Surprising Foods You Should Never Freeze (& Foods You Can)!

Maura White
by Maura White

Reader Jenn sent this to me recently asking about the best foods you can freeze:


“I was wondering if maybe you could do an article or list of foods you can store in the freezer? When using coupons to stockpile I often run into perishable things that I would buy many more of if I could figure out a way to extend their shelf life.”


Lucky for me, I have a friend who is a professional organizer and actually helps family plan meals ahead of time by effectively utilizing your freezer. So, I turned to her to see if she could better answer Jenn’s question.


To freeze or not to freeze? That is the question or perhaps the dilemma you might face when considering whether to take advantage of that great couponing deal you’ve come across. No need to fear. Use the following guidelines and tips to do what you do best- stock up and save!


Many things freeze well, so it may be most helpful to start with those that don’t. The following items break down, separate or experience a change in texture when frozen.


Don’t freeze the following foods:

Never freeze raw vegetables that have high water content. These include lettuce, cucumbers, radishes, and celery. They will get nasty and mushy in your freezer (and the last thing you need to be doing is cleaning out your freezer when you don’t have to and wasting needed space).

According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), you can freeze fresh eggs for up to one year. When you’re ready to use frozen eggs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under running cold water. Use egg yolks or whole eggs immediately after they’re thawed.


However, don’t waste your time freezing cooked egg whites or hard-cooked eggs.

You will want to skip out on freezing raw or boiled potatoes. The texture turns mealy, watery, and in some extreme cases, may turn black.

Don’t bother freezing soft cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta and feta (unless they are part of a prepared recipe that is made ahead and then frozen).

Sour cream or mayonnaise (unless they’re mixed into a sauce) is another not-freezer friendly food.

Surprisingly, cake icings made with egg whites, cream fillings, or soft frostings do not hold up well in the freezer.

In the pie world, custard or cream filled pies are not made for the freezer.

Fried foods are not freezer friendly.


*from the book, Frozen Assets by Deborah Taylor-Hough


Now that we’ve discussed what foods you shouldn’t waste your time freezing, here is a list of foods that freeze well. You’ll be able to stock-up and start saving money.

  • Cooked pasta
  • Cooked rice
  • Ice cream
  • Nuts
  • Flour – you can use it directly from the freezer
  • Fruit cake
  • Cookies
  • Butter
  • Grated cheese
  • Bananas, peeled
  • Pizza
  • Uncooked pizza dough
  • Bread, in slices, as loaves or breadcrumbs
  • Herbs
  • Meat, both raw and cooked


Other Online Resources

Real Simple has two resources that I use for quick reference when planning my meals and shopping trips.


How Long Will Food Last in the Freezer? has a general list of common items with recommended freezer time frames.


The Ultimate Food-Storage Guide is a detailed handbook that includes specific foods and gives recommended lengths of storage time for the fridge, freezer and pantry.

Product FAQ Page


For a name-brand product that I’m interested in freezing, a search on its home page under FAQs often produces an answer as well. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, use the company’s contact page to ask your food preservation question and wait for a response.


Plus, if you contact them commenting on their product – they just might send you a coupon!


Freezing perishable foods is one of the best ways to preserve them, and in many cases, the easiest way, too.


What are some of your favorite foods to stockpile and freeze? Do you have any favorite foods you can freeze? How about a FREE Make Ahead Freezer Meal Plan just for you!!?? Just sign up below and it will come in your inbox!


More Posts you may like:

The EASIEST Meal Planning Tool – Works with ANY Diet!

A Drill Apple Peeler That Peels in 10 Seconds

50 Brands that will send you Coupons for FREE!

Maura White
Want more details about this and other budgeting & minimalist living ideas? Check out more here!
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 3 comments
  • Sallyann3163 Sallyann3163 on Jan 06, 2023

    Couldn’t find the link to major brand coupons?

  • Kristine Jackson Kristine Jackson on Jan 16, 2023

    If you freeze certain food for long term I vacuum seal it. It saves room in your freezer and helps to keep your freezers organized. When you are storing long term pantry items like flour, etc I use sealed mason jars. I just date and label them and I have never had bugs or critters when using them. An expensive investment at first but you can reuse them as you use up some pantry staples. Sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, pancake mix, and oatmeal need to be in jars with a sealed lid. It has been so worth it!

    • Gardengirl Gardengirl on Jan 16, 2023

      Hello Kristine. I am a big fan of storing items in canning jars that are vacuumed sealed. Saves a ton of space in the freezer and keeps food fresh to use for long periods of time. I’ve put coconut, nuts, rice, cornmeal, raisins, spices, sugar etc. Anything that has no water in it. Been doing it for years. Yes, expensive to set up but you can re-use your canning jars and lids if they’re not damaged. The savings on your grocery bill will pay for the set up in no time.

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