Freezing in "disposable" containers

[acj]

Hi everyone,
I have a pretty large assortment of containers from yogurt, cottage cheese, or margarine lying around, and am wondering how well they hold up in the freezer. (I often make double the stew, pasta sauce, chili, or beans that I want and freeze extras for later hectic nights.)

These containers are a lot flimsier than the special freezer ones I've seen, but I don't really want to shell out the money for those. Any experience using the cheaper option?

Thanks!
Angela

[clairea]

My biggest concern would be that these containers might be too permeable, so you might get off flavors/odors, and also excess moisture. Also, I think you aren't supposed to put those kinds of containers in the microwave, so it might limit your options for thawing/reheating. I have had pretty good luck freezing in the gladware-type containers which aren't terribly expensive. If you want to use the yogurt, etc. containers then what you might do is either put the whole container inside a plastic freezer bag, or freeze the food then pop it out of that container and put it in a plastic freezer bag. The advantage of this last method is that is also saves a lot of space (you could freeze several servings of soup, for example, then individually wrap each in plastic wrap and put them all in a freezer bag).

[Meganator]

I often use those types of containers for freezing. They hold up fine for that. One thing I do is put a piece of plastic wrap over the top of whatever is in the container, and press it down onto the surface. That retards the formation of ice crystals on the surface, and the quality will be better when you eventually eat it. Once I get my Food Saver, I won't have to worry about that so much! I haven't noticed a problem with off flavors permeating the container.

[Hammster]

Hey acj.
I have used those kinds of containers for years. Admittedly they don't last as long as the expensive ones, but for freezing purposes they are perfect. I have found that generally the lids split after awhile of opening and closing them. But since they are virtually free anyway, throwing them away or putting them in the recycle is really no big deal. Plus since you buy more yogurt, margarine etc there is always a steady supply of them.

[blazedog]

FWIW, Cooks ILlustrated actually found that yogurt containers had a TIGHTER seal than some of the more expensive storage containers.

I don't tend to freeze in them because they are such an odd shape typically that they take up way too much room. I use the small Glad plastic containers.

I keep a minimal amount of the yogurt containers around as containers when I bring a friend some soup or chile.

I used to be a real pack rat and saved all of them but now toss most of them to cut down on ridiculous clutter. I do believe they are now biodegradable for what it's worth -- otherwise I am an evil person adding to the toxicity of the environment by not keeping them forever. :D

[Aubergine]

it looks like you've gotten a lot of 'yays' for those containers, so you should keep experimenting. i've never done exactly that, and i mis-read your post to mean what is sold nowadays as take-to-work containers, which i've begun trying (with some funny mishaps).

this may help: i've re-used many types of thoroughly washed containers over the years for umpteen purposes; no one has yet gotten ill .

[sneezles]

Freezing in the containers is fine just don't microwave in them. Some of those plastics are not microwave safe in that they give off a toxin when heated. So be safe and transfer to a microwaveable container to reheat.

[acginkc]

This is the way both my grandmothers used to freeze everything and I am still here many years later. The best way I have found to remove the frozen food from the container is to run water over the outside of the container until it loosens enough to slide out. If you are concerned about your food picking up flavors, you could wrap the container in Saran wrap (or whatever brand you like to use).

[acj]

Thanks so much everyone! I was worried they'd be too permeable or wouldn't seal well enough (don't want to freezer-burn all my leftovers). Glad to know they've worked well for several of you. :)

Cheers,
Angela