The term Tupperware is broad and means different things to different people. Tupperware is actually a name for a brand of food storage devices.
Over the years, Tupperware became a term used synonymously with food storage containers.
Its most common usage refers to the dreaded Tupperware drawer. It’s the most disorganized place in many homes. You toss it the drawer, slam it shut, and forget.
Whether your Tupperware drawer is organized and clean, or a cluttered mess like mine, you always know where to find what you need to freeze food in Tupperware.
Generally speaking, freezing food in plastic or glass Tupperware is a safe and effective way to preserve and store food as long as the container is freezer safe. However, you need to choose your Tupperware container wisely because some materials are better to freeze than others. The wrong container might result in cracking, or other degradation, that will ruin the food inside.
Consider these guidelines the next time you freeze food in Tupperware.
Is It Safe? Freezing Food In Tupperware
It is normally safe to freeze food in Tupperware. In fact, freezing food is one of the safest ways to keep food from spoiling or becoming riddled with food-borne illnesses.
Freezing allows for any bacteria or microorganisms that cause illness to become and remain dormant.
Freezing food in Tupperware has safety concerns only when your freezer is no longer able to remain at 0°F.
Although there are limited safety concerns, freezing food in the wrong packaging causes negative consequences for flavor, color, and consistency. When frozen food gets exposed to air it can cause freezer burn.
Freezer burn happens when the moisture’s state in food changes directly from ice to steam without stopping at liquid first.
It dries out the food and creates an unappetizing texture or flavor.
To avoid freezer burn, when freezing food in Tupperware be sure to choose your container wisely.
How To Know If Your Tupperware Is Freezer Safe?
When considering if your Tupperware is freezer-safe ask yourself, “Will this container hold up well in the freezer?”.
If the answer is yes, it’s probably freezer safe. Things to consider when trying to determine if your Tupperware is freezer safe:
- Easy to label
- Will not crack or degrade at extremely low temperatures
- Leak-Resistant
- Made of a material resistant to grease, water, or oil
- Thick enough to protect from absorbing other flavors or odors
- Easy to seal
- Moisture vapor proof
You will want to choose a container made of thick plastic or glass. It must have a sealing mechanism that creates an airtight closure.
Containers, like Pyrex, that have plastic lids work great. As do, sealable plastic bags, like Ziplocs.
The Kinds Of Tupperware You Can Freeze
Freezing Food In Glass Tupperware
Most foods freeze well in glass Tupperware making it a versatile and durable option. Nevertheless, you should consider the type of glass Tupperware you use.
Choose a freezer-safe glass that is tempered for best results. Canning jars, like mason jars, are generally a great option for freezing food in Tupperware.
But, be sure to get high-quality jars that are sufficiently thick or you might risk breakage.
Also, remember that most liquids expand when frozen. Make sure to leave a bit of room at the top of your food when freezing Tupperware.
Freezing Food In Plastic Tupperware
Freezing food in plastic Tupperware is an easy and common way to store most types of frozen food.
When choosing a plastic container try to look for one that you know is freezer safe. Thicker plastic is usually a sign that it is freezer safe.
Take-out containers, and other thinner plastic Tupperware, are not good options for freezing.
When you freeze food in Tupperware containers, like take-out containers, you run the risk of them cracking, becoming pitted, or breaking altogether.
Make sure your plastic Tupperware is durable with a snug-fitting lid. The lid of plastic Tupperware is very important to avoid freezer burn and keep food fresh for longer.
If you don’t have any freezer-safe plastic Tupperware, you can always consider using a plastic sealable bag, plastic wrap, freezer paper, or aluminum foil.
Why You Should Freeze Food In Tupperware?
Freezing food in Tupperware is a great option for many reasons.
First, they are space-saving because they can be stacked on top of each other easily. This allows you to keep a lot of meal options in your freezer at once.
Another reason you should freeze food in Tupperware is that it is made in all shapes and sizes.
