5 Things to Know Before Buying Freezer Bag

How Freezer Bags Work

Freezer bags are an essential tool for efficient and safe food storage, particularly for extending the freshness and usability of perishable goods in freezing conditions. These specialized bags are designed to withstand extreme cold without becoming brittle or losing their integrity, which makes them distinct from regular storage bags. Understanding the design and functionality of freezer bags is crucial for their effective use, ensuring that food remains well-preserved and protected against common storage issues like freezer burn and odor contamination.

sontex Product Page

Material

Freezer bags are crafted from a heavy-duty plastic that is thicker and more resilient than the material used in standard storage bags. This robust construction serves several important functions:

• Barrier against moisture: The thick plastic acts as an effective barrier, preventing moisture from entering or exiting the bag. This is essential in maintaining the food's natural moisture level, crucial for texture and taste.
• Protection against air: By keeping air out, these bags help minimize the oxygen exposure that can lead to the oxidative spoilage of food.
• Reduction of freezer burn: The sturdy material guards against freezer burn, a common problem that occurs when air reaches the food's surface, leading to dehydration and oxidation.

Seal

The seal of a freezer bag is designed to provide an airtight closure, which plays a pivotal role in preserving the quality and safety of the food stored within:

• Airtight closure: The most common types of seals on freezer bags include a double-lock or zipper mechanism. These seals are engineered to lock tightly, preventing any air from entering or escaping once the bag is closed.
• Preservation of freshness: An effective seal helps maintain the food's freshness by securing its natural flavors, textures, and nutrients from the adverse effects of oxygen and odor contamination.
• Protection from contamination: Besides keeping the food fresh, the seal also protects it from odors and tastes from other foods stored in the freezer, which can migrate and alter the flavor of unprotected items.

Benefits of Using Freezer Bags

Freezer bags provide numerous benefits for home food storage, acting as an essential tool for anyone looking to preserve the quality and longevity of their food in the freezer. These bags are not only effective in maintaining the freshness and nutritional integrity of food but also enhance the overall organization and efficiency of freezer space management.

Food Preservation

The primary purpose of freezer bags is to enhance the preservation of food by providing a superior barrier against external factors that lead to spoilage:

• Locking out air and moisture: The airtight seal and moisture-resistant material of freezer bags prevent air and humidity from affecting the food, which are major factors in the degradation of food quality.
• Maintaining taste and texture: By preventing freezer burn and dehydration, freezer bags help maintain the original taste and texture of the food.
• Preserving nutritional value: Effective sealing helps in retaining the vitamins and minerals in food, which might otherwise degrade when exposed to air.

Versatility

Freezer bags are exceptionally versatile, suitable for a wide variety of food items, which makes them a valuable addition to any kitchen:

• Diverse food storage: Whether it's raw meats, fresh vegetables, fruits, or prepared meals, freezer bags can handle it all effectively.
• Storing liquids safely: Their robust build and secure sealing make them ideal for storing liquids like soups and sauces without the risk of leaks.
• Reusability: Many freezer bags are designed to be reusable, offering an eco-friendly storage option for a variety of uses.

Space Efficiency

One of the standout features of freezer bags is their contribution to efficient use of freezer space:

• Flexible storage solutions: Their pliable nature allows them to be shaped around other items or flattened, maximizing space utilization.
• Stackable design: Freezer bags can be neatly stacked one on top of another, which optimizes vertical space and helps maintain an organized freezer.
• Improved accessibility and management: With the ability to label and stack freezer bags, they enhance the overall accessibility and management of frozen goods, making it easier to locate and rotate stock as needed.

Tips for Using Freezer Bags

To maximize the benefits of freezer bags and ensure the highest quality of food preservation, it is important to use these bags effectively. Here are some practical tips to enhance your food storage routine, reduce waste, and maintain the optimal freshness and quality of your frozen goods.

Portion Control

Managing food portions when using freezer bags can enhance their convenience and efficiency:

• Individual servings: By freezing food in portion-sized amounts, you can defrost exactly what you need for a meal, preventing the need to thaw and refreeze leftovers.
• Reduces waste: This method also helps in reducing food waste, as you only thaw what you will use.
• Simplifies meal planning: Having pre-portioned meals or ingredients ready in the freezer makes meal preparation quicker and more efficient.

Label Clearly

Proper labeling is crucial for effective freezer management and can greatly enhance the usability of stored food:

• Date and contents: Use a permanent marker to write the date of freezing and the contents on each bag. This practice helps in tracking how long items have been stored and in identifying them easily.
• Inventory management: Clear labeling facilitates the rotation of older food items to the front, ensuring they are used before newer additions, which helps maintain the freshness and quality of all stored foods.
• Prevents confusion: Accurate labels prevent the common issue of mistaking one item for another, such as confusing different types of broths or purees.

Remove Air

Removing excess air from freezer bags before sealing them is a key step in preserving the quality of food:

• Minimizes oxygen exposure: Less air in the bag reduces the amount of oxygen that can interact with the food, which helps prevent oxidative changes and freezer burn.
• Enhances seal effectiveness: A tighter seal is achieved when excess air is removed, which further protects against contaminants and odors from the freezer environment.
• Compact storage: Bags with less air are flatter and more compact, making them easier to stack and organize within the freezer.

