As a crunchy mom and Certified Holistic Nutritionist, my freezer is one of my best tools for feeding our large family real, wholesome food—even on busy days. But as I began detoxing our home from harmful chemicals, I had to rethink how I was freezing food. It turns out, the containers we use matter just as much as what we put inside them. I had to figure out how to store food safely with non-toxic food storage containers.
Many common food storage options—like plastic bags, cling wrap, and old takeout containers—are loaded with hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PVC. These toxins can leach into our food, especially when the containers are exposed to heat or cold.
So today I’m sharing the best non-toxic ways to freeze food—the same methods I use in my own home. Whether you’re freezing garden veggies, batch-cooked meals, or leftovers, these clean swaps are safer for your family, better for the planet, and surprisingly simple to implement.
Let’s break it down!
Why Go Non-Toxic with Your Freezer Storage?
The freezer is where convenience meets preparation—but traditional plastic-based storage options come with serious risks:
- Chemical leaching: Plastics can release harmful chemicals into your food, especially when frozen or reheated.
- Endocrine disruption: BPA and similar toxins interfere with hormone health.
- Microplastic exposure: Plastic breaks down over time, releasing tiny particles into our food and water.
- Environmental waste: Most plastic bags and wraps aren’t recyclable or compostable.
Making the switch to non-toxic food storage helps reduce your family’s toxic load and supports a more sustainable lifestyle.
5 Options:
1. Glass Jars and Freezer-Safe Containers
Best for: Soups, stews, sauces, chopped veggies, and leftovers
Why we love it: Glass is inert—it won’t leach toxins, stain, or hold onto smells. It’s endlessly reusable and recyclable.
Tips:
- Always choose tempered glass labeled as freezer-safe.
- Leave at least 1 inch of headspace to prevent cracking as liquids expand.
- Let food cool before transferring to glass.
Favorite options:
- Weck Jars (Affiliate link) – These wide-mouth jars are beautiful, functional, and perfect for batch freezing.
- Pyrex Glass Containers with Lids (Affiliate link) – Great for storing individual portions or family-sized meals.
-
Pyrex Simply Store Set
Weck 1/2 Liter/17 oz with airtight lids
Pro Tip: Use masking tape and a marker to label contents and dates—it keeps your freezer organized and reduces waste.
2. Stainless Steel Containers
Best for: Cooked meats, berries, muffins, and solid meals
Why we love it: Stainless steel is non-reactive, durable, and plastic-free. It won’t absorb odors or colors and is perfect for long-term freezing.
Tips:
- Look for leak-proof, silicone-sealed lids.
- Great for stacking and organizing in deep freezers.
Our top picks:
U-Konserve Stainless Steel Food Storage Trio
3. Silicone Freezer Bags (100% Platinum-Grade)
Best for: Liquids, chopped fruits, smoothie packs, meats
Why we love it: These flexible bags are reusable, non-leaching, and great for saving space. Just make sure to get platinum-grade silicone to avoid filler materials.
Tips:
- Squeeze out excess air before sealing.
- Wash with warm water or place in the dishwasher.
Favorites we use daily:
- Stasher Bags (Affiliate link) – Food-grade, non-toxic, and come in every size you’ll need.
- Zip Top Silicone Bags (Affiliate link) – Stand upright and super convenient for pourable foods.
Stasher platinum food storage bags
Zip Top Reusable Food Storage Bags | Full Set of 8
Use them for: Freezer soups, marinated meats, chopped onions, smoothie packs, and even frozen breastmilk.
4. Unbleached Parchment Paper Wrap
Best for: Breads, baked goods, sandwiches, or individual meat patties
Why we love it: Most parchment papers are chlorine-bleached, but unbleached versions are non-toxic, compostable, and safe to freeze.
Tips:
- Wrap food tightly to reduce air exposure.
- Combine with a silicone bag or glass container for double protection.
Our go-to:
If You Care Unbleached Parchment Paper
Bonus use: Pre-wrap muffins or burger patties in parchment, then store in a glass container for easy grab-and-go freezer meals.
5. Beeswax Wraps (For Short-Term Freezing)
Best for: Freezing muffins, cookies, or small baked items for 1–2 months
Why we love it: Beeswax wraps are made with cotton, beeswax, and tree resin—no plastics, no waste. They’re perfect for short-term freezing and help reduce single-use plastics.
Tips:
- Not ideal for raw meat or long-term freezer storage.
- Wrap tightly and store in a sealed container if freezing more than a few weeks.
Recommended brands:
Abeego Original Beeswax Food Wrap
Things We No Longer Use (and Why):
| Avoid This | Because |
| Plastic freezer bags | Contain BPA or similar toxins; contribute to plastic waste |
| Cling wrap / plastic wrap | Leaches chemicals, not compostable |
| Aluminum foil (direct food contact) | Especially reactive with acidic foods; can leach aluminum |
| Cheap plastic containers | Easily crack, warp, or release microplastics |
Final Thoughts: Clean Freezing = Clean Living
Freezing food is one of the best ways to save time, reduce waste, and stay prepared—especially when you’re committed to feeding your family real food. But doing it in a non-toxic way is the next step in making your home truly holistic.
I’ve found that once I switched to these safer methods, I never looked back. It’s not just about avoiding toxins—it’s about choosing quality, sustainability, and peace of mind.
The freezer isn’t just for leftovers. It’s a tool to help you build a rhythm of nourishing your family well—even when life is full.
Follow Along for More Toxin-Free Tips
Love these ideas? There’s more where that came from!
Follow me on Instagram: @SarahPutSimply
You’ll find my daily freezer prep, non-toxic home swaps, garden updates, and real-life crunchy mom wins (and fails).
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Sarah Put Simply on YouTube
Watch freezer meal tutorials, pantry cleanouts, and holistic living tips for busy families.
Shop My Freezer Must-Haves
Want to make the switch to non-toxic freezing simple? I’ve gathered all my favorite safe and effective tools in one place:
https://linktr.ee/Sarahputsimpley
Thank you for supporting my mission to help families live simply, safely, and intentionally—one small swap at a time.
I’ve been thinking about how to reduce my plastic use for the freezer and otherwise. Plastic containers are very convenient and often cheap, but it comes with a great price and probably doctor bills! So I don’t feel that they can be called cheap. I’m glad to have found your list of substitutions and am saving this for reference. This is super helpful!
Great ideas! I love to freeze single serve soups in mason jars!