Can you freeze the chicken in Tupperware? It’s a question many of us have probably asked at some point. While the answer may seem simple, you should know a few things before freezing your chicken in Tupperware.
This blog post will look at what you need to know about freezing chicken in Tupperware.
Can You Freeze Chicken in Tupperware?
Plastic containers, including Tupperware, should not be used for storing chicken because plastic absorbs odors and is an excellent substrate for microbial growth. In addition, there is a risk of plastic debris contamination. Plastic contaminates food at 4.0 to 18.7 MP-XPS/kg of stored meat It is advisable to use metal containers to store meat.
| Outside of food packaging, Fibres (n/kg) | Inside of food packaging Fibres (n/kg) | |
| Amount of Plastic Microfiber | 152 | 56 |
The abovementioned table shows the results of a research study published in the journal Food Packaging and Shelf Life in 2020.
The results suggest that meat is contaminated with microplastic fibers ranging from 4.0 to 18.7 MP-XPS/kg of packaged meat. Plastic trays likely generated these microplastics. Rinsing alone cannot remove these particles, likely to be cooked before consumption.
What is Tupperware?
Tupperware is a brand name for a plastic container line used to store food and other items. The Tupperware company was founded in 1946 by Earl Tupper. The containers are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic that is shatter-resistant, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe.
Tupperware containers are airtight and watertight, making them ideal for storing food and keeping it fresh. The receptacles come in various sizes and shapes and can hold anything from leftovers to Lunchables.
Tupperware is also BPA-free, which means it does not contain the chemical bisphenol A, which has been linked to health problems like cancer and infertility.
Tupperware containers are popular because they are reusable, durable, and convenient.
The pros and cons of freezing chicken in Tupperware
Regarding freezing chicken, there are pros and cons to using Tupperware. Although I do not recommend using Tupperware for freezing chicken, some people use it. In either case, I have enlisted the pros and cons of freezing chicken in Tupperware so that you can decide whether the cons outweigh the pros.
| Pros | Cons |
| Freezing chicken in Tupperware can help extend its shelf life. | You must be careful when thawing frozen chicken in Tupperware, as the plastic can easily warp or crack. |
| Tupperware is generally airtight, which helps keep the freezer burn at bay. | The airtight seal means that the chicken may pick up a refrigerator-like odor after being frozen for long periods. |
| Tupperware is freezer-safe, so you can store the chicken inside the container when it’s frozen. | Most Tupperware is plastic, which isn’t necessarily the best material for storing raw chicken. |
| Tupperware is often dishwasher-safe, which makes cleaning up easy. | You’ll have to be careful not to wash Tupperware in the dishwasher if it’s been used to store raw meat, which can contaminate the dishes. |
How long can chicken be frozen in Tupperware?
Chicken can be safely stored indefinitely if frozen continuously, so it does not matter if the package dates expire after freezing. You can store raw chicken in the freezer for up to a year; parts for nine months; and giblets or ground chicken for 3 to 4 months for the best quality, taste, and texture.
How do you know if a container is freezer safe?
When looking for a freezer-safe container, always check the bottom of the container for a symbol. The symbol is usually a snowflake or a sun in the middle of three wavy lines. This is the universal symbol for “freezer safe.” If the container doesn’t have this symbol, frozen food may still be safe, but you’ll need to use your judgment.
If the container is made of glass, metal, or ceramic, it can likely go from the freezer to the oven without any problems. However, if the container is made of plastic, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not put it in the freezer.
When freezing food, always leave space at the top of the container for expansion. Otherwise, your food could be crushed when it expands during freezing.
Conclusion
For several reasons, plastic containers such as Tupperware are not ideal for freezing chicken. I have tried to show you both sides of the picture so that the common notion does not mislead you that Tupperware is entirely safe for storing frozen chicken. In a worst-case scenario, if you have nothing but Tupperware to freeze chicken, I recommend keeping the chicken for only short periods in Tupperware.
