Food can be stored in Tupperware containers both at room temperature and in the refrigerator. What about freezing food in Tupperware, though? Can Tupperware be frozen? The majority of Tupperware containers can be frozen. Freezer-safe Tupperware frequently has a symbol indicating that it is suitable for freezing. Make sure the Tupperware containers have airtight lids before freezing food in them. Learn more about freezing food in Tupperware, why these plastic containers crack in the freezer, whether all Tupperware is freezer-safe, and other topics by continuing to read. You will also discover Tupperware alternatives that are freezer-safe!
What Is Tupperware?
Tupperware is a brand that makes plastic containers with lids for food storage. Tupperware containers are among the most popular food storage containers. They’re ideal for storing leftovers in the fridge and reheating them in the microwave in the same containers. Tupperware containers have become so popular over the years that the term “Tupperware” is now used to describe all types of plastic food storage containers. But the real question is whether food can be frozen in Tupperware.
Can You Really Freeze Food In Tupperware?
One of the best ways to increase the shelf life of food while maintaining its quality is to freeze it, but freezing only works well if you use the right storage containers. The majority of Tupperware’s products are freezer-safe containers. The majority of Tupperware knockoffs are also freezer-safe.
Is All Tupperware Freezer-Safe?
Tupperware is not all freezer-safe. When exposed to cold temperatures, a Tupperware container that is not intended for freezing may crack and break.
How To Tell If Tupperware Is Freezer-Safe
Check the bottom of the container if you are unsure if your Tupperware is freezer-safe. Typically, Tupperware marked “safe for the freezer” has a snowflake. Containers with this sign are made of sturdy plastic and are cold-weather resistant. Check the product description provided by the manufacturer if your containers don’t have signs indicating their features. Only use Tupperware containers for freezing food if you are certain that they are freezer-safe. If not, they might break or deteriorate, rendering the food inside unfit for consumption.
The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Freezing Food In Tupperware
There are benefits and drawbacks to freezing food in Tupperware. Here are a few reasons why you should freeze food in Tupperware containers: Stacking is simple. Tupperware containers stack easily not only in the freezer, but also in cupboards when not in use. There are several sizes available. Tupperware is available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Whatever food you are freezing, there is always a Tupperware container for it.
Microwave-safe. Most Tupperware containers can now be microwaved. This means that leftovers can be frozen, thawed, and reheated in a single container.
Protective. Tupperware containers, unlike plastic bags, protect the integrity and structure of the products stored in them. Tupperware’s tight-fitting lids also protect the food from freezer burn and odor absorption from the fridge.
Environmentally responsible. Tupperware containers, unlike disposable freezer bags, cling wrap, and aluminum foil, are reusable.
Tupperware containers have some drawbacks in addition to their many advantages:
They take up more room. Tupperware containers, while easy to stack, take up more space than freezer bags. Food-filled freezer bags can be flattened and stacked on top of one another.
You can’t get rid of the excess air. Tupperware containers, unlike freezer bags, do not allow you to remove excess air.
Tupperware is not all BPA-free. Tupperware containers have been BPA-free since March 2010, but containers purchased prior to that date may contain BPA. BPA may be present in low-quality Tupperware imitations.
Why Does Tupperware Crack In The Freezer?
Tupperware containers kept in the freezer may crack for a variety of reasons, including Simply because they aren’t freezer-safe, they might crack.
If a Tupperware container is made of a very thin plastic material, it might crack. The kind and quantity of food you store in them could cause them to break (food expands when it freezes). If you completely fill a Tupperware container with food without leaving any room for the food to expand, the pressure inside the container may cause it to crack.
What Foods Can You Freeze In Tupperware?
Tupperware containers can be used to freeze both raw and cooked foods. They are ideal for freezing casseroles, stews, pasta dishes, cooked and raw vegetables, fruits, and other similar items. Tupperware can also be used to freeze liquids. Smoothies, soups, broth, and other liquid foods can be frozen in Tupperware containers. To avoid leakage, store the containers upright when first placing them in the freezer. Once the food in the Tupperware containers has frozen, you can rearrange them to make more freezer space.
Tips To Freeze Food In Tupperware
When freezing food in Tupperware, keep the following in mind:
Check to see if your container is freezer-safe.
Verify the tightness of the lid’s seal.
Pick a container that is the appropriate size. Avoid freezing a small quantity of food in a large container because doing so will result in the food spoiling more quickly due to the excess air in the container.
Keep in mind that when food freezes, it expands. When trying to fit more food into a container that is too small for the amount you are trying to freeze, don’t fill it to the brim with food or press the food.
To prevent freezer burn on the food, cover the container with a layer of cling wrap if you’re not sure it’s airtight.
Glass Vs Plastic Tupperware
Tupperware is a generic term for plastic containers. Glass Tupperware, on the other hand, is now available — these are glass food storage containers!
Glass containers have advantages and disadvantages. Here’s how they stack up against their plastic counterparts:
Glass containers are heavier than Tupperware made of plastic.
Glass containers, unlike plastic containers that may contain chemicals, are always food-safe and do not leach chemicals when frozen or heated.
Glass containers should be handled with extreme caution because they will shatter if dropped.
Glass containers, unlike some plastic containers, do not stain and do not retain odors.
Tupperware made of plastic can be frozen and microwaved. Glass containers may also be oven-safe in addition to these characteristics.
Can You Freeze Food In Glass Tupperware?
Similar to plastic Tupperware, only use glass containers that are marked as freezer-safe to store food. Make sure you don’t subject your glass containers, even if they are oven-, microwave-, and freezer-safe, to extreme temperature changes. When glass containers are taken out of the freezer and placed right away in the oven or microwave to reheat food, the glass could break or crack.
Freezer-Safe Alternatives To Tupperware
Freezer-safe Food can be frozen in Tupperware containers. They may not, however, be the best option for you for a variety of reasons. Here are some of our favorite freezer-safe Tupperware alternatives!
Freezer Bags
The best Tupperware container alternative is heavy-duty zip-top bags. They work well for freezing a wide variety of foods, including meat, stews, raw and cooked vegetables and fruits, as well as soups and other liquid dishes. Tupperware containers take up less space than freezer bags. Once the food has been placed inside these bags, you can also remove the extra air. Get reusable freezer bags if the thought of using disposable Ziploc bags and producing so much waste bothers you.
Foil
When freezing solid foods, foil is a good alternative to Tupperware containers. Aluminum foil can withstand extremely low temperatures, and it does not crack or leak chemicals. When wrapping food in aluminum foil, make sure to completely seal it and leave no unwrapped areas to avoid freezer burn. Food can also be frozen in aluminum foil pans. These pans are ideal for cooking and reheating foods in the oven.
Plastic Wrap
Another choice is to reez solid foods in plastic wrap. Make sure to wrap the food in at least two layers of plastic wrap when freezing it to keep the container airtight. Additionally, try to purchase a sturdy plastic wrap that is safe for food and won’t tear easily. To prevent freezer burn, you can wrap food that has been plastic-wrapped with an additional layer of aluminum foil. Although freezing food that has been wrapped in plastic is very space-efficient, it only works with solid foods.
Vacuum-Sealed Bags
Freeze food in vacuum-sealed bags if you have one. This is the most airtight way to freeze food. It guards against freezer burn and dehydration. A vacuum sealer is more expensive than Tupperware containers and zip-top bags, but it is well worth the investment if you freeze a large amount of food.