A benefit to using glass jars for freezing is that they tend to be more airtight. (Just leave about an inch of space for the soup to expand as freezing, so the jar doesn't break.) When using plastic freezer containers, find the kind you can “burp” to release excess air.
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).
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.
The best types of containers for freezing soup are reusable glass, freezer-safe containers. However, if you are gifting soup, you can also use freezer-safe gallon-size plastic bags or Tupperware.
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.
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.
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.
Soups with a creamy consistency, like potato or chowders, might not taste good after freezing because it affects the texture and makes potatoes mushy.
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.
Jars with tapered sides or straight sides are freezer safe; shouldered jars are not.
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.
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.
“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.
Square Food Storage Containers
Since soup can be frozen in either plastic or glass containers, these BPA-free, quart-sized plastic containers are the ideal stackable option. They're one of the simplest, yet most functional, food storage containers available.
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.
I generally use quart-sized Ziploc freezer bags. Don't overfill the bags: Liquids expand as they freeze, so be sure to leave a little extra room to account for this. In a quart-sized bag, I usually put only two to three cups of food. In gallon-sized bags, I put about three quarts (12 cups) or so.
You can also try Souper Cubes, which are like ice cube trays but for soup servings. If you want to maximize freezer space: Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe quart- or gallon-sized plastic bags. Freeze flat and stack once the soup is fully frozen. (This is one of our favorite freezer organization tips!)
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.
Yes! In fact, mashed potatoes are of the most freezer-friendly potato preparations out there. The key is to coat your potatoes with plenty of butter and cream. The fat from the dairy will protect the potatoes in the freezer and help them retain their flavor.
Frozen foods remain safe indefinitely.
When refrigerated, soup that contains vegetables or meat will stay good for 3–4 days. If you're freezing soup containing vegetables or meat, you can expect that to last for 2–3 months in the freezer.
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.
Mason or Ball jars are very good for freezing, as long as you use the wide-mouth variety and do not fill to the very top. Leave a good inch at least for the contents to expand; you might experience some breakage until you get the hang of it, but it's a small price to pay for going plastic-free.