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Tupperware containers are the go-to solution for storing a range of foods whether it’s your lunch, dry ingredients in the cupboard or leftovers in the fridge. But can you freeze food in Tupperware containers safely or not?
Can You Freeze Food In Tupperware?
Yes, you can freeze food in Tupperware containers. Tupperware makes for one of the best ways to store food in the freezer as they are airtight and rigid.
What are the Benefits of Tupperware?
When it comes to storing food in the freezer, one of the most important things you need to avoid is air getting in. If you keep food airtight, then you reduce the risk of freezer burn impacting your food.
Most good-quality Tupperware containers come with tight-fitting lids that completely lock the air out, keeping your frozen food unaffected by freezer burn for much longer than those foods stored open or in poor-quality freezer bags. This will also prevent odours from impacting your frozen food.
The other benefit to using Tupperware contains is that they are rigid. If you’re freezing delicate food items such as soft fruits or cakes then you’ll want some rigidity to the container you use to avoid them getting crushed. You don’t get this protection when using a freezer bag or parchment paper, for example.
The advantages don’t end though. Tupperware is also a far more environmentally-friendly way to store food in the freezer. Freezer bags, cling film and aluminium foil all tend to get thrown out once it has been used once. Tupperware, however, can be used over and over again in the freezer.
What are the Drawbacks to Tupperware?
Although there are plenty of benefits, you need to remember that Tupperware will take up more room in the freezer than freezer bags. With bags, you can remove the excess air and, as the bags empty out, you can reduce their size.
With Tupperware containers, they will take up far more room in the freezer. Space in the freezer is always limited so making sure you use it efficiently is vital. Tupperware might not always be the best option, in this case.
Is Freezing Food in Tupperware Safe?
Yes, it is safe to freeze food in Tupperware. In fact, some Tupperware containers come with a snowflake symbol to denote that the container is freezer-safe.
Can You Freeze Meat in Tupperware?
Meat is one food item that will suffer hugely from freezer burn. If meat is exposed to air in the freezer, it will dry out and then become fibrous and chewy when it’s defrosted and ultimately cooked.
Tupperware containers can prevent this, especially if you buy good-quality containers with a tight-sealing lid. If you’re not 100% certain that the Tupperware is completely airtight then you can also wrap it in a sheet of cling film to seal up any potential gaps.
Can You Freeze Soup in Tupperware?
Yes, you can freeze soup in Tupperware (full details here). This goes for any liquid dishes such as stews, casseroles and pasta sauces. The problem with particularly liquid dishes is that they are prone to leak – especially if you use cheaper freezer bags.
This won’t be a problem if you use Tupperware containers. You need to consider how much soup you’ll need in one sitting, however, as you won’t want to defrost it. Once you know the quantity you want to freezer, try to find a Tupperware container of a suitable size.
You’ll also want to leave around half an inch of room at the top when you fill the container with soup to allow for some expansion.
Alternatives to Tupperware
If you haven’t got a spare Tupperware container to hand or would prefer not to freeze food in Tupperware then there are a few alternatives that are worth trying out:
- Freezer Bags– Zip lock bags are the go-to solution for freezing most food items. You can freeze fruits, vegetables, cubes of herbs, biscuits, meat, fish, curries, soup and stews all in freezer bags. Make sure you buy good-quality, leak-proof bags though!
- Silicone Containers – Silicone containers are pretty much identical to Tupperware containers in their use, they’re just made of silicone instead of plastic.
- Foil Trays – Foil trays are a great way to store low-moisture foods that are less likely to get impacted by freezer burn. This usually works well for ready-made dishes too such as chilli or bolognese. However, they won’t be airtight.
- Vacuum Sealed Bags – If you have access to a vacuum sealer then no other option will keep your food as airtight and protected as vacuum sealing. It is an expensive option, however, if you don’t already have one.
Sources
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