Glass is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of purposes, including food storage.
In fact, glass is a popular choice for food storage because it is non-porous and does not absorb flavors or odors.
Many believe that glass is not suitable for the freezer, but this is not the case. With a few simple precautions, glass can be safely used in the freezer.
In this blog post, we will be discussing tips and tricks to safely use glass in the freezer to store leftovers, homemade meals, and more.
But before that, let us first discuss the perks of using glass as a container compared to plastic and other types of containers.
Why Using a Glass as a Container a Wise Choice
Following are some of the reasons that will convince you that glass is a better container than others.
1. It’s Good For The Planet
Glass has a lot of benefits when it comes to being healthier for the environment. For starters, glass does not contain any petrochemical elements, unlike plastic.
This means that it doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the environment when it’s produced.
Additionally, it is made of sand and glass waste, both of which are abundant raw materials.
This means that less new material needs to be extracted from the earth in order to produce glass products.
Aside from this, the glass is recyclable, eventually contributing to lowering the carbon footprint.
Glass food packaging jars and bottles can be recycled and turned into new glass products. However, tempered glass cannot be recycled and must be disposed of in a landfill.
Despite this drawback, glass is still a much healthier choice for the environment than plastic.
2. Healthy Choice for Your Family
Making the switch to glass might seem like a small change, but it can really make a big difference in your health.
It is free from harmful chemicals, so you can rest assured that your food will never be contaminated by harmful chemicals.
Glass is also much easier to clean than plastic, so you can be sure that your food will always be fresh and free of bacteria.
Plus, glass containers are reusable, so you can feel good about doing your part to reduce waste.
So next time you’re looking for a new way to store your food, make the switch to glass containers and feel good about making a healthy choice for you and your family.
3. Lower Food Wastage
Glass jars and containers are the best way to store food, whether in the fridge, pantry, or freezer.
Not only do they take up less space than bulky plastic containers, but they also help to minimize food waste.
Plastic zip-lock bags and containers are often used for portioning out food, but glass jars can be reused over and over again.
Leftovers can be stored in glass jars and easily reheated or frozen for later.
Vegetable scraps can also be saved in a glass jar and used to make homemade broth. And because glass is transparent, it’s easy to see what’s inside and avoid those ‘mystery’ freezer meals.
In short, glass is the best way to store food and help reduce waste.
4. Easy Maintenance
Anyone who has ever used a plastic container knows the frustration of trying to keep it clean. No matter how often you wash it, the container seems to retain a faint whiff of yesterday’s lunch.
And over time, it becomes scratched and dull-looking.
Glass, on the other hand, is a non-porous material that doesn’t retain smell or faint. Plus, it is scratch-proof and dishwasher safe.
As a result, it is easy to maintain. Glass also dries quickly thanks to its nonporous nature, unlike plastic
. So if you are looking for a material that is easy to care for, glass is the clear choice.
5. Economical Yet Practical
If you’re looking for an affordable option that will still look good on your shelves, glass containers are the way to go.
Glass is a durable material that can withstand repeated use, and it’s also easy to clean. And because it’s transparent, you’ll always be able to see what’s inside without having to open the lid.
Plus they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your needs.
So next time you’re looking for an affordable storage solution, don’t overlook the power of glass.
6. Reliable
Glass containers come in all shapes and sizes and can be used for a variety of purposes. From Mason jars to wine glasses, there is a glass container out there to suit every need.
And because they are made from a durable material, glass containers can last for years, making them a wise investment for any household.
Whether you are looking for an attractive way to display your food or simply need a reliable container for storing leftovers, glass is the way to go.
Versatile, durable, and easy to care for, glass containers are an essential item for any kitchen.
Can Glass Go Into the Freezer?
Yes, it can. However, it’s not as simple as it seems. You’ll have to take some precautions before you place your glass container into the freezer.
Following are some of them:
1. Use the Right Kind
When it comes to glass, there are two main types: annealed and tempered.
Annealed glass is the most common type of glass, and it’s made by cooling molten glass rapidly to prevent crystallization.