Maintaining Food Quality with Freezer Bags

Proper usage of freezer bags is key to maintaining the quality of frozen foods. By following best practices, you can ensure that your food remains safe, nutritious, and flavorful even after extended periods in the freezer. These tips are specifically aimed at addressing common issues such as freezer burn and unwanted texture changes, which can affect the quality of frozen goods.

Avoid Overfilling

It's important to leave some space at the top of the bag when freezing liquids or semi-liquids to account for expansion:

• Allow for expansion: Liquids expand when frozen, so leaving space at the top of the bag prevents the bag from bursting or leaking.
• Prevents deformation of other items: Properly filled bags maintain a uniform shape, making stacking and storage more efficient.
• Ensures even freezing: Adequate space allows for better air circulation around the bag, which contributes to more uniform freezing and thus better food quality.

Double Bag for Extra Protection

Double bagging can be a useful strategy for certain types of food or for longer storage periods:

• Enhanced barrier against elements: An extra layer of plastic adds additional protection against air and moisture, which are the main culprits behind freezer burn.
• Ideal for sensitive items: Foods like baked goods, meats, and seafood that are more susceptible to texture and flavor loss benefit from double bagging.
• Long-term storage: For items you intend to store in the freezer for many months, double bagging can extend freshness and edibility.

Thawing

Proper thawing is crucial in maintaining the quality of frozen food once it is ready to be used:

• Retain moisture: Thawing food in its original freezer bag helps to keep moisture contained, preserving the texture and flavor of the food.
• Prevent bacterial growth: Slow thawing in the refrigerator or safely in a cold water bath minimizes the risk of bacterial contamination, which is more likely at warmer temperatures.
• Ease of preparation: Keeping the food in the freezer bag during thawing makes it easier to manage any liquids that may be released, keeping your refrigerator clean and hassle-free.

Common Uses for Freezer Bags

Freezer bags are incredibly versatile, suited for a variety of storage needs. Their ability to preserve food quality makes them an invaluable resource in any kitchen. From bulk shopping to meal prepping, these bags can handle various tasks, simplifying the process of storing food effectively and efficiently.

Bulk Purchases

Using freezer bags to divide and store bulk purchases can have several advantages:

• Economic savings: Buying in bulk is often more economical. Using freezer bags to portion and freeze these purchases can translate to significant savings.
• Prevent spoilage: By freezing excess portions, you reduce the risk of spoilage and waste.
• Ready-to-use portions: Having meal-sized portions available makes daily meal preparation quicker and easier, as you can defrost exactly what you need.

Meal Prep

Meal prepping is a time-saving strategy perfectly complemented by the use of freezer bags:

• Advance preparation: Prepare entire meals or meal components ahead of time, freeze them in bags, and simply reheat as needed.
• Diet management: Portion control is easier when meals are pre-prepared, aiding in dietary adherence and reducing the temptation to eat out.
• Variety and convenience: Freeze a variety of meals to keep your diet interesting and reduce cooking time during busy weekdays.

Seasonal Harvests

Freezer bags are excellent for preserving the freshness and nutritional value of garden harvests or seasonal produce:

• Extend freshness: Freezing fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness helps retain their flavor and nutritional content.
• Year-round enjoyment: Enjoy seasonal produce throughout the year, not just when it's in season.
• Reduce food waste: Freezing surplus fruits and vegetables ensures that the bounty of your garden or local market doesn't go to waste.

Choosing the Right Freezer Bag

Selecting the right freezer bag is crucial to ensure effective food storage that meets your specific needs. From the size and durability to environmental impact, each factor plays a key role in optimizing your food preservation practices. Here are some essential considerations to help you choose the best freezer bag for your household.

Size and Volume

Choosing the appropriate size and volume of freezer bags is essential for efficient storage:

• Match to storage needs: Select a size that fits the amount of food you typically freeze, whether it's small servings or bulk items.
• Space considerations: Consider how much freezer space you have; larger bags require more space, whereas smaller bags can be more flexible in placement.
• Efficiency: Using the right size bag minimizes waste and ensures that you're not using a larger bag than necessary, which can also save on costs.

Brand and Quality

The reliability of freezer bags can vary between brands, so choosing the right one is important:

• Durability: Look for brands that are known for their strength and durability to avoid tears or leaks.
• Seal quality: High-quality seals are crucial to prevent air from entering and causing freezer burn.
• Customer reviews: Check reviews to see how various brands stack up in real-world usage, which can provide insights beyond manufacturer claims.

Eco-Friendly Options

As environmental concerns grow, considering eco-friendly options for freezer bags can make a significant difference:

• Reusable bags: Opt for bags that can be reused, reducing plastic waste and offering a more sustainable option.
• Biodegradable materials: Some freezer bags are made from materials that biodegrade more quickly than traditional plastics.
• Recyclable options: Look for freezer bags that can be recycled to minimize environmental impact further.

