws: What’s Better for Export?

When it comes to exporting frozen chicken paws, feet, wings, or whole chickens, the freezing method plays a critical role in quality, shelf life, and buyer satisfaction. Two common methods dominate the market: Blast Freezing and IQF (Individually Quick Frozen). But which one is better for international trade?

In this article, we compare Blast Frozen vs IQF to help you choose the best option for your export or import operation.

What Is Blast Freezing?

Blast Freezing is a traditional freezing method that uses extremely cold air, typically at -30°C to -40°C, to freeze large quantities of product quickly. The process usually happens in cold rooms or tunnels and is ideal for bulk freezing.

🔹 Advantages of Blast Freezing

• Suitable for large volumes

• Cost-effective for bulk packaging

• Deep, uniform freezing

• Long shelf life (12–24 months)

🔹 Limitations

• Products may clump together

• Slower thawing time

• Can cause cell damage if not handled properly

• Not ideal for individual portion control

What Is IQF (Individually Quick Frozen)?

IQF freezes each piece of poultry individually using cold air or cryogenic gases. This method is especially popular for products like chicken paws, wings, or diced meat, where buyers prefer easy handling and portioning.

🔹 Advantages of IQF

• Pieces remain separate — no clumping

• Faster thawing

• Preserves natural texture and appearance

• Better portion control for buyers

• Ideal for retail or food service packaging

🔹 Limitations

• Slightly higher processing cost

• Requires specialized equipment

• Usually used for smaller cuts, not whole birds

Which Method Is Better for Export?

Criteria	Blast Frozen	IQF Frozen
Product Separation	No	Yes
Thawing Time	Slower	Faster
Packaging	Bulk	Portion-ready
Shelf Life	12–24 months	12–24 months
Best For	Whole birds, large cuts	Chicken paws, wings, cuts
Cost	Lower	Slightly higher

Conclusion: If you're exporting to wholesalers or bulk buyers, blast freezing may be sufficient. However, if your customers require portion control, quick thawing, or retail-ready packaging, IQF is the superior choice.

What Do Buyers Prefer?

In key markets like China, Vietnam, and the Middle East, IQF-frozen chicken paws and parts are often preferred due to:

• Ease of handling and repackaging

• Better presentation and hygiene

• Reduced labor in thawing and separating pieces

Many importers now request IQF chicken paws for these reasons — especially when dealing with halal-certified and export-grade products.

Final Recommendation

For exporters aiming to build long-term relationships and meet modern buyer expectations, investing in IQF technology can give you a competitive edge.

That said, blast frozen poultry still holds value in high-volume, cost-sensitive markets. Choose based on:

• Buyer preferences

• Product type

• Export destination

• Handling and storage conditions

Need IQF or Blast Frozen Chicken Paws?

At Brazil Halal Chicken, we offer both IQF and blast frozen chicken paws — processed in SIF-approved facilities, halal-certified, and packed for international shipping.

Request a Quote or contact our team to learn more about custom packaging and freezing options for your target market.