This item is made of materials that are safe for freezer use. Please note that plastics are less flexible when cold or frozen and may break if dropped. Also note that water expands when frozen, so when filled to capacity the container could expand outwards.
Rubbermaid's Brilliance containers are affordable, durable, and is approved for use in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer. Plus, their crystal-clear design lends them a more expensive look than your typical plastic tupperware.
By far, glass jars are the best containers for freezing food. Glass is impermeable, meaning no staining or stink. Glass also won't leach toxins into your food like plastic does, plus it's 100 percent recyclable (unlike plastic, which is super complicated to recycle).
Room can be left in containers to account for this expansion but it is not always able to prevent damage to a container. Polypropylene and PVC are both plastics that are brittle at temperatures below freezing. Polystyrene is considered brittle at 68°F and is very brittle at temperatures below freezing.
- Plastic: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) are generally safe. Avoid thin, flimsy plastics. - Silicone: Food-grade silicone is typically freezer safe. Labeling: Check for any labels or symbols indicating that the container is freezer safe. Many manufacturers will specify this on the packaging.
Only put plastics in the freezer if they have a freezer-safe label. Single use containers, such as ice cream or milk cartons, should be avoided for freezer use. According to MSU Extension, use containers in the freezer that are moisture-vapor resistant, leak proof, and easy to seal.
FOR STORING LEFTOVERS IN THE FRIDGE & FREEZER: GLASS
For storing food in the fridge or freezer, glass, particularly OXO's set wins. The containers are freezer-safe so the glass won't break, leakproof with a tight seal (no mysterious liquids sticking to your refrigerator shelves!), and easy to clean.
Those materials can split, crack and sometimes even shatter when subjected to freezing. However, freeze grade plastics are specially designed to retain some flexibility while still retaining structural rigidity in freezing environments. Freeze Grade Plastic is moisture vapor resistant and has low odor absorption.
The best containers for freezing food
The key to ensuring your food tastes great after it's thawed is how you store it: Food stays freshest when it's frozen in airtight containers and thick, durable wrappings.
Our Ziploc® products are suitable for food contact use for microwave defrosting and reheating, room temperature, refrigeration, and freezing. Remember, it's always important to follow each product's usage instructions. Furthermore, Ziploc® brand products are made in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices.
The Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container is our top choice because it comes in multiple sizes, is leak-proof, and prevents microwave messes with splatter-proof vents. If you need a ton of tubs, but are looking for something budget-friendly, we recommend the DuraHome Food Storage Containers with Lids Combo Pack.
Glass containers for food storage are generally freezer-proof and leakproof, and they are made with a tight seal to prevent any air or liquid from coming into contact with food stored in the container. Most glass containers can move from the freezer to the microwave or oven.
Rubbermaid uses a clear plastic for the containers that suffers from cracks. This was put in the top of the dishwasher, and cracked in two places. The lids are amazingly good, but the clear plastic is likely damaged from heat on a dishwasher environment.
Safe to use in the microwave, freezer and dishwasher, the TakeAlongs™ lid design allows you to worry about one less thing. If you hear the click, you know your seal is secure. To keep your new containers performing at their best, please read the following: Remove label and wash before use.
LDPE — Low density polyethylene plastics are listed as the number 4 on the triangle code. They are used for a wide range of items such as dry-cleaning bags, bread and frozen food bags and squeezable bottles for mustard and honey.
Freezer Safe
If you don't see the snowflake symbol, avoid putting your new containers in the freezer. Extreme temperatures can deteriorate plastic, and if containers aren't food safe, this can cause chemicals to spread to food when the containers are taken out of the freezer.
Rigid containers and flexible bags or wrapping are two general types of packaging materials that are safe for freezing. Rigid containers made of plastic or glass are suitable for all packs and are especially good for liquid packs. Straight sides on rigid containers make the frozen food much easier to remove.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding plastic containers with codes 3, 6 and 7. Plastic number 3 contains vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC); 6 has polystyrene; and 7 can contain various plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA).
General Usage: Rubbermaid Glass can be used for storing and heating food. Glassware is freezer, refrigerator, and microwave safe. Use glassware for warming and reheating food in microwave oven and in preheated oven.
Food grade materials, such as aluminum foil, heavy freezer-weight plastic bags, heavy plastic wrap and parchment or freezer paper are excellent choices. It is safe to freeze meat or poultry directly in its supermarket wrapping, but this type of wrap is thin and lets air in.
Glass jars
Glass jars are perfect for soups, stews, and sauces. Next time you buy nut butter, pickles, or really anything that comes in a glass jar, wash it out and save it for food storage. If you're buying new glass jars, many popular brands like Mason and Ball actually have a plastic coating on the lid.
It is best to freeze milk in its original container, an airtight BPA-free container, or in tempered glass jars or bottles. Placing it at the back of the freezer will ensure its temperature remains constant.