Freezer Containers
I love using my freezer to maximize my time in the kitchen and to help me waste less food, and these containers are a key part of the process. With just a few helpful items, you can preserve ripe food, save leftovers for a future week, batch-prep baby food or toddler meals, keep sauces on hand, and so much more. I don’t have a giant freezer, despite doing this regularly, and my biggest tip is to really and truly only freeze the food you know your family will use. Then, use the tips below to make it all easy! My Ultimate Guide to Freezing Food has everything you need to know about how to freeze specific foods, too.
How to Freeze Food Step-by-Step
Here’s the basic process of freezing food.
Freezer Containers with Lids
OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Leakproof Plastic Food Storage Container Set: This set is one that we’ve used for years, and I love having a variety of sizes. The tight-fitting leakproof lids are great. The set includes: (2) 5.7-ounce containers with lids, (2) 1.6-cup containers with lids, (2) 3-cup containers with lids, (1) 4.6-cup container with lid and (1) 6.2-cup container with lid. The BPA-free plastic containers nest and stack for compact storage. They can go right from the freezer into the microwave and then dishwasher.Ziploc: Look for Ziploc freezer containers in a variety of sizes at your local big-box store for one of the most versatile, affordable food storage options.ZWILLING Fresh & Save: This 3-piece set includes a few sizes and is one of my favorite storage container systems in general. It has a vacuum seal that removes air to keep food extra fresh. This one is also made with BPA-free plastic.Deli Containers with Lids: Available in a few sizes, these affordable containers are freezer-safe and so easy to stack.
Silicone Freezer Trays
Souper Cubes: This company makes amazing freezer containers in a range of sizes. I love the 1-cup tray I have (it comes with a lid). These are a go-to stackable freezer container.Silicone Ice Cube Tray: This ice cube tray comes in a 3-pack, has a removable lid, and has 24 cubes per tray. It’s perfect for storing portions of pesto and other sauces, baby food, leftover smoothie, and more.Plastic Ice Cube Trays: Any type of standard plastic ice cube tray can work to store sauces, dips, and baby food. Make sure to discard any plastic ice cube trays with scratches or that look worn, and avoid acidic foods, which can break down the plastic.
Best Freezer Bags
Ziploc Freezer Bags: Standard plastic freezer bags from the grocery or big-box store are a great option for freezing food. I particularly like how easy it is to store food flat, remove all the air with a straw, and seal and stack in the freezer.Stasher Silicone Freezer Bags: Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag, Bundle 4-Pack Small (Aqua) | Food Meal Prep Storage Container | Lunch, Travel, Makeup, Gym Bag | Freezer, OvenZwilling Vacuum-Sealing Bags: ZWILLING Fresh & Save 10-pc Assorted Sizes Vacuum Sealer Bags, Sous Vide Bags, Meal Prep
Best Food Containers for Freezing Baby Food
MyMilk by Souper Cubes: This half-ounce silicone tray comes in a 2-pack and is perfect for storing breastmilk, as the name suggests, but also baby food and sauces. The steel-reinforced rim makes the tray extra sturdy, and it’s freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe.Oxo Stackable Ice Cube Mold: This flexible silicone ice tray makes uniform ice cubes that are super easy to remove from the base. The larger size makes it perfect for food storage and pre-portioning out leftovers. It’s made from FDA-grade silicone; is BPA-free, PVC-free, and dishwasher-safe; and comes with a cover. WeeSprout 4-Ounce Containers: These BPA-free containers are a perfect size for baby food and are seriously durable. I love the ease of using these containers. We also have their glass containers, which are an option, too, if you prefer.
Best Tips for Success
Let any hot food cool before freezing. This reduces steam and moisture, which in turn reduces the potential for freezer burn.If freezing in a freezer bag, place the food inside, press flat, and remove as much air as possible to keep food fresh.Check the package for information on whether the container can go into the microwave or oven.Freeze food in the portions that you most typically use them—1 or 2 cups of grains for a family, ½ cup of sauce, 1 cup shredded zucchini for baked goods, etc.Refer to my Guide to Freezing Food for more specifics on individual foods.
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