If using glass containers, be sure they're made of tempered glass that can be frozen. If you're using any type of plastic, be sure it's BPA-free. I especially love freezing soup flat in zip-top gallon-sized bags, as I feel it's a more efficient use of (very precious) freezer real estate.
Go for glass or something reusable like silicone. Do you need an affordable and easy-to-store option? Plastic deli-style containers are a great choice available in a variety of sizes. Plastic, glass, and silicone are all suitable for freezing soup, though glass and silicone will likely last longer.
What is the best way to freeze soup? Cool down the soup completely. Choose airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Portion the soup into smaller containers or bags. Leave some space at the top of the container. Label each container with the date and type of soup. Freeze the sealed containers or bags.
To thaw overnight or during the day in the fridge, place the bag in a Tupperware or other container to hold the bag as the food thaws. To thaw in the microwave, place the bag on a dinner plate and thaw in bursts until you can break the food apart or wiggle it out of the bag.
When freezing soup, you can use whatever container you want as long as it's safe for the freezer and you leave the headspace as noted above. You can use freezer-safe containers made of plastic or glass as well as freezer-safe bags. There are also handy silicone freezing trays available made specifically for soup.
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.
Which soups don't freeze well? Soups with dairy: Soups with a high dairy fat content or cheese can become grainy and separate when thawed. If you're meal-prepping a soup with dairy, consider whisking in the dairy after thawing for creaminess.
It is safe to freeze your soup in plastic containers, so long as they're the right containers. Not all plastics are made equal. Always store food in containers that are made from safe plastics and do not contain polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or polystyrene.
Yes, it is safe to freeze soup in Ziploc bags. If you are going to freeze in ziploc bags use gallon or quart size freezer safe ziploc bags to maintain freshness.
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.
Jars with tapered sides or straight sides are freezer safe; shouldered jars are not.
If your Tupperware container has a snowflake symbol on it, don't worry about freezer damage—that symbol means it's freezer safe.
Okay, Containers.
If using glass containers, be sure they're made of tempered glass that can be frozen. If you're using any type of plastic, be sure it's BPA-free. I especially love freezing soup flat in zip-top gallon-sized bags, as I feel it's a more efficient use of (very precious) freezer real estate.
Glass containers, in contrast, are toxin-free, easier to clean, and safe for freezing and heating. Choosing glass food storage containers helps reduce exposure to environmental toxins, which is crucial for overall health and reducing the risk of chronic illness.
The best freezer storage containers to prevent freezer burn are those that provide an airtight seal and lock out moisture. Look for BPA-free plastic containers with snap-on lids or silicone options that stay flexible even in freezing temperatures.
Plastic and glass containers that are labeled freezer-safe are the best containers for freezing soup. You also want a container that makes it easy to remove frozen soup from, so silicone options are also favorable.
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.
When hot food is placed in a plastic container, there's a risk that heat can cause chemicals from the plastic to leach into the food. These chemicals, some of which may have adverse health effects, have raised concerns among both consumers and health agencies.
To thaw your soup, we recommend putting it in the refrigerator overnight or placing it in a bowl or pot on the counter for an hour. If you have frozen your soup in Souper Cubes, we recommend popping the soup cube out and placing it in a bowl or pot for thawing.
Frozen foods remain safe indefinitely.
Yes. It is safe to reheat frozen leftovers without thawing, either in a saucepan or microwave (in the case of a soup or stew) or in the oven or microwave (for example, casseroles and combination meals). Reheating will take longer than if the food is thawed first, but it is safe to do when time is short.
If you're still unsure or are unable to decipher the symbol, it'll be best to give the brand's customer hotline a call. Snowflake-looking symbol? That'll mean that the container is freezer safe.
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.
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.