While freezing can preserve many foods, there are some things that should never see the inside of a freezer. Whether it alters the taste or texture, or outright spoils them completely, knowing what can survive cold temps can save time and waste. From eggs to coffee, we’ll list 6 foods you should never freeze and provide safe storage alternatives.
Save Time and Money with This List of Foods You Should Never Freeze
As handy as your freezer can be, certain types of foods don’t tolerate such low temperatures. Foods with a high moisture content quickly become soggy, while the consistency of dairy products can change in unappetizing ways. Here’s a list of some key foods you should never freeze so they can still be enjoyed.
#1. Eggs
Eggs top the list of foods you shouldn’t put in the freezer. Freezing whole eggs will cause any moisture inside to expand and crack the shell, while cooked eggs taste dry and rubbery when defrosted. If you must freeze them, crack the raw egg, beat the contents, and pour the liquid in an airtight container before freezing.
#2. Yogurt
Can you freeze yogurt? Once you try it we don’t think you’ll do it again. Like most dairy products, the yogurt will separate and curdle once it defrosts. This leaves it with a grainy texture that’s not very appetizing. However, despite its texture, defrosted yogurt is still safe to cook with and won’t alter the consistency of baked goods.
#3. Milk
Can you put milk in the freezer and still drink it after defrosting? Like yogurt, the fats in the milk will separate upon defrosting, leaving it lumpy, watery, and inedible. However, defrosted milk is still safe to use when cooking and baking. These tips can optimize milk’s freezing potential:
- Leave an inch of space at the top of the container when freezing. Like all liquids, milk expands as it freezes.
- Make sure your container is airtight, as milk easily absorbs odor and flavor from what’s around it.
- When freezing, choose skim milk over those with higher fat content. No fat means less separating and curdling when defrosting.
#4. Cheese
Can you freeze cheese? If you want to preserve its flavor and texture, the answer is no. Hard cheeses, like cheddar and Parmesan, can withstand freezing with fewer effects, particularly if they’re shredded and used within a month. However, the fats in soft cheese will separate and crumble once defrosted, making it inedible. To best enjoy cheese, store it in the refrigerator in a sealed, airtight bag for up to 3 months.
#5. Defrosted Meat
Can you put defrosted meat back in the freezer? Generally, defrosted meats are foods you should never freeze. This is because refreezing defrosted meat causes it to lose moisture, altering its taste and texture. Meat that defrosted at room temperature or in the microwave should never be refrozen, as the risk of bacterial growth is too high.
If you must refreeze meat, make sure it’s been thawed at a temperature less than 42℉ to limit the growth of bacteria.
#6. Coffee
What food shouldn’t be kept in the freezer that goes against popular opinion? Though many believe storing coffee grounds or beans in the freezer preserves their freshness, the opposite is true. When frozen, coffee loses much of its flavor and aroma. Instead, store coffee in the refrigerator or in an airtight container at room temperature.
The team at Appliance Service Station are your freezer experts. Whether it’s knowing what foods you should never freeze or scheduling a residential freezer repair, we can help!
