How do I know if my container is freezer safe?

Author: Raymundo Howell  |  Last update: Thursday, July 31, 2025

A snowflake is probably the most easily recognizable indication of cold, which makes it the perfect symbol to mark freezer safe kitchenware. Some variations might indicate minimum temperature limitations to prevent mechanical damage to the product.

What is considered a freezer safe container?

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.

Can all containers go in the freezer?

Most food-grade containers can be frozen, but some work better than others. Filmy plastics and paper cartons won't keep moisture out for long. Meat sold on Styrofoam trays and wrapped in clingy plastic will deteriorate quickly and should be rewrapped in freezer or butcher paper or vacuum sealed.

How can you tell if a jar is freezer safe?

The way to tell which (Ball/Kerr) jars are suitable for freezing is to look at the sides. Straight sides are suitable for the freezer. Any (Ball/Kerr) jar with a ``shoulder'' cannot be put in the freezer safely but is a appropriate for canning.

What container material should never put in the freezer?

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.

How do you know if a container is freezer safe?

What is the symbol for freezer safe containers?

Freeze Safe Symbol: The freeze safe symbol, usually depicting a snowflake or a snowflake inside a triangle, indicates that the plastic container is suitable for freezing food items.

What are the safest containers to freeze food in?

Available options include non-toxic glass, BPA-free plastic containers or storage bags labeled as freezer-safe. Containers should be able to be labeled with the name and contents of the food items or transparent enough for you to easily view food items stored in the container.

Why are mason jars with shoulders not freezer safe?

Use only Tapered Mason jars without shoulders: Jars with shoulders can break due to the expansion of the liquid when it freezes. Tapered jars allow to reduce the pressure when food starts to expand during the freezing process.

Can you freeze food in Pyrex glass containers?

Our borosilicate glass products can be put into freezer and can resist till -40°c. All our borosilicate glass products have a thermal shock resistance of 220°C. That means that, if your Cook & Store dish is frozen to a maximum of -20°C then it can be put directly into an oven at a maximum of 200°C.

Can ball mason jars be put in the freezer?

Make sure to use only freezer-safe jars for freezing. Straight or tapered jars can be used for freezing. Jars with shoulders should not be used for freezing. Jars should not be used in the microwave or oven.

Is it better to freeze in glass or plastic containers?

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.

How to tell if Tupperware is freezer safe?

Is your plastic container dotted with a snowflake symbol or two? This means it's safe to stow your container in the freezer—a godsend when you've made a delicious pot of stew and want to keep it around for later consumption.

What container can I use to freeze?

Glass containers

Glass jars and storage containers are microwavable, dishwasher-safe and often freezable. This puts them among the best ways to freeze food without plastic.

What should not be stored in freezer?

Being able to freeze food and being pleased with the quality after defrosting are two different things. Some foods simply don't freeze well. Examples are mayonnaise, cream sauce and lettuce. Raw meat and poultry maintain their quality longer than their cooked counterparts because moisture is lost during cooking.

Are all Ziploc containers freezer safe?

Ziploc® Containers with lids feature easy-to-use, leakproof Smart Snap technology. They are BPA free and safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer and fridge (when used as directed). Use them to store food, organize supplies, or while on the go. Reusable and recyclable.

Is a stainless steel freezer safe?

Stainless steel is highly resilient to temperature changes. It can safely go from the freezer to the oven without any issues. This versatility is especially useful for meal prepping and storing a variety of foods.

Can a glass container go in the freezer?

Only if it says freezer-safe (usually tempered glass). Otherwise, it can crack and that's no fun. Also make sure to remember that liquids expand, and glass has no wiggle room, so if you're freezing in a freezer-safe glass container, you still want to leave a little room at the top.

Can you freeze in Tupperware?

A: they are definitely freezable. I never microwave in Tupperware...so I can't answer that part of the question.

How to tell if a mason jar is freezer safe?

Jars with tapered sides or straight sides are freezer safe; shouldered jars are not.

Why do my mason jars crack in the freezer?

While in this case we are freezing food in jars and not canning it, headspace is still needed to allow the expansion of food and liquids that occurs when frozen. Without the right amount of headspace, any kind of container, including glass, can break or crack if overfilled.

What is the best glass container for freezing?

“You really can't go wrong with trusty Pyrex,” says Ali Rosen, author of Modern Freezer Meals. “They stack great, have multiple colors for easier organization, and are the best value for the quality of any brand.” This set includes a variety of round and rectangular containers that nest nicely for storage.

Are all containers in the freezer-safe?

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.

What is the best freezer container for spaghetti sauce?

What Are the Best Containers to Use? Glass, plastic and even freezer-safe bags all work perfectly (just make sure the bags are heavy duty). No matter what container you choose, pick something that's airtight.

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