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.
A snowflake is probably the most easily recognizable indication of cold, which makes it the perfect symbol to mark freezer safe kitchenware.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Glass: glass containers like mason jars are a great way to freeze soup, sauces, and stews; just leave an inch or so at the top to save room for the food to expand.
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.
Jars for Freezing:
It's important to note that not all jars are freezer-safe. Jars with tapered sides or straight sides are freezer safe; shouldered jars are not.
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.
Snowflake-looking symbol? That'll mean that the container is freezer safe. Look for this symbol when you're thinking of storing some delicious leftovers in the freezer (stew, soup and more). For meal-prep buffs, this should be the symbol to look out for!
Safe to use in the microwave, freezer and dishwasher, the TakeAlongs™ lid design allows you to worry about one less thing. If you hear the click, you know your seal is secure. To keep your new containers performing at their best, please read the following: Remove label and wash before use.
Can aluminum foil be used as a freezer wrap? Heavy duty aluminum foil can be used as a freezer wrap. Because it can be torn or punctured easily it is wise to use an overwrap. Light weight (household) aluminum foil is not satisfactory for home freezing.
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.
Food safe symbol
The international symbol for "food safe" material is a wine glass and a fork symbol. The symbol indicates that the material used in the product is considered safe for food contact. This includes food and water containers, packaging materials, cutlery etc.
The colder the temperature of your freezer, the safer it is. That's because cold temperatures reduce, or even stop, the growth of bacteria. So, although still cold, higher temperatures can allow bacteria to grow. It's therefore better to lower your freezer to -18°C.
Our borosilicate glass products can be put into freezer and can resist till -40°c.
If your Tupperware container has a snowflake symbol on it, don't worry about freezer damage—that symbol means it's freezer safe.
Square or rectangular, straight-sided rigid plastic containers make the best use of freezer space. Wide-mouth, dual-purpose glass jars made for canning and freezing are tempered to withstand extremes in temperature and allow for easier removal of partially-thawed foods.
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.
USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.
The bottom freezer drawer for frozen fruit and vegetables – peas, sweetcorn, broccoli, oven chips, berry mixes, etc. The middle freezer drawer for frozen meat, fish and dairy products – chicken breasts, chicken nuggets, beef mince, battered fish, salmon fillets, ice cream, frozen milk, cheese, etc.