I’m sharing 25 items I recommend freezing today, hoping it helps a family or two save money on grocery bills. Freezing food isn’t just about leftovers; it’s one of the smartest ways to extend shelf life, reduce food waste, and stay prepared for busy weeks or unexpected events. When done correctly, freezing preserves flavor, texture, and nutrition while protecting your grocery budget.
Whether you’re meal prepping, building a deep pantry, or simply tired of throwing food away, these 25 freezer-friendly items belong in every well-run kitchen. Of course, we can add any type of meat, but here are some items you may not have considered freezing.
Why Freezing Food Makes Sense
Freezing slows down bacterial growth, preserves nutrients, and gives you flexibility. With proper packaging and labeling, frozen foods can last for months or even years without sacrificing quality.
Best freezer practices:
- Use airtight containers or freezer-grade bags
- Remove as much air as possible
- Label with item name and date
- Freeze in portion sizes you’ll actually use
1. Butter
Butter freezes beautifully and keeps its flavor for up to 12 months. Store it in its original packaging, then place it inside a freezer bag for extra protection. Frozen butter works perfectly for baking, cooking, and even spreading once softened.
2. SAF Yeast
Freezing yeast dramatically extends its life. SAF yeast is especially freezer-friendly because it’s vacuum-sealed. Store it airtight and measure directly from the freezer—no thawing required.
3. Wheat Gluten
Vital wheat gluten can absorb moisture and spoil if stored improperly. Freezing keeps it fresh for long-term baking use, especially for bread and whole-grain recipes.
4. Dough Enhancer
Dough enhancer contains oils and conditioners that benefit from freezer storage. Keep it in a sealed container to prevent moisture absorption and freezer odors.
5. Ground Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour contains natural oils that go rancid faster than white flour. Freezing preserves freshness and nutrients for 6–12 months.
6. Bacon
Freeze bacon in portion sizes, separate slices with parchment paper, or freeze entire packages. You can cook bacon directly from frozen, making breakfast faster.
7. Buttermilk
Buttermilk freezes especially well. Stir before freezing, store in airtight containers, and thaw slowly in the refrigerator to maintain texture. I store it in Souper Cubes.
8. Bulk Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds contain oils that can spoil over time. Freezing prevents rancidity and keeps them tasting fresh for baking and cooking. I use Quart Mason jars.
9. Garlic
Freeze peeled garlic cloves, whole or minced. You can also freeze garlic in oil (in small portions) for quick cooking, no peeling required. I bought it frozen from Trader Joe’s. It works great when preparing food for only two people.
10. Chopped Onion
Pre-chopped onions are a freezer hero. Freeze raw, spread flat on a baking sheet first, then store in bags. Perfect for soups, casseroles, and skillet meals. I buy them chopped up in bags. Yes, this works great. I get them for $1.00 a bag. No waste, ever.
11. Sliced Carrots
Blanch carrots briefly before freezing to preserve texture and color. Once frozen, they’re ready for soups, stews, and side dishes. I buy these baby carrots frozen or sliced, whichever is cheaper at the store. Typically, less than $1.00 a bag. No waste, ever.
12. Rotisserie Chicken (Portioned)
Break down rotisserie chicken and freeze in meal-size portions. This saves time and provides ready-to-use protein for soups, tacos, casseroles, and salads.
13. Whole Almonds
Freezing prevents almonds from turning stale or rancid. Store them airtight and thaw only what you need.
14. Sliced Almonds
Like whole almonds, sliced almonds freeze well and retain their crunch when used directly from the freezer for baking or toppings.
15. Shelled Pecans
Pecans contain high oil content and benefit greatly from freezing. They’ll stay fresh for over a year when sealed properly.
16. Sugared Almonds
Yes, these freeze well! Freezing preserves the coating and crunch. Let them reach room temperature before serving to prevent condensation. I store them in pint wide-mouth jars.
17. Cooked Rice
Cooked rice freezes exceptionally well. Freeze flat in bags or portion into containers. Reheat with a splash of water for fluffy results. I use Souper Cubes.
18. Brown Rice
Because brown rice contains natural oils, freezing extends its shelf life and helps prevent spoilage more quickly than storage in the pantry alone.
19. Cooked Pasta
Undercook pasta slightly before freezing. Toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Perfect for fast meals and casseroles.
20. Leftover or Encore Meals
Freezing leftovers reduces food waste and gives you instant meals on busy days. Freeze in single-serving containers for easy reheating.
21. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Freeze shredded cheddar in bags. It may crumble slightly when thawed, but it works perfectly for cooking and baking. I store mine in pint wide-mouth jars or use my FoodSaver Bags.
22. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella freezes well and is ideal for pizzas, casseroles, and lasagna straight from the freezer.
23. Grated Parmesan Cheese
Freezing preserves flavor and prevents mold. Use directly from frozen—no thawing necessary.
24. Creamed Honey
Creamed honey freezes without losing texture. Thaw at room temperature and stir gently before using. I only buy my raw, unfiltered honey from Cox’s in Shelley, Idaho. Cox’s Honey.
25. Frozen Hash Browns
Whether homemade or store-bought, hash browns freeze well and cook directly from the freezer for quick breakfasts or dinners. Trader Joe’s has the best hash browns, in my opinion. They freeze well.
Freezer Organization Tips That Actually Work
- Group foods by category (meats, baking, meals)
- Use clear containers or freezer bags
- Keep a freezer inventory list
- Rotate older items forward
Freezer Food Categories (Simple & Effective)
Meats & Proteins
- Bacon
- Rotisserie chicken (portioned)
- Cooked chicken
- Leftover meat-based meals
Tip: Freeze meats flat in labeled bags, then stack them vertically like files.
Baking Essentials
- Butter
- SAF yeast
- Wheat gluten
- Dough enhancer
- Ground whole wheat flour
Tip: Store baking items together so bread days are grab-and-go.
Nuts, Seeds & Baking Add-Ins
- Whole almonds
- Sliced almonds
- Pecans
- Sugared almonds
- Bulk sesame seeds
Tip: Airtight containers prevent freezer odors from permeating.
Vegetables & Aromatics
- Chopped onion
- Garlic
- Sliced carrots
Tip: Freeze in recipe-sized portions for fast cooking.
Grains & Starches
- Cooked rice
- Brown rice
- Cooked pasta
- Frozen hashbrowns
Tip: Freeze flat and label with portion size.
Dairy & Cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Buttermilk
- How to Freeze Milk: Everything You Need to Know
- How to Freeze Eggs: Everything You Need to Know
Tip: Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn.
Spreads & Pantry Items
- Creamed honey
Tip: Leave headspace for expansion when freezing jars.
Meals & Ready-to-Eat Foods
- Leftover meals
- Soups, casseroles, freezer meals
Tip: Single-serve containers = zero guesswork.
Final Word
Freezing food is one of the most practical skills every household should master. It saves money, reduces stress, minimizes waste, and helps you stay prepared—whether for a busy week or an unexpected emergency. Grouping foods by category is one of the simplest ways to manage your freezer. When meats, baking essentials, grains, and ready-made meals each have a designated place, you waste less food, save time during meal prep, and avoid buying duplicates you already have on hand.
A well-organized freezer also makes rotation easier, ensuring older items get used first and nothing is forgotten in the back. With a little planning and consistent labeling, your freezer becomes more than cold storage; it becomes a reliable tool that supports everyday cooking, emergency readiness, and a calmer, more efficient kitchen. May God bless this world, Linda
The post 25 Items I Recommend Freezing appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
from Food Storage Moms