Freezer bags play a crucial role in the modern kitchen by enhancing food preservation, reducing waste, and aiding in meal planning. They help ensure that food stays fresh, flavorful, and nutritious over time. By selecting the right freezer bags and utilizing them effectively, homeowners can greatly improve the efficiency and organization of their food storage.

Freezing Cooked Food for Future Meals: Freezer Bag Tips

A simple quick-cooking technique is to make extra food at one meal and freeze for future meals. Or, to prepare food ahead and freeze for enjoying at a later time. One easy method of freezing foods, including liquid foods such as soups and stews, is to freeze them in freezer bags. Following are some general freezing tips, followed by specific tips for freezing in freezer bags.

• If you're making extra food at one meal for future meals, separate and refrigerate the portion to be served later BEFORE you put the food on the table. This keeps food quality higher by preventing "planned-overs" from becoming "picked-overs." It also helps keep food safe.
• Keep an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator and in your freezer to assure they stay at 40° F or lower (refrigerator) and O° F or lower (freezer). Buy a thermometer at a discount, hardware, grocery store or other store that sells kitchen cooking tools.
• Refrigerate perishable foods so the TOTAL time they're at room temperature is less than two hours (or one hour in temperatures above 90° F). As a general guideline, eat perishable foods within four days or freeze them. Perishable foods include: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, dairy products, pasta, rice, cooked vegetables, fresh, peeled and/or cut fruits and vegetables
• Freeze foods in portion sizes you'll need for future meals. For example, if there are two in your family and you each eat a cup of rice for a meal, freeze in two-cup portions.

Visit our Storage section for more information on which foods freeze well, how long to store foods in the freezer and MUCH MORE!

STEP 1. Cool foods "slightly" at room temperature before refrigeration

It is not necessary for a food to be completely cool before it is refrigerated. To help food cool slightly before refrigeration:

• Place a shallow container of food on a cooling rack to allow air to circulate all round the pan for about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Limit depth of food to 2 inches.

STEP 2. Complete cooling of foods in the refrigerator

• Cool foods to refrigerator temperature before bagging them for your freezer. It is OK to refrigerate foods while they're still warm.
• LOOSELY cover food upon refrigeration. This allows heat to escape and protects the food from accidental contamination from other foods during cooling.

STEP 3. Pack foods into freezer bags

• Use "freezer" bags, not "storage" bags for storing food in the freezer. Freezer bags are thicker than storage bags and will keep the food fresh longer.
• Speed freezing and hasten thawing by freezing foods in a thin, flattened shape in freezer bags. A rounded shape takes longer to thaw through to the middle. Flatter packages also will stack better in your freezer.

STEP 4. Label foods

To avoid mystery meats and other foods of unknown age and possibly origin, label foods using freezer tape, gummed freezer labels or permanent marking pens/crayons. Include:

• Name of food
• Packaging date
• Number of servings or amount
• Additional helpful information, such as form of food (sliced, chopped, etc.), any special ingredients

Freezing food on a flat tray until frozen solid. It is helpful to place filled freezer bags on a flat surface in your freezer, such as a metal pan. Do not stack freezer bags until frozen so they will freeze faster. After they are frozen solid, the bags may be removed from the pan and stored, stacked, directly on the freezer shelf. Or turn them on their edge and store them vertically. This is an especially good idea when freezing liquid foods, such as soups and stews.

STEP 5. Thaw and cook frozen foods

DO NOT thaw perishable foods at room temperature. If perishable foods are left at room temperature too long, bacteria may grow and produce heat-resistant toxins that can cause food-borne illness. Cooking may not be able to destroy these toxins.

• It's best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the refrigerator.
• Small items may thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Up to 5 pounds of food should thaw in about 24 hours.
• If there is the possibility a thawing package might leak, you may want to thaw it on a plate or a pan.

If food is thawed in the microwave, finish reheating it right away. Unlike food thawed in a refrigerator, microwave-thawed foods reach temperatures that encourage bacterial growth. Cook immediately to kill any bacteria that may have developed and to prevent further bacterial growth:

• Food may be transferred from a freezer bag to a microwave safe container for thawing in the microwave.
• If the freezer bag manufacturer says it is OK to thaw foods directly in their freezer bag, follow manufacturer's directions for such things as venting, recommended heat settings, types of foods suitable for microwave-thawing, etc. for that specific bag. Also, follow manufacturer's directions for your microwave.
• While you may be able to satisfactorily defrost food in some freezer bags in the microwave (check manufacturer's directions), DO NOT cook the food in the freezer bag — unless recommended by the freezer bag manufacturer. At the higher temperatures used in the microwave cooking process, it is possible for the plastic to reach melting temperatures.

Return to Top

Sources:

1. Freezing and Food Safety, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

2. The Big Thaw - Safe Defrosting Methods, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

This article was originally written by Alice Henneman and Joyce Jensen. It was updated and reviewed in .

Feedback Form

Was this article helpful to you? Yes No If you share this article, how many will you share it with? How will you share the article? Social Media Radio Television Program Handout News Article Presentation Other If you stated other, how do you plan to share it? Leave this field blank