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.
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).
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.
After testing dozens of sets for our guide to the best food storage containers, we recommend the Pyrex 18-Piece Simply Store Food Storage Set. These durable tempered-glass containers stack well and won't pick up stains or smells. They're also safe to use in the oven, as well as in the freezer and dishwasher.
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.
If your Tupperware container has a snowflake symbol on it, don't worry about freezer damage—that symbol means it's freezer safe.
Our borosilicate glass products can be put into freezer and can resist till -40°c.
Glass containers for food storage are generally freezer-proof and leakproof, and they are made with a tight seal to prevent any air or liquid from coming into contact with food stored in the container. Most glass containers can move from the freezer to the microwave or oven.
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.
General Usage: Rubbermaid Glass can be used for storing and heating food. Glassware is freezer, refrigerator, and microwave safe. Use glassware for warming and reheating food in microwave oven and in preheated oven.
Polystyrene is considered brittle at 68°F and is very brittle at temperatures below freezing. High, medium and low polyethylene on the other hand, remains impact resistant at low temperatures. Polycarbonate and PETG also have low brittleness temperatures.
Both Zip Lock bags and plastic containers are effective for freezing food, but each has its advantages. Zip Lock bags are more space-efficient and allow for easy removal of excess air, which helps prevent freezer burn. They are ideal for flat, stackable storage.
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.
One plastic that would not make a good container for storing food in a freezer is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is not a suitable material for freezing temperatures as it becomes brittle and can release harmful chemicals when exposed to extreme cold.
Our Ziploc® products are suitable for food contact use for microwave defrosting and reheating, room temperature, refrigeration, and freezing. Remember, it's always important to follow each product's usage instructions. Furthermore, Ziploc® brand products are made in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices.
It is safe to freeze meat or poultry directly in its original packaging, however this type of wrap is permeable to air and quality may diminish over time. For prolonged storage, overwrap these packages as you would any food for long-term storage.
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.
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.
Understanding the material of a container can provide insights into its freezer compatibility. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are reliable materials for freezing, but polystyrene (PS) containers should be avoided. Coated or laminated paper may work for short-term storage, but standard paper is unsuitable.
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.
Foods that do not freeze well
Vegetables: Celery, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, peppers (especially green), potatoes (especially raw), radishes, sprouts, salad greens, cabbage and any other leafy greens.