The freezer can be a lifesaver for leftovers, meal prep, and last-minute dinners. But not everything belongs in there.
Here are some surprising items that should never be stored in your freezer — and why doing so can ruin them or even pose a danger.
Glass containers and Mason jars
It might seem like a good idea to freeze that extra homemade soup or sauce in a glass jar, but that’s a risk you don’t want to take.
Most glass containers, including typical Mason jars, aren’t built for freezing.
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The liquid expands in the cold and can cause the glass to crack or even explode, ruining your food and potentially creating a safety hazard.
Carbonated drinks
Trying to chill a warm soda or sparkling water in the freezer quickly? Think again.
Carbonated beverages expand in low temperatures and can explode if forgotten, making a big mess or even causing injury. Use the fridge and add ice instead.
Batteries
Some people swear by storing batteries in the freezer to extend their life, but that’s outdated advice.
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According to Duracell, extreme temperatures — both hot and cold — actually reduce battery performance. Room temperature and a dry place are best.
Makeup and beauty products
Freezing your cosmetics might sound like a TikTok hack, but it can seriously backfire.
Beauty products that contain oils or moisture can separate, change texture, or grow bacteria when frozen.
You’re better off keeping them in a cool, dark place or a designated beauty fridge if needed.
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Electronics and tech gadgets
Leaving your phone in a hot car and thinking the freezer will help it cool down? Bad idea.
Electronics have delicate components that can get damaged from extreme cold or rapid temperature changes.
Plus, batteries lose performance in freezing conditions, potentially shortening the lifespan of your devices.
Raw eggs in the shell
Freezing raw eggs sounds practical, but don’t do it in the shell. The liquid inside expands, often cracking the shell and increasing the risk of contamination.
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It also messes with the texture, making them less usable once thawed.
Dairy in cartons
Milk and cream don’t freeze well in their original packaging.
Once thawed, they tend to separate and turn lumpy, making them unpleasant to drink or cook with. Stick to using them before expiration instead of freezing.
Water-heavy fruits and veggies
Think twice before freezing items like cucumbers, lettuce, or watermelon.
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These water-rich fruits and vegetables lose their texture in the freezer and become mushy when thawed. They’re no longer suitable for fresh use like in salads.
Soft, high-fat cheeses
Freezing soft cheeses such as brie or camembert leads to gritty textures and loss of flavor.
If you need to freeze cheese, stick to hard types like cheddar, and only use them for cooking after thawing.
Coffee
Many people believe freezing coffee preserves its flavor, but the freezer can actually ruin it.
Moisture from condensation can seep into the beans or grounds and dull the taste. Store your coffee in a cool, dry place instead for the best flavor.
This article is based on information from Real Simple.