How to prevent freezer burn on meal prep
Freezer burn is caused by air reaching the food. Remove the air, keep the freezer cold and use food in date order.
Photo by Finn on Unsplash
Freezer burn is the dry, pale, icy patch that appears on frozen food. It happens when air reaches the surface and moisture escapes from the food into the freezer.
Is freezer-burned food safe to eat?
Yes. It is a quality problem, not a safety one. The affected parts taste dry and flat. You can cut them away, or use the food in a soup or stew where the texture matters less.
What causes it?
- Air left inside the bag or container.
- Packaging that is too thin or not sealed.
- Temperature swings from an open door or an overfilled freezer.
- Time. The longer food is frozen, the more moisture it loses.
How do you remove the air?
- Press bags flat and squeeze the air out before sealing.
- For liquids, seal the bag almost fully, lay it flat and push the air towards the gap.
- To get more out, lower the open bag into a bowl of water up to the seal. The water pushes the air out. Then close it.
- Fill rigid containers nearly to the top, leaving about an inch for liquids to expand.
- Press a piece of baking paper onto the surface of soups and sauces before closing the lid.
Does the packaging matter?
Yes. Use bags made for the freezer. They are thicker than sandwich bags, which let air through. Wrap burritos, pancakes and baked goods tightly before bagging them. Freezer bags or containers compares the options.
What temperature should the freezer be?
0°F (-18°C) or colder. Open the door as little as you can, and do not block the vents. A freezer that is reasonably full holds its temperature better than an empty one.
Should food be cold before it goes in?
Yes. Hot food raises the temperature around it and creates steam, which turns into ice crystals. Cool food in the fridge first, then freeze it.
How long is too long?
Most cooked meals are at their best within two to three months. They stay safe beyond that, but freezer burn becomes more likely. Label everything with the date and put new food at the back. See how to label meal prep.
Which foods are most at risk?
Food with little sauce and a lot of exposed surface: plain cooked chicken, meatballs without sauce, bread and pancakes. Freeze meat in a little of its sauce where you can. Baked turkey meatballs are best frozen in marinara.
Is ice inside the bag the same thing?
Loose ice crystals inside a bag mean moisture has left the food or the bag was sealed while warm. It is an early sign of the same problem.
Where to go next
The other common errors are in seven freezer mistakes, and the full method is in freezer meal prep for beginners.
More freezer guides
See all
Can you freeze cooked rice?
Yes. Cool it quickly, freeze it flat in portions and reheat until steaming. Why speed matters, and how long it keeps.
Freezer bags or containers: which is better?
Bags save space and suit liquids. Containers suit meals you reheat in the same dish. What to buy first, and how to label them.
Freezer breakfasts for mornings with no time
Burritos, egg bites, pancakes and baked oatmeal go from freezer to plate in two minutes. How to freeze and reheat each.