These freezer foods for emergency meals are a must for every household!  

Yep, I already know what you’re going to say: “Frozen foods have fewer nutrients than fresh ones.” While fresh ingredients may be more popular than frozen ones, studies have shown that freezing some produce can help retain essential nutrients and extend its shelf life without sacrificing flavor.

But what can we do about the seasonal fruits and veggies that aren’t available all year round? It’s absolutely fine to buy in bulk and freeze them to enjoy later.

In addition to being economical, buying in bulk and storing what you won’t use right away is a sensible strategy to be ready for unforeseen circumstances like supply chain interruptions, power outages, or illnesses.

We’ve compiled a list of freezer foods for emergency meals that everyone should have, ranging from colorful vegetables and luscious berries to meat, fish, and plant proteins.

French fries

One of the first freezer foods for emergency meals that must be in the top 5 is French fries. This is a comfort food that comes in handy anytime you want to eat something tasty, but you’re not in the mood to cook something.

The convenience food is not only useful when you’re pressed for time, but the freezing process also eliminates moisture, giving the cooked fries a crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside. Try to purchase fries with minimal or no additives and cook them in an air fryer for a healthier choice.

Nutrition tip: You can buy potatoes, slice them thin, and freeze them. This ensures they are free from unhealthy additives.

Pastry

If baking is your passion but your energy levels no longer match the passion, don’t worry! Just stock up on frozen ready-made pastry; it is one of the freezer foods for emergency meals that will save you big time.

This is especially true for puff pastry, which is known for being difficult to make and taking a long time. Let the frozen pastry defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then carefully unfold it and let it sit at room temperature for half an hour before using. The pastry requires more time to warm up if it begins to crack.

Homemade stock

Who likes a warm soup on a cold afternoon? But who is willing to cook it right away? That’s a story for another day. Homemade stock is one of the freezer foods for emergency meals that are a must for every household. You can utilize it for preparing soups or stews, or simply enjoy a warm cup of broth to ward off seasonal flu.

After preparing a batch, let it cool fully before transferring it to airtight bags or containers and freezing it. Stock can be frozen for two to four months.

Spinach

Choose spinach if you’re looking for a leafy green that’s rich in vitamins and proteins. Spinach is also one of those freezer foods for emergency meals that you can safely keep in your freezer for many months.

Nutrition tip: Before adding it to a dish, make sure it’s completely defrosted and that all the extra water has been squeezed out.

Rice

Many people are concerned about reheating rice because it can cause food poisoning, but this can be prevented if the cooked rice is stored properly. Freezing leftover rice is a quick and secure way to store it. Before freezing the hot rice in airtight bags, spread it out on a baking sheet to allow the grains to cool as quickly as possible.

Use the microwave’s defrost setting for a few minutes to reheat, or add to a pan of bubbling soup or stew. Before serving, make sure the rice is thoroughly hot.

Ziploc bags are essential for properly storing freezer foods for emergency meals. I usually purchase them from Walmart, but when I don’t have the time to shop in-store, I order Ziploc Gallon Food Storage Bags from Amazon for just $25.99.

Shrimp

Shrimp is a favorite protein and one of the freezer foods that can be used for emergency meals, lasting up to 3-4 months in the freezer. Shrimps are easy to defrost, so you can either leave them in the fridge overnight to thaw or put them in an airtight bag with cold water (changing the water frequently) until they are completely defrosted, which should take about an hour.

Before using, drain any liquid, and note that they will weigh less once defrosted. Additionally, keep in mind that uncooked, defrosted shrimp should never be frozen again.

Poultry

You bought too much poultry, but you don’t need to cook it right away? No worries! Store it in the freezer. You can store everything in the freezer, including whole birds and chicken drumsticks, thighