Yes. You can use regular zip-top storage bags in the freezer. However, foods stored in these bags in the freezer might not hold up as well over long periods of time, and can be more prone to punctures and rips.
If it's something that will be used quickly, sandwich bags are fine. For items like meats or soups that you want to keep for longer, use freezer bags. In summary, while you can use sandwich bags in the freezer for short-term storage, it's best to use proper freezer bags for long-term preservation.
If you don't have freezer bags, you can use airtight containers, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap specifically designed for freezer use. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the packaging to prevent freezer burn.
Use "freezer" bags, not "storage" bags for storing food in the freezer. Freezer bags are thicker than storage bags and will keep the food fresh longer. Speed freezing and hasten thawing by freezing foods in a thin, flattened shape in freezer bags. A rounded shape takes longer to thaw through to the middle.
It can act as a re-freezable ice pack in a pinch. In the case of a power outage, it will keep perishables cool and is also an emergency stash of water. And a bag of frozen water in a mostly empty freezer will help your appliance run more efficiently.
There is one important difference that sets them apart: thickness. While they often look and feel pretty similar to other plastic storage bags, freezer bags are slightly thicker than regular zip-top bags. This translates into a storage bag that's sturdier and even more durable.
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.
If you are freezing food for a shorter period of time (2-3 weeks at most), you can wrap in unbleached butcher paper or waxed paper sheets or bags. Butcher paper doesn't seal the food as well as waxed paper, but it makes a good first-layer wrap. Double or triple for longer freezing periods.
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. The biggest enemies of frozen foods are air and ambient moisture.
Use the Right Gear: You must use containers, bags and wraps designed for the freezer. These are thick enough to keep moisture in and freezer odors out. Even when you double up regular sandwich bags or plastic wrap, they are simply not thick enough to do the job.
Ziploc® brand bags made with polyethylene are a great choice for food storage, but should not be used for sous vide cooking (boiling in water) as the softening point is 230°F and boiling point for water is 212°F.
The experts over at Ziploc told me that their freezer bags “are designed to protect in very low temperatures and harsh environments against punctures and tears.” So, in other words, while you can use a normal Ziploc bag to freeze food, chances are it won't escape the clutches of freezer burn and will be more prone to ...
It's a personal choice—glass is more durable and recyclable, but also more expensive. Plastic is typically budget-conscious and lightweight, but it's not exactly sustainable. Whatever your needs are, we tested the best freezer containers for soup, meal prep, and more.
The Double Wrap Method for Freezing Meat
Wrap the meat in saran wrap. Wrap the saran wrapped meat in tin foil—make sure it's wrapped tightly. Stick the wrapped meat in a freezer bag. On the bag, you're going to write the name of what it is and the date.
A: Freezer bag is heavier or thicker bag. In theory this allows for contraction/expansion without splitting the bag. Also, in theory, the freezer bag can have a better seal. Truthfully, the freezer bag makes you feel more secure, but there really isn't much difference.
DuoGrip Freezer bags help protect the nutrients and taste of food and liquids stored in the freezer. These resealable grip-seal bags are made with premium food safe 87.5 micron (350 gauge) polythene, with a special EVA additive to prevent cracking when frozen (up to minus 30 degrees Centigrade).
What's the difference between freezer bags and non-freezer bags? In short, freezer bags are thicker. How much thicker varies by brand, but Ziploc freezer bags are about twice as thick as non-freezer bags. This added thickness is supposed to help prevent tears and punctures, but it also increases the cost.
Wrap and seal food tightly: Foil, plastic wrap and plastic freezer bags help protect food from freezer burn. Try to remove as much air when wrapping to prevent freezer burn. Or if you're using food storage containers, make sure you've left enough space in the container for liquid to expand as it freezes.
Run to your kitchen right now and make frozen jello, starting with the original recipe. Just use the instructions on the package. Then when it's nice and firm and set, cut it up into squares and freeze it.
Fresh foods with a high water content, for example, become a soggy mess once defrosted. Eggs and many dairy products, on the other hand, lose their consistency to the point of becoming inedible once frozen.