Can You Put Plastic Tupperware in the Freezer?
When it comes to freezer food storage and keeping food fresh, many people turn to plastic Tupperware containers.
These versatile storage solutions have been a staple in households for years, owing to their durability and convenience.
But, can you put plastic Tupperware in the freezer to preserve your food for longer periods?
Whether storing cookie dough, ice cream, leftover spaghetti, or any other kind of food the answer is yes!
Freezing food in plastic Tupperware is not only safe but also a great way to extend the shelf life of foods for long periods of time.
However, an important step is to ensure that the Tupperware you’re using is marked as freezer-safe.
Some Tupperware has a snowflake symbol on the bottom of the container. This is the easiest way to indicate suitability for freezer use and extreme temperatures.
And freezing liquids in Tupperware, remember to leave a 1-inch gap at the top. This allows for expansion as the liquid freezes, and avoids taking up too much space.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively utilize plastic Tupperware in the freezer in the safest way possible.
This will reduce food waste and save time in your busy schedule.
Benefits of Freezing Food in Tupperware
Tupperware offers several advantages when it comes to freezing food.
Plastic Tupperware containers can help preserve food quality, extend the shelf life for later use, and provide convenience, and reusability.
Preserving Food Quality
Freezing food in Tupperware can help maintain its quality and good condition by protecting it from the harsh conditions of the freezer.
The tight-fitting lids avoid excess air from coming in, preventing freezer burn. The lids also shield the food from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Using Tupperware for freezing is particularly beneficial for preserving the integrity and structure of the food stored in them, unlike other storage methods such as plastic bags, which are not as environmentally friendly.
Extended Shelf Life
One of the main reasons people freeze food is to extend its shelf life for a long time.
The low temperature when freezing food can make it last much longer without spoiling. It also helps with retaining its taste and texture for a longer period compared to storing it at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Freezing food in Tupperware ensures that the food is well-preserved, making it possible to enjoy your favorite meals at a later time without compromising their quality.
Convenience
Tupperware containers are convenient for freezing food because they come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to cater to different amounts and types of food.
Additionally, Tupperware is easy to stack in your freezer, which helps keep your freezer organized and optimize space usage.
Since Tupperware is designed for freezing food, it is also easy to clean and care for, making it a practical choice for busy households.
It is the best option for people who like doing meal prep or are cautious of portion control.
You can use small containers to store small portions of each meal you want to save throughout the week.
Reusability
One of the most significant benefits of using Tupperware for freezing food is its reusability.
Tupperware containers are durable and can be used over and over again, helping to reduce waste by replacing single-use containers or plastic bags.
Eco-friendly Tupperware allows you to avoid using plastic wraps by storing food with a lid, ultimately contributing to a healthier planet.
Types of Tupperware Containers
Plastic Tupperware
Plastic food storage containers are one of the most common types of food storage containers.
These containers are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for everyday use.
You can put the reusable plastic containers in the freezer. However, make sure your Tupperware is designed to handle freezing temperatures, as not every type of plastic container is made equal.
While there are some safe plastics, others may become brittle or crack in cold temperatures.
It’s essential to use freezer-safe Tupperware the right way when storing food in the freezer.
Glass Tupperware
Glass Tupperware is another excellent type of container for food storage.
It’s heavier than plastic but offers better durability and resistance to temperature changes.
Glass containers can be safely used in the freezer, as they are less likely to become damaged in the freezing process.
Additionally, glass Tupperware is typically safe for use in the oven, allowing for versatile food storage and reheating options.
BPA-free
BPA, or bisphenol A, is a toxic chemical that has been linked to health concerns, prompting many consumers to seek out BPA-free alternatives.
Many Tupperware products, and types of plastic, especially those made after 2010, are now BPA-free plastics.
When choosing Tupperware containers for food storage, it is crucial to look for the BPA-free label to ensure that you are using safe and healthy products.
Microwave-safe
Microwaving food in Tupperware containers is a common practice, as it allows for quick and easy reheating.
