Foods You Should Never Freeze: Avoid Wasting Time and Money

Simply put, there are some foods you should never put in the freezer, as freezing them by mistake could cost you both time and money.

For example, fresh foods high in water content become soggy after thawing. Eggs and many dairy products lose their texture to the point of becoming inedible after freezing. To help you avoid wasting food and money, here’s a list of foods you should never freeze.

Lettuce and Other Vegetables

Water-rich foods like lettuce and leafy greens don’t keep their shape or texture well after freezing and thawing. Cooking experts advise against freezing these leafy vegetables unless you plan to use them in soups or smoothies. They will become limp and wet, far from the fresh, crisp original.

Chopped Tomatoes

Avoid freezing vegetables you want to eat later in fresh salads, such as cucumbers and tomatoes. Once thawed, their texture is no longer firm. The only exception is frozen peas, which work great in salads after thawing.

Eggs

No matter how easy your morning routine is, if you insist on having eggs (in any style) for breakfast, don’t freeze them in advance. It’s best to prepare them fresh right before eating. For quick breakfast burritos, chefs recommend prepping ingredients ahead but assembling fresh. Raw or boiled eggs with shells should never be frozen; freezing causes the inner part to expand, cracking the shell.

Avocado

Freezing avocado turns it brown when thawed. If you must freeze a dish containing avocado, remove it before freezing and slice fresh avocado for garnish when serving.

Coffee

A common misconception is that freezing ground coffee or whole beans keeps them fresh longer. This is false. Freezing coffee causes it to lose some of its flavor and aroma. It’s better stored in the fridge or at room temperature.

Fried Foods like Chicken

These foods are delicious when fried or coated with breadcrumbs, but once thawed, fried foods and breading turn into a soggy mess. The best approach is to fry or add fresh breadcrumbs right before cooking and serving.

Most Dairy Products

Only hard cheeses can be frozen, and even then, the refrigerator is a much better option for long-term storage (many hard cheeses last for months refrigerated). Milk, yogurt, cream, sour cream, buttermilk, and soft cheeses become unappetizing after freezing due to separation and clumping when thawed. For example, milk separates into watery clumps, and yogurt becomes grainy and lumpy.

Potatoes

Raw potatoes should also not be frozen, as they become soft with a grainy texture after thawing. Cooked potatoes, however, can be frozen and reheated without issue.

Cooked Pasta and Rice

While freezing leftover cooked pasta or rice might be tempting, it’s often not worth it. They tend to become mushy and flavorless once thawed. Baked dishes like lasagna freeze well and can be baked directly from frozen before serving.

Cashew-based Creamy Soups and Sauces

Cashews add instant creaminess to recipes and are popular in vegan dishes. However, freezing reduces this creaminess, making the texture less smooth and more dense once thawed.

Canned Foods and Packaged Drinks

Have you ever made the mistake of putting a canned drink in the freezer to chill it quickly, then forgetting it until it exploded? This creates a huge mess. Liquids expand when frozen, putting pressure on cans and bottles, which can cause them to burst.

Certain Spices

Some spices like cloves, pepper, and garlic lose their potency and flavor when frozen. However, hearty herbs like rosemary and thyme freeze well and are great to use throughout winter in soups and stews.

How to Freeze Foods Safely

Besides what you freeze, how you freeze food matters too. Follow these three steps to ensure safe freezing:

1. Check Your Freezer Temperature:
   Make sure your freezer is at the right temperature. If ice cream isn’t rock solid, your freezer may be too warm.

2. Use Proper Storage Containers:
   Use airtight containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic. Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers. You can also use resealable bags or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Remember, food expands when frozen, so leave extra space in containers.

3. Avoid Quick Thawing in Unsafe Containers:
   Never thaw food in plastic containers in the microwave; this can release harmful chemicals.