Freezing food has always been popular. Even before electricity, many people would preserve food using ice boxes, ice houses, or simply digging holes in the ground for food storage. Putting foods in the freezer is a great way to preserve them or to stash leftovers. It can also be a great shortcut for easy meals.
If you like to keep your freezer stocked, you may be wondering which types of containers are best when it comes to freezing food. Generally, as long as the container is food-safe, you can freeze food in many types of packaging. The best materials for freezing food are those that preserve quality by keeping out air, odors, and moisture. Many types of plastic containers are suitable for storing food in the freezer, particularly when made of a more rigid, reusable plastic.
Disposable Design works with companies across the United States, providing them with custom promotional products for pennies on the dollar. We produce custom plastic cups and custom plastic deli bowls that can be used to store frozen foods like acai bowls, milkshakes, frozen yogurt bowls, and soft-serve treats. These bowls and cups can not only help you package food but can also help you make an impact – and grow your sales – through smart marketing. Reach out today to talk to a member of our branding team.
The Best Containers for Freezing Food
The freezer is a great way to preserve food. When you freeze food and keep it at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be preserved safely for a period of time. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), only food quality suffers from lengthy freezer storage.
Freezing keeps food safe by slowing down and inactivating the movement of molecules. This causes microbes like bacteria, yeast, and molds to enter a dormant stage. This prevents the growth of any microorganisms that can cause food to spoil and can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Of course, the freezer makes for a fairly harsh environment. Using the right packaging materials can help to protect the nutritional value, flavor, color, and moisture content of your food. If you don’t use the right packaging, then the quality of your food will deteriorate in the freezer.
Generally, packaging materials for the freezer should be:
- Resistance to moisture vapor;
- Durable;
- Leak-proof;
- Resistant to grease, oil, and water;
- Sturdy enough to not become brittle and crack at the low temperatures of the freezer;
- Able to protect food from the absorption of other flavors and odors;
- Easy to mark with the contents of the package; and
- Easy to seal.
Generally, food-safe rigid containers and flexible bags or wraps may meet this criteria. They will help to keep the air out and protect the food from freezer burn.
Are Plastic Containers Suitable for Freezing Food?
All plastics have a minimum temperature rating. This rating is the temperature at which the plastic will become brittle and its strength will be reduced – leading to cracking and breaking. Because water expands as it freezes, if you are putting any “wet” food into a container for freezing, it is particularly important that you use a plastic that can handle this pressure without cracking (in addition to leaving enough space to allow for expansion).
If you plan to use a plastic container for storing frozen food or beverages, you should avoid anything that is not temperature-rated for 0 degrees. For example, polystyrene – the material that is used to make Styrofoam – becomes brittle at 68 degrees and is very brittle at temperatures below freezing. For this reason, freezing Styrofoam containers is not a good idea.
In addition to picking a plastic container with a temperature rating suitable for freezing, you should also make sure that the plastic is food-safe. Generally, safe plastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and bioplastics made from renewable sources. You should avoid any plastics that may release toxins like BPA that can be unsafe for human consumption.
There are a number of plastic containers that are good for freezing because they can withstand low temperatures and are food-safe. This includes:
- Polypropylene (PP): A tough, durable plastic that is crack-resistant and food safe. PP plastics can tolerate temperatures from 0 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): A rigid plastic that resists cracks and does not become brittle in low temperatures. HDPE plastics can tolerate a temperature range of -100 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): A more flexible plastic that is crack-resistant and won’t get brittle in freezing temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures of -100 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
An example of a plastic container that can go into the freezer is the popular “twist and lock” style food containers available in many big box stores. Made of PP plastic, these containers are BPA-free and can withstand low temperatures.
Many disposable plastic containers and food packaging aren’t the best options for the freezer. While they are food-safe, they are often made of a much thinner, more flexible plastic that may crack in the freezer. For example, plastic tubs for yogurt and cottage cheese or plastic milk cartons will likely become brittle when frozen.
When it comes to storing food in the freezer, reusable rigid food-safe plastic containers are a great option. You can also choose flexible plastic freezer bags, plastic freezer wrap, freezer paper, and aluminum foil for freezing – depending on the food that you are putting in the freezer. Whatever packaging you choose, be sure to mark the contents and the date on the outside so that you can use it before it starts to degrade in quality.
High-Quality Custom Disposable Products for Less
If you run a food service business, disposable products – including plastic cups and bowls – may be essential to your work. Custom promotional products are a great way to advertise your business inexpensively and effectively while also securely packaging and storing your food or beverages. Disposable Designs sells a full range of custom products that can help you grow your business, from custom plastic cups to custom paper bags to custom napkins.
Disposable Design helps customers throughout the United States get the premium custom disposable products that they need at fair prices. We sell all of our promotional products in smaller quantities so that independently owned and operated businesses can afford to buy – and store – our cups, bags, coffee sleeves, and more. Our plastic products are made from food-safe, recyclable plastics – and we even offer compostable options as well as paper products.
To learn more about our plastic containers or to speak to a member of our branding team, fill out our online contact form or hit the live chat button at the bottom of the screen.
