All your tasty leftovers and batch-cooked meals need a safe home in the freezer, but all those plastic containers and zip-lock bags aren’t exactly doing wonders for the environment. Glass is a much safer and more sustainable choice. So, can you freeze glass containers with plastic lids?
You can put freezer-safe glass containers with plastic lids in the freezer. Glass is the best material to store food, since it doesn’t leach any chemicals, absorb odors, or require extra effort to clean. And plastic lids create the perfect airtight seal to keep food safe for months.
When it comes to freezing things, the container plays a crucial role in how well your food will hold up over time. A good container should keep the food safe, stack well, and be easy to use. And if you’re trying to be more environmentally conscious, it should ideally be reusable. Let’s find out how glass containers with plastic lids make the cut.
Can You Freeze Glass Containers With Plastic Lids?
Yes, you can freeze glass containers with plastic lids. In fact, there are lots of reasons why this might even be your best option.
Glass containers are great for freezing because they don’t absorb flavors or odors from foods like plastic containers can. They’re also easier to clean than plastic containers.
However, glass doesn’t easily expand or contract like plastic, so it’s important to leave some headspace at the top of your container.
Using a plastic lid with glass can really compensate for this because it will adapt to the temperature changes better. Plastic lids also make a better airtight seal, which is key for preventing freezer burn. So, overall, it’s a winning combination!
The Best Glass Containers for Freezing Food
Here are some of our favorite glass containers for freezing food:
AILTEC Glass Containers
This set of nine nesting containers from AILTEC (on Amazon) is made from durable tempered glass, so the containers can go from the freezer to the microwave (without the lid, of course) and are also dishwasher-safe.
The lids have a silicone gasket for an airtight seal and four snap-lock latches that make sure nothing gets in or out unless you want it to.
The whole set is BPA-free borosilicate glass, so you can feel good about what you’re storing in them. They can stack in the freezer or your cupboard or stay nestled together — it’s up to you!
Anchor Hocking Classic Containers
Anchor Hocking is a trusted name in glassware, so it’s no surprise that their food storage containers are top-notch. This set of three round containers (on Amazon) comes with red plastic lids in 2, 4, and 7-cup capacities.
The glass is nice and thick, so you don’t have to worry about shattering if it falls or gets jostled around in the freezer. And the lids fit snugly, so your food will stay fresh.
They’re also made of very high-quality glass that’s freezer-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe.
ComSaf Airtight Glass Canisters
These glass canisters from ComSaf (on Amazon) are perfect for people who like to keep a tidy kitchen. They’re sleek and modern and come in two different sizes and three different shapes. \
The lids have a silicone gasket and stainless steel clamps, so your food is guaranteed to stay fresh, whether it’s in the fridge, pantry, or freezer.
These canisters are stable for canning, so the glass quality is good; no worries about putting them in the freezer or the dishwasher.
Bayco Glass Containers With Compartments
This 18-piece set (on Amazon) has everything you need to meal prep like a pro. It comes with three different sizes of rectangular containers, six of them with smaller compartments.
So, whether you’re packing lunch for your kids or prepping portion-control meals for yourself, these containers will certainly come in handy.
They’re also made from thick, tempered glass and have snap-on lids with four latches. And if we look at the cost per container, this set is definitely a steal!
Will Glass Crack in the Freezer?
It’s possible that glass can crack in the freezer, but it’s more likely to happen with ordinary non-tempered glass — such as if you freeze a wine glass or a mason jar that wasn’t meant to go in the freezer.
However, if you’re using glass containers meant for the freezer (tempered glass), you don’t have to worry as much.
Just make sure to leave some headspace at the top so the food has room to expand as it freezes. And don’t forget to use a plastic lid!
Tips for Waste-Free Food Freezing
Making big batches and freezing leftover food is a great way to save time and money. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your freezer space:
- Label every container with the contents and date. This will help you keep track of what you have and how long it’s been in the freezer.
- Freeze food in small portions. This way, you can defrost what you need, and there’s less chance of waste.
- If you want to avoid big clumps of frozen berries or similar foods, try freezing them on a baking sheet first. Once they’re frozen solid, you can transfer them to a bag or container.
- Make sure you use smaller containers for small portions. The more air left in the container, the higher the chance of freezer burn.
- Always thaw frozen food at room temperature before reheating. This helps to preserve the nutrients and quality of your food.