This allows for Tupperware to be very versatile when stored in your freezer. From jars to bigger tubs, there is always the right size.
It’s important to note that you should not freeze food in amounts more than a gallon. This will cause uneven freezing and potentially ruined food.
Finally, Tupperware is generally reusable which minimizes your household waste. A quick wash of your frozen Tupperware and you will have it for the next recipe.
Freezing food in Tupperware is possible and a great option for storing food at the highest quality for the longest time.
Freezing Food In Tupperware: What You Need To Do
Freezing food in Tupperware is so easy that it doesn’t need step-by-step instructions. However, for optimal results, you should consider these things when freezing your food in Tupperware.
Airtight
When freezing food in Tupperware containers it is especially important to maintain an airtight space.
To ensure your Tupperware is airtight, choose a container with a good lid. The best lids for freezing food in Tupperware are mason jar lids or plastic lids made of a durable type of plastic.
Don’t Overfill
When storing your frozen food in a plastic bag, make sure you leave about an inch of room at the top of the bag. Food, especially liquid, expands when freezing.
You want to avoid your food being exposed to air by planning for this expansion and not overfilling your bags.
The same principle applies to Tupperware containers as expansion could cause the lid to pop off.
Don’t Forget To label
Labeling your Tupperware is important because it is easy to forget what you stored 3 months ago.
It’s also easy to forget when you might have put food into the freezer. To label your Tupperware you can write directly on a plastic bag or plastic wrap.
For glass and plastic containers, that you want to reuse, try a piece of freezer tape. Freezer tape is specially designed to retain its adhesive qualities at low temperatures.
Other Alternatives To Tupperware
1. Ziploc Bags
Sealable plastic bags, like Ziploc bags, are a great alternative to Tupperware. They are excellent for storing frozen soups, prepared frozen meals, or chopped veggies such as broccoli or cauliflower.
They seal very well and create an airtight space effortlessly. Another great thing about plastic bags is they can be stored flat and stacked on top of each other.
2. Aluminum Foil
Foil is an option for when you’re in a pinch but it isn’t the best option for freezing food.
It’s harder to create an airtight space when storing frozen food in foil so opt for freezing your food in Tupperware instead.
The foil will still work but it won’t preserve food for nearly as long as other options.
3. Vacuum Sealing
Using a vacuum sealer for freezing food is a great alternative to Tupperware. However, you can absolutely add vacuum sealing to food already in Tupperware to greatly extend its shelf life.
Simply vacuum seal the full Tupperware container to make freezing food in Tupperware a lot more effective
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Silicon Bags?
Many companies make heavy-duty sealable bags that are made with silicon. Silicon is totally safe and effective for freezing food.
They hold up well in the freezer and you can wash and reuse them. Silicon bags are the best of both worlds. They unite the greatness of Tupperware and Ziploc bags into one.
Can I Freeze Food In Rubbermaid Containers?
The best Tupperware brands include Rubbermaid, Pyrex, Ziploc, and Saran Wrap. All of these brands make quality products that are freezer-safe.
Rubbermaid makes especially strong, durable, and freezer safe products. Yes, you can freeze food in Rubbermaid containers.
Nonetheless, there are lots of other brands which can also be used when freezing food in Tupperware.
For best results, be sure to look for a container that is thick enough and has a good sealing system.
Final Thoughts
Freezing food in Tupperware is a preferred way to preserve food for many people. Tupperware provides a simple way to ensure your food is safe from freezer burn.
Choosing the best kind of container is very important when freezing food in Tupperware.
When choosing Tupperware make sure you have a good lid that seals tightly. A vacuum sealer or plastic sealable bag may come in handy either to use with your Tupperware or as an alternative to Tupperware.
Never freeze food in takeout containers or Tupperware with thin plastic as they might become brittle and break.
Freezing food in Tupperware is safe and will preserve the freshest flavor and consistency of the food.
My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.