Freezer bags are less likely to puncture or tear, and also slower to break down after long periods of time in the freezer. As a result, freezer bags keep food fresh for longer periods of time and prevent or slow freezer burn.
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 more durable... As a result, freezer bags keep food fresh for longer periods of time and prevent or slow freezer burn.
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.
Instead, store your food in durable bags or takeout containers. Saffitz points out one great reason to store in bags instead of containers: They take up less space in your freezer if you freeze them flat (not in a squishy lump blob), and they'll thaw quicker, thanks to the increased surface area.
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.
Zip-top bags are great for freezing food because it's easier to get all the air out of them than it is with rigid containers. And zip-top bags have an added space-saving benefit: You can stack them, if you lay them flat to freeze first.
Beeswax wraps are non-plastic freezer bags that are waterproof, reusable and an eco-friendly alternative to clingfilm and tupperware. They even break down in your home compost bin! Silicone may be a loose relative of plastic, but it's a lot more reusable (and therefore sustainable).
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 ...
THE BOTTOM LINE For storing food in the freezer, use freezer bags because they are thicker and thus better at keeping moisture in and odor out. For general storage, freezer bags offer extra protection but regular storage bags are slightly less expensive.
Look for BPA-free plastic containers with snap-on lids or silicone options that stay flexible even in freezing temperatures. Resealable freezer bags with double-lock zippers are also great for saving space while keeping air out. (Fill them as full as possible, then gently press them to remove as much air as possible.)
Wrap Your Meat When Freezing
While a vacuum-sealer is ideal for ensuring that meats are packaged correctly, you can get by just fine with double wrapping cuts of meat with freezer paper, aluminum foil or airtight zip-loc bags.
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.
Customers appreciate the freezer bags' functionality, size, and reusability. They find the bags work well for defrosting freezers and take up less space. However, some customers are unhappy with the plastic thickness. Opinions vary on freeze retention, value, and sturdiness.
In addition to preventing frost, freezer bags help maintain the freshness of food for an extended period. The material and design of the bags prevent air and moisture infiltration, reducing oxidation and water loss in the food. This, in turn, contributes to keeping the food fresh for a longer duration.
Though all plastic bags are relatively inexpensive, freezer-safe ones don't do a significantly better job at keeping frozen food safe—unless you're freezing something that can leak out easily or could puncture the bag.
Choose from Ziploc Freezer Bags Gallon, which are available in supermarkets, or LK 10” x 12” Gallon Heavy Weight Seal Top Freezer Bags (4 mil), which are designed for food service and available in bulk online. In reusable bags, we recommend (re)zip Gallon Bag 4-Pack and Ello Reusable Gallon Storage Bags, set of 2.
Proper packaging helps maintain quality and prevent freezer burn. Aluminum foil, freezer paper, plastic containers, and plastic freezer bags will help food maintain optimum quality in the freezer. Plastic wrap alone will not provide enough protection by itself, but can be used to separate foods within another package.
If you are using plastic bags, make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing them. Label the containers with the date on some freezer tape so that you know when the items were fully frozen. Most fruits can last for up to six months if they are stored properly.
Silicone (Stasher) Bags
Silicone bags are very similar in their purpose to Ziploc bags but can be easily washed and used almost countless times. They can be washed in a dishwasher and used in the microwave and freezer.
Freezer burn happens when frozen foods are exposed to cold, dry air, which causes them to dehydrate as the outer layers lose moisture. One of the most commonly recognized signs of freezer burn is the formation of ice crystals on the outside of food, making it appear frost bitten.
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.