Some microwaves even have a defrost setting for cooking foods. This can help speed up the process of heating up and serving hot food while still maintaining good quality.
However, it’s essential to make sure your Tupperware is microwave-safe before using it in the microwave oven.
Most Tupperware containers can be microwaved, but always check for a microwave-safe symbol on the container, usually denoted by a series of squiggly lines.
If the container does not indicate it is microwave safe, place your frozen food in a microwave-safe bowl before heating it up.
In summary, there are several types of Tupperware containers available, including plastic, glass, BPA-free, and microwave-safe options.
It’s essential to choose the appropriate container for your needs and ensure that they are suitable for a specific use, whether it’s freezing, microwaving, or simply storing food.
Choosing the Right Tupperware for Freezing
When it comes to freezing food, the most important thing is selecting the right container. It is essential for preserving the quality and flavor of your meals.
This section covers the key factors to consider when choosing the best containers for you, including materials, airtight lids and seals, and size or shape considerations.
Freezer-safe Materials
There are a variety of materials that are a good idea to use for freezer use. Each are an excellent choice and provides different benefits depending on your needs:
- Polyethylene (PE): This common plastic material is often used in Tupperware and offers good long-term freezing capabilities.
- Polypropylene (PP): Another common plastic, polypropylene is typically microwave-friendly as well as freezer-safe.
- Silicone: A flexible and durable material, silicone containers are excellent for freezing, as they can withstand high and low temperatures without warping.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): A softer plastic type, LDPE can handle low temperatures but may not offer the same durability as other materials.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE offers strong durability, resistance to cold temperatures, and is widely used in various Tupperware options.
- Tritan Plastic: A relatively new high-quality plastic material, Tritan plastic is known for its durability, shatter-resistance, and suitability for freezing.
Airtight Plastic Containers
An essential feature of freezer-safe Tupperware is airtight lids and seals. The tight-sealing lid ensures your food stays fresh and protected from freezer burn or ice crystals formation.
Tupperware explicitly designed for freezing will often have a snowflake symbol on the bottom, indicating its freezer compatibility.
When selecting Tupperware for freezing, choose an airtight container with lids that seal tightly and are made from durable plastics, such as HDPE or Tritan plastic.
This means they will withstand low temperatures. The airtight plastic containers will also maintain their effectiveness by avoiding a large amount of air from coming.
This will leave you with the best results while freezing.
Size and Shape Considerations
The best thing about it is that Tupperware brands offer many different sizes and shapes for all types of foods. From a circular container to a rectangular container, they have many options. When choosing Tupperware for freezing, consider the size and shape of the containers to ensure that they:
- Fit appropriately in your freezer, with stackable designs for larger containers to achieve optimal space efficiency.
- Allow for food expansion during freezing: leave about an inch of room at the top, especially for liquid-based foods.
- Suit the type of food being stored, with containers in the right size to accommodate diverse meal options.
By considering these factors, you can select the best Tupperware options for your freezer, ensuring your food remains fresh and full of flavor for future consumption.
Preventing Freezer Burn and Leakage
Properly Storing Food
One of the main reasons to use plastic Tupperware in the freezer is to keep food fresh and avoid freezer burn.
The best way to prevent freezer burn is to make sure the lid is tightly sealed, keeping the air out.
Press-on lids should be completely sealed, while screw-on lids should be on properly and tight.
If you don’t have freezer-safe Tupperware, consider using alternatives like plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Make sure the Tupperware is freezer-safe.
- Use a tight-fitting lid or alternative wrapping materials.
- Store food in smaller portions for easy retrieval.
Using Vacuum Sealers and Freezer Bags
Vacuum sealers are an effective way to store food in the freezer, as they remove air from the bag, preventing freezer burn. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, freezer bags can also be an excellent substitute.
These bags are designed to handle low temperatures and effectively store food in the freezer. When using freezer bags, press out as much air as possible before sealing them to reduce the risk of freezer burn.
