Wasting food is like throwing money in the trash, but freezing can help extend the shelf life of everyday groceries. Many people don’t realize just how many foods can be frozen without losing taste or quality. By properly storing these items, you can take advantage of bulk discounts, reduce food waste, and always have essentials on hand. Here are 15 foods you can freeze to save money in the long run.
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1. Bread
Bread tends to go stale or mold quickly, especially if you don’t eat it every day. Freezing extra loaves ensures you always have fresh bread available without waste. Sliced bread can be placed directly in the freezer and toasted straight from frozen. If freezing baguettes or rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight bag. When ready to use, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
2. Cheese
Buying cheese in bulk can be a great way to save, but it often molds before you can finish it. Hard cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda are all cheeses you can freeze to save money when shredded and stored in airtight bags. Soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta can also be frozen, but their texture may change slightly, making them best for cooking rather than eating plain. Freezing cheese prevents waste and ensures you always have some on hand for recipes.
3. Milk
Milk can be frozen if you buy it in large quantities or if it’s close to the expiration date. Pour out a small amount before freezing to allow for expansion. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and shake well before drinking, as it may slightly separate. Frozen milk works best in cooking and baking rather than drinking straight, but it can still be a great way to avoid waste.
4. Eggs
Eggs in their shells shouldn’t be frozen, but cracked eggs can be stored in airtight containers for future use. You can freeze whole beaten eggs or separate yolks and whites depending on how you plan to use them. Pouring beaten eggs into an ice cube tray makes portioning easier for recipes. This trick is perfect for those who buy eggs in bulk or want to extend the shelf life of farm-fresh eggs.
5. Butter
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Keeping extra butter on hand ensures you never run out during baking season or when prices rise. Butter has a long refrigerator life, but freezing it extends it even further. Whether salted or unsalted, butter freezes beautifully when stored in its original packaging or wrapped tightly in foil. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it in cooking or baking.
6. Fresh Herbs
Instead of letting fresh herbs wilt in the fridge, freeze them in olive oil or water to preserve their flavor. Chop herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro and place them in an ice cube tray with a little oil or water. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a bag for easy use in soups, stews, or sautés. This method helps retain the herbs’ freshness while reducing food waste.
7. Bananas
Overripe bananas are perfect for freezing and use later in smoothies, banana bread, or pancakes. Peel them before freezing to avoid dealing with a mushy peel later. You can freeze whole bananas, sliced bananas, or mashed bananas in portioned containers. This simple hack prevents waste and ensures you always have bananas ready for baking or blending.
8. Cooked Rice and Pasta
Leftover rice and pasta often get thrown away, but freezing them makes meal prep easier. Cook and cool them completely before storing them in airtight freezer bags. When ready to use, simply reheat in the microwave or a hot pan with a little water. This trick saves time on busy nights and prevents you from wasting perfectly good carbs.
9. Meat and Poultry
Buying meat in bulk and freezing portions saves money and prevents spoilage. Wrap cuts of meat in freezer paper or airtight bags to prevent freezer burn. For easier meal prep, marinate or season meats before freezing so they’re ready to cook right away. Keeping frozen meats on hand means you can take advantage of sales and avoid last-minute grocery runs.
10. Fish and Seafood
Fresh fish and seafood can be expensive, but freezing allows you to buy in bulk when prices are lower. Wrap fillets in plastic wrap and store them in airtight freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to maintain the best texture. Frozen seafood is a great way to keep high-protein meals available without frequent trips to the store.
11. Tomato Paste
Many recipes call for only a tablespoon or two of tomato paste, leaving the rest of the can to go bad in the fridge. Instead of wasting it, scoop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag and use them as needed in soups, sauces, and stews. This simple trick prevents waste and ensures you always have tomato paste on hand for cooking.
12. Nuts and Seeds
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Nuts and seeds contain natural oils that can go rancid if stored at room temperature for too long. Freezing them helps preserve their flavor and nutritional value. Store them in an airtight bag and thaw as needed for snacking, baking, or making nut butter. Buying in bulk and freezing portions saves money while keeping your pantry stocked.
13. Yogurt
If you have extra yogurt that’s about to expire, freezing it can extend its life. Portion yogurt into small containers or freeze it into cubes for easy smoothie additions. The texture may change slightly after thawing, but frozen yogurt works perfectly in smoothies, baking, or as a frozen snack. This trick helps reduce waste and ensures you always have a healthy ingredient on hand.
14. Avocados
Avocados ripen quickly, but freezing them allows you to enjoy them at your convenience. Mash or slice ripe avocados, then store them in airtight bags with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. While frozen avocados won’t work well in slices for toast, they’re perfect for guacamole, smoothies, or spreads. This trick saves money, especially when avocados are in season and prices drop.
15. Soup and Broth
Homemade soups and broths are great for freezing, making it easy to have ready-to-eat meals on hand. Portion soup into freezer-safe containers or use ice cube trays for broth to create small portions. Label containers with the date so you know when to use them. Freezing soups and broths allows you to make large batches and avoid buying expensive canned versions.
Freezing food is one of the easiest ways to save money and cut down on waste. By storing items like bread, cheese, bananas, and herbs properly, you can extend their shelf life and always have essential ingredients on hand. Whether you’re taking advantage of bulk deals or preserving leftovers, these are foods you can freeze to stretch your grocery budget. Next time you find yourself throwing out unused food, consider freezing it instead—it could save you more money than you think.
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