Choosing the best container for your freezer meal is one of the biggest factors in freezer meal success. The wrong container can lead to freezer burn, leaking, and eventually wasted food (and money). You also want to consider how that meal should be reheated later. One consideration that is often overlooked is how that container fits in your freezer. A freezer meal that can be stored and organized among other meals and freezer items will make an easy freezer meal even easier to reach for when you need it. In this article, I promise to compare every option for you, so you can skip the trials and errors.
Why Your Freezer Container Matters
- Prevents freezer burn by creating an effective barrier that helps to maintain the quality and texture of the food stored inside.
- Saves freezer space, allowing for more efficient organization and storage of various food items while maximizing the use of the available capacity.
- Makes reheating easier, allowing for a more efficient cooking process and saving valuable time in the kitchen.
- Prevents spills by creating a protective barrier that ensures liquids stay contained, thereby reducing mess and making cleanup easier.
- Helps meals last longer by using proper storage techniques and ensuring optimal temperatures to maintain freshness and minimize food waste.
Quick Comparison Table
Glass Containers
Pros
- Long lasting
- Doesn’t stain
- Oven safe
- Looks nice
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Can crack if temperature changes too quickly
Best for:
- Lasagna
- Baked ziti
- Casseroles
Plastic Meal Prep Containers
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Stackable
Cons
- Can stain
- Eventually warp
Best for
- Individual lunches
- Soups
- Rice bowls
Freezer Bags
Gallon bags vs. Quart bags – It really depends on what you are freezing and how much you anticipate needing at once.
Example: Freezing Chili as a main dish might be better suited in a gallon bag. Whereas freezing smaller portions for, say, weeknight hotdogs might be better suited for a quart bag. You must consider “How will this help me in the future?” Do I need a quick meal portion for the kids, or the whole ball team?
Benefits
- Cheapest option
- Freeze flat
- Save tons of space
Great for
- Chili
- Soup
- Spaghetti sauce
- Pulled pork
- Taco meat
My favorite freezing-flat trick is placing freezer bags flat on a baking sheet in the freezer to ensure supreme flatness. Once frozen (next day), you can store them how they fit your freezer best.
Aluminum Foil Pans
Perfect for
- Bringing meals to friends
- Meal trains
- New moms
To prevent freezer burn, put down a layer of plastic wrap between food and lid. Just be sure to remove this plastic before baking!
Silicone Freezer Containers
Flexible: Unlike rigid plastic or glass, silicone containers flex and bend, making it easy to pop out frozen contents without running them under hot water or wrestling with a stuck lid. The pliable material also means you can gently squeeze out excess air before sealing, helping prevent freezer burn.
Great for soups:
Reusable: Built to withstand hundreds of freeze-thaw cycles, quality silicone containers hold up far better than single-use plastic bags or flimsy takeout containers. Most are dishwasher-safe, and many can go from freezer to microwave to oven within a safe temperature range, cutting down on extra dishes.
Eco-friendly: Because they’re reusable, silicone containers significantly cut down on single-use plastic waste — no more tossing out zip-top bags after one use. Food-grade silicone is also free of BPA, phthalates, and other chemicals sometimes found in plastic containers, making it a safer choice for both the environment and your food.
Vacuum Sealed Bags
Discuss
- Best for meat
- Long-term storage
- Expensive but excellent
How I Organize My Freezer Meals
- Label everything
- Freeze flat first
- Stand bags upright like books
- Group meals by category
- Keep oldest meals in front
My Favorite Freezer Meal Supplies
- Containers
- Sharpie
- Labels
- FREE Label Template
- Masking tape
- Freezer bags
- Aluminum pans
- Cooling racks
- Cookie sheet (for freezing flat)
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezer Containers
Can you freeze food in glass containers?
Yes, as long as they’re labeled freezer-safe (like tempered glass options such as Pyrex or Anchor Hocking). Avoid thin or older glass, which can crack from temperature shifts. Always leave headspace for expansion, and let food cool before freezing to reduce thermal shock.
Can you use regular storage containers?
Not always. Many everyday plastic containers aren’t rated for sub-zero temperatures and can become brittle, crack, or warp in the freezer. Look for a “freezer-safe” label — thin deli or takeout containers usually aren’t built for long-term freezing.
Should freezer meals be airtight?
Yes. Airtight seals prevent air exposure, which is the main cause of freezer burn and flavor loss. Vacuum-sealed bags, tight-lidded containers, plastic wrap “seal” over a casserole, and pressed-out silicone bags all help keep food fresher for longer.
Can freezer bags be reused?
It depends on the material and what was stored. Bags used for raw meat, poultry, or fish should generally be tossed after one use due to contamination risk. Bags used for dry goods, bread, or pre-cooked items can often be washed and reused a few times if they aren’t punctured or damaged. Reusable silicone bags are a better long-term option if you want to reuse regularly.
How full should freezer containers be?
Leave about a half-inch to one inch of headspace, since liquids and many foods expand as they freeze. Overfilling can crack rigid containers or cause lids to pop off; underfilling wastes freezer space and can lead to more air exposure inside the container.
Final Takeaway
The best container depends on the type of meal you are cooking. The idea is to choose containers based on how you plan to thaw and reheat your meals. Each of my freezer meal recipes will give you my suggestions on best containers for that particular easy meal.
You can also check out my article Freezer Meal Prep for Beginners to get started!
LINKS
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Salmon Stew
- Freezer Labels Printable
[…] up for a meal prep day? Click to get my free Freezer Meal Labels and also visit my guide for Best Containers for Freezer Meals so you never waste a […]
[…] also my “Best Containers for Freezer Meals” […]