- Use vacuum sealers or freezer bags for optimal food storage.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Ensure bags are specifically designed for freezer storage.
Avoiding Overfilling
To prevent potential leakage when freezing liquids in Tupperware, it’s important to avoid overfilling the container.
Liquids expand as they freeze, and overfilling may cause the container to crack or leak. Leave some space in the container to allow for expansion during the freezing process.
- Leave space for expansion when freezing liquids.
- Overfilling may cause container cracks or leaks.
- Monitor your freezer’s temperature to ensure proper freezing conditions.
In conclusion, properly storing food, using vacuum sealers or freezer bags, and avoiding overfilling Tupperware can help prevent freezer burn and leakage.
Following these guidelines will ensure your food stays fresh and maintains its quality when frozen in plastic Tupperware.
Freezing Specific Foods in Tupperware
Meats and Poultry
Freezing meats and poultry in Tupperware is a practical method to preserve the freshness and quality of the food.
When storing fresh meat like chicken, beef, or pork, ensure it is fully wrapped, removing as much air as possible before placing it into the Tupperware container.
It is crucial to use freezer-safe Tupperware to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the food.
Soups, Stews, and Casseroles
Tupperware is also suitable for freezing soups, stews, and casseroles. To freeze these types of dishes:
- Allow the dish to cool completely to avoid the formation of condensation inside the container.
- Use a freezer-safe Tupperware container with an airtight lid.
- Leave about an inch of space at the top of the container to accommodate for expansion during freezing.
Fruits and Vegetables
Freezing fresh fruit and vegetables in Tupperware is an effective way to preserve their nutrients and flavor. For fruits like strawberries and other berries, you can:
- Wash them thoroughly and pat dry.
- Spread them out on a tray, and pre-freeze before transferring them to the Tupperware container.
For vegetables, it is best to blanch or steam them before freezing. Then, let them cool and transfer to a freezer-safe Tupperware container.
Rice and Pasta Dishes
When freezing rice and pasta dishes such as spaghetti, lasagna, or other cooked dishes, follow these steps:
- Allow the dish to cool entirely before transferring it to a Tupperware container.
- For pasta dishes like lasagna, you may want to pre-portion it into individual servings before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe Tupperware container with an airtight lid.
By following the appropriate steps for each food type, you can confidently and safely store your foods in Tupperware containers within the freezer, ensuring they maintain their quality and taste for future consumption.
Alternative Freezing Solutions
Glass and Metal Containers
One option for freezing food without plastic Tupperware is using glass containers. Make sure they are labeled as freezer-safe to avoid possible breakage from temperature changes.
Some glass containers are also oven- and microwave-safe, which makes it more convenient for heating frozen food later on.
Metal containers, such as stainless steel, can also be used for freezing purposes. Ensure that they have airtight lids to prevent freezer burn and odors.
Metal containers are durable and can withstand extreme temperature changes. However, they can be bulkier and heavier compared to glass or plastic alternatives.
Aluminum Foil and Pans
Aluminum foil is a versatile material for freezing food, as it can be molded around items or used to wrap them tightly.
It provides a barrier against air and moisture, which helps to prevent freezer burn. Wax paper is also a great material sharing the same characteristics.
Alternatively, aluminum baking pans can be used to freeze larger quantities of food. Cover the food with a layer of aluminum foil to keep it protected from the cold air.
Aluminum pans, foil, and wax paper are lightweight and disposable, making them a convenient choice for temporary storage.
However, they may not be the most eco-friendly option due to their disposable nature.
Eco-friendly Options
For those looking for more sustainable solutions to plastic food containers, several eco-friendly options are available.
One approach is to reuse waxed cartons, like milk or juice containers, as they can store food or drinks in the freezer for a couple of weeks.
These cartons help in reducing plastic waste while repurposing items that would otherwise be discarded.
Refilling cleaned out cartons with water rather than buying plastic water bottles is another great way to make use of repurposed items.
Additionally, most plastic water bottles contain polyvinyl chloride which can be toxic and harmful to humans health.
