In the quest to reduce plastic waste and adopt more environmentally friendly habits, reusable food bags have emerged as a popular choice for storing and transporting meals, snacks, and more. These versatile bags not only contribute to a greener planet but also offer convenience and durability. But here's the burning question: Are reusable food bags freezer safe? Let's delve into the world of food storage and find out.
Types of Reusable Food Bags
Reusable food bags are typically made from various materials such as silicone, PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate), fabric with a food-safe lining, or a combination of these. These bags are designed to replace single-use plastic bags and containers, reducing the environmental impact associated with disposable options.
Freezer-Safe Materials
The answer to whether reusable food bags are freezer safe largely depends on the material they are made of. Here's a breakdown of some common materials and their compatibility with freezing temperatures:
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Silicone: Silicone bags are known for their versatility and durability. They are generally safe to use in the freezer (but always check the manufacturer guidelines). At Moonmoon, we use Platinum Food Grade silicone for our reusable food bags. This thick, strong and durable material makes our bags not only freezer safe, but also oven and microwave safe too!
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PEVA (Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate): Many reusable bags made from PEVA are labeled as freezer safe. However, PEVA bags might not be as durable or long-lasting as some other materials. They can be prone to tearing or puncturing. While they are often marketed as BPA-free and PVC-free, there may still be other chemicals or additives used in the production process that could raise health concerns. PEVA bags cannot be used in the microwave or for storing hot foods.
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Fabric with a Food-Safe Lining: Some fabric-based reusable bags feature a food-safe lining that protects against moisture and leakage. These bags can also be freezer safe, but it's essential to confirm with the manufacturer.
Tips for Freezing with Reusable Food Bags:
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Leave Room for Expansion: When freezing food in reusable bags, leave some room for the contents to expand as they freeze. It may help to also push out excess air when sealing your bag. This prevents the bags from bursting.
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Label and Date: To avoid confusion, label each bag with the contents and the date it was frozen. This helps you keep track of freshness and prevents food waste. A whiteboard marker pen is ideal for this, as if used on a silicone bag it can simply be washed off between each use.
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Avoid Overfilling: Overfilling bags can lead to uneven freezing and hinder the proper preservation of your food. Stick to recommended fill levels.
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Stack and Organise: Lay bags flat for more efficient freezer storage. Once frozen, you can stack them neatly to save space. If you don't have much space, check out our space-saving, leakproof pouch bags.
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Thawing: When it's time to use the frozen contents, you can thaw them directly in the bag. However, whilst out silicone bags can be used to reheat food in the microwave, not all bags can.
While many reusable food bags are freezer safe, it's important to exercise caution and follow guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Not all bags are created equal, and some might not handle freezing temperatures well. Always read the packaging and any accompanying information to ensure that the bags you're using are suitable for freezing.
By choosing the right type of reusable food bags and adhering to proper freezing practices, you can confidently store your meals and ingredients in an eco-friendly and efficient manner.
Moonmoon's range of reusable food bags
At Moonmoon, we have a wide range of reusable silicone food bags in different of sizes and colours. Our starter kit is a great place to start, it has three silicone bags with two extra large stand up bags in a colour of your choice; clear, aqua, pink and blue.
