Aluminium trays in the freezer: preservation times and methods

Can aluminium trays be stored in the freezer?

Yes, of course: aluminium is a low temperature resistant material and will not deteriorate when frozen, that’s why aluminium food trays can also be put in the freezer without contaminating or spoiling your favourite dishes.

Before you put a food grade container in the freezer, however, there are a few small recommendations you should be aware of. Although the characteristics of these containers do not change when frozen, if they are not used properly, the food inside the container can still deteriorate and become inedible.

Whether it's lasagna, roast meat, vegetables or ice cream, when you put food in an aluminium tray and decide to freeze it, you need to pay attention to three things:

The tray must be tightly closed with a lid that is made of food grade material and resistant to low temperatures.
The tray should not be filled to the rim, as the food may change in volume during the freezing process. It is therefore recommended to fill the aluminium container by 3/4 and leave the last quarter empty to allow the food to change volume without breaking the tray or raising the lid.
The tray should be labelled and the food should be consumed within the relative expiry date. Freezing, in fact, extends the preservation of food but does not make it eternal!

Remember that, when stored in an aluminium tray in your home freezer, vegetables should be consumed within 18/24 months, meat and fish should be consumed within 8/12 months, and precooked products should be consumed within 6 months. After that time, regardless of the food grade container used, your favourite foods are no longer healthy.