Therefore, using these alternatives is not only a great option for sustainability but also reduces health risks.
Freezer zip top bags or ziploc bags are another alternative. They are designed to be used in the freezer and can be washed and reused, although not as long-lasting as Tupperware or metal containers.
Remember to consider your freezing needs and choose the most suitable alternatives based on durability, convenience, and eco-friendliness.
Safe Thawing and Defrosting Practices
When storing Tupperware in the freezer, it’s essential to know how to thaw and defrost your frozen food safely. Tupperware containers are convenient for freezing, thawing, and reheating food, as most are now microwave-safe.
However, it’s crucial to follow proper practices to ensure the safety and quality of your food.
One recommended method for thawing frozen food is placing the Tupperware container in the refrigerator 24 hours before you need to use it.
This allows for a slow, safe thawing process, which minimizes the risk of bacterial growth.
It is crucial to remember that perishable foods should never be thawed on the counter, in hot water, or at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can promote the growth of harmful bacteria (USDA).
There are also alternative methods to defrost your frozen Tupperware contents. One option is using the cold water method or a microwave for faster thawing.
Keep in mind that foods thawed using these methods should be cooked immediately after thawing to ensure food safety.
When thawing food in Tupperware, it’s crucial to ensure even defrosting. Here are some tips for successful results:
- Arrange food items in a single layer in the Tupperware container when freezing to ensure proper air circulation.
- When using the microwave for defrosting, remove the container’s lid to create an even distribution of heat during the process.
- Keep an eye on the defrosting progress, and if you notice any uneven thawing, redistribute the food inside the container to ensure even defrosting.
- When using the cold water method, make sure to use cold water and change the water every 30 minutes until the food is fully thawed.
By following these safe thawing and defrosting practices, you can ensure that your frozen food in Tupperware containers retains its quality and safety for consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I put plastic Tupperware in the freezer?
A: Yes, you can generally put plastic Tupperware in the freezer if it is marked as freezer-safe. Look for the snowflake symbol on the container or packaging, as this indicates that the Tupperware is designed for freezing temperatures. Keep in mind that there are different styles of Tupperware with varying properties, so always check for the appropriate symbol.
Q: How do I freeze food in Tupperware containers?
A: To freeze food in Tupperware containers, it is recommended to follow a few simple steps:
- Ensure the Tupperware is freezer-safe by checking for the snowflake symbol.
- Place the food inside the container, ensuring there is sufficient space for liquids to expand when frozen.
- Seal the container with a good lid to maintain an airtight environment and to prevent freezer burn.
These steps will help to preserve the quality of the food stored in Tupperware in the freezer.
Q: Are there other freezer-safe storage options besides plastic Tupperware?
A: Yes, there are multiple freezer-safe storage options available, including:
- Freezer zip-top bags
- Glass jars (with plastic lids)
- Pyrex or other glass containers
- Rubbermaid containers
- Silicone ice cube tray for individual portions
Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to choose the best storage method for your specific needs.
Q: Can I freeze smoothies in plastic Tupperware?
A: Yes, you can freeze smoothies in plastic Tupperware as long as the container is freezer-safe. Freezing smoothies in Tupperware or other freezer-safe containers can be a convenient way to have single portions ready to grab and blend when needed.
Q: Can I microwave food in my plastic Tupperware after freezing it?
A: Before microwaving frozen food in your plastic Tupperware, ensure the container is also labeled as microwave-safe. Some Tupperware products are designed to be freezer-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe.
Putting Plastic Tupperware in the Freezer
All in all, it is safe to put plastic Tupperware containers in the freezer as long as they are marked as freezer safe!
Be sure to avoid using containers that are not clearly marked as being suitable for the freezer. And don’t forget to avoid overfilling containers with hot liquids, and allow them to cool before transferring them to the freezer.
Following these simple steps will help ensure that plastic Tupperware remains a great option for storing food safely in your freezer.
That’s the scoop on can you put plastic Tupperware in the freezer!
Get the scoop on more like this:
