Reader Jenn sent this to me the other day asking about the best foods you can freeze:
“I was wondering if maybe you could do an article or list of foods you can store in the freezer? When using coupons to stockpile I often run into perishable things that I would buy many more of if I could figure out a way to extend there shelf life.”
Lucky for me, I have a friend who is a professional organizer and actually helps family plan meals ahead of time by effectively utilizing your freezer. So I turned to her to see if she could better answer Jenn’s question.
To freeze or not to freeze? That is the question or perhaps the dilemma you might face when considering whether to take advantage of that great couponing deal you’ve come across. No need to fear. Use the following guidelines and tips to do what you do best- stock up and save!
Many things freeze well, so it may be most helpful to start with those that don’t. The following items break down, separate or experience a change in texture when frozen.
*Don’t freeze:
-Raw vegetables that have a high water content. These include lettuce, cucumbers, radishes, and celery
-Raw eggs in shells, cooked egg whites or hard-cooked eggs
-Raw or boiled potatoes (the texture turns mealy and watery; may turn black)
-Soft cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta and feta (unless they are part of a prepared recipe that is made ahead and then frozen)
-Sour cream or mayonnaise (unless they’re mixed into a sauce)
-Cake icings made with egg whites; cream fillings; soft frostings
-Custard or cream filled pies
-Fried Foods
*from the book, Frozen Assets by Deborah Taylor-Hough 
Online Resources
Real Simple has two resources that I use for quick reference when planning my meals and shopping trips.
How Long Will Food Last in the Freezer? has a general list of common items with recommended freezer time frames.
The Ultimate Food-Storage Guide is a detailed handbook that includes specific foods and gives recommended lengths of storage time for the fridge, freezer and pantry.
Product FAQ Page
For a name-brand product that I’m interested in freezing, a search on its home page under FAQs often produces an answer as well. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, use the company’s contact page to ask your food preservation question and wait for a response.
Plus, if you contact them commenting on their product – they just might send you a coupon!
Freezing perishable foods is one of the best ways to preserve them, and in many cases, the easiest way, too.
What are some of your favorite foods to stockpile and freeze? Do you have any favorite foods you can freeze?
Read about more organaztional tips from Robin at Neat Nest Organizing!
[…] She came and spoke at my local chapter of MOPS that I am involved in. She taught us about making meals ahead and freezing them. Then I found out that she is a professional organizer and helps in many more areas than just meal […]
Great post! This is very useful as most of the times I don’t know which food items I SHOULD freeze. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Laila! I’m so glad that you found it to be helpful!
Robin
This is a great resource! I’m always wondering whether something can be frozen. Now I have a general idea of what I can and can’t freeze.
Glad that it’s helpful, Stacey! Thanks
Robin
I am fairly familiar with which food products I can and cannot freeze; however, I am confused as to the shelf life of various products. Thanks for the review.
Hey, Karen! Did you check out the Ultimate Food Storage Guide link above? It has shelf life & storage guide recommendations for many pantry products, too. I often use that as a quick reference.
Robin
Great list and very informative. Thanks!
I’m very glad to have found this post. I’m always wondering about freezing certain cheeses.
I freeze my tortillas since my husband buys the 30 or 40 count and we can’t use so many at once
Thanks again for informative post
Yes, knowing about the cheeses has been a huge help to me, too, Sharon! How do you guys freeze the tortillas? We often buy the large pack, too. I usually prepare make-ahead breakfast wraps or burritos and freeze them, but never really considered freezing the tortillas all by themselves. Would love to know your method! Thanks for the great feedback!
Robin
I had no idea that you could freeze containers to use for organization in the freezer it is a great idea. No more having things fall out on my feet. Thank you for the post on freeze time I’m never sure about it.
Yes, using those containers really open up options! One of my favorite “tricks,” Laurie! You might like the detailed post about how I organized this freezer, too. http://www.neatnestorganizing.com/how-to-organize-a-freezer/
That was a wonderful site you sent me to. Now I can get mine as organized as the one you you showed in the pictures. thanks you
Thank you, Laurie! So glad you came by to visit me there
Would love to see a photo of your organized freezer when you get it done! Send one to me if you think of it 
Useful – thanks!
Thanks for letting me know!
Robin
A very helpful article. Thank you!
You’re welcome! Thank you
Robin
[…] resource first appeared as a guest post for Happy Deal Happy Day. (You can read it HERE.) Or, you can read it HERE where I re-posted it on Neat Nest […]
[…] resource first appeared as a guest post for Happy Deal Happy Day. (You can read it HERE.) Or, you can read it HERE where I re-posted it on Neat Nest […]