Tempered glass, on the other hand, is made by heating and then cooling the glass to create a surface that is under tension.
As a result, tempered glass is less likely to break than annealed glass, making it an ideal choice for use in high-stress areas like windshields and cookware.
However, tempered glass can still break if it experiences sudden temperature changes.
For this reason, freezer-safe tempered glass is the best choice for storing food in the freezer. By using tempered or freezer-safe glass, you can avoid breaking your dishes and keep your food safe.
2. Leave Some Room
One of the most common causes of cracked or broken glass in the freezer is water expanding as it freezes.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to leave some headspace in your food containers. This way, there’s room for the water to expand without putting pressure on the container walls.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid overfilling containers, as this can also lead to glass damage.
3. Don’t Shut it Too Tight
Have you ever put a drink in the freezer, only to find that it had exploded when you went to retrieve it?
If so, you’re not alone. This is a common problem, but it’s one that can be easily avoided.
The key is to not tighten the lid on your container until the contents are completely frozen. When liquids freeze, they expand, and this can cause pressure to build up inside the container.
If the lid is tightly sealed, the pressure automatically will shift on the glass itself, which can cause it to break.
So, next time you put something in the freezer, just make sure to leave the lid loose until it’s completely frozen. That way, you can avoid a messy cleanup and a potential injury.
4. Choose the Ones With Straight Sides
While mason jars are a great option for a stylish and practical way to store your food. However, when choosing mason jars, it’s important to avoid ones with rounded shoulders.
These jars can be more difficult to fill and empty, and the contents may be more likely to spill. Instead, look for jars with straight sides and a wide opening at the top.
These types of jars are easier to use and will help keep your food fresh and easy to access.
5. Manage Temperatures
Gradually cooling your glass containers before placing them in the freezer is the best way to avoid breakage.
Sudden changes in temperature can cause the glass to crack or shatter. To avoid this, , make sure the container is at room temperature.
This can be done by simply leaving them out on the countertop. Once they have reached room temperature, put them in the fridge for a few more hours to cool even further.
After a few hours in the fridge, your glass containers should be safe to transfer to the freezer. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your glassware remains intact.
6. Use Spacious Containers
Have you ever wondered why some glass containers have a raised arrow on the bottom?
This is called a pressure relief valve, and it exists to relieve the pressure that can build up inside a container.
When liquids are heated, they expand. If there’s nowhere for this expansion to occur, the pressure can build to dangerous levels, causing the container to shatter.
That’s why it’s important to use containers that are wide enough to allow for expansion. Tall, narrow containers may look elegant, but they create unnecessary risk.
So next time you’re looking for a new glass container, remember to avoid narrow containers.
7. Leave Ample Space
If you are freezing a couple of glass jars at the same time, it’s best not to put them next to each other in the freezer.
It’s crucial that you leave space between them so that they have room to expand as they freeze.
If you pack them too closely together, they could crack or break. And of course, you don’t want glass shards in your food!
So when you’re planning ahead for your next big batch of homemade soup or chili, make sure to leave some extra space in the freezer. Your jars will thank you for it!
FAQs
Why Should I Prefer Glass Containers?
As any home cook knows, one of the most important parts of cooking is the cleanup.
After spending hours preparing a meal, the last thing you want to do is spend even more time scrubbing pots and pans. That’s why many home cooks prefer to use glass containers.
Aside from being freezer friendly, glass containers are relatively easy to clean.
Are Glass Containers Scratch Resistant?
Glass food storage containers offer a much more attractive option and one that is just as durable and practical as plastic.
Sure, you have to be careful not to drop them, but you don’t have to worry about small scratches ruining their appearance.
Final Thoughts
Glass for sure is one of the most popular materials for food storage, but it’s not always clear if it can go in the freezer.
While you are at it, be careful not to break it! Glass can handle some cold, but too much ice or frost might cause it to shatter.
We hope this post has helped to answer that question and given you some tips on how to store your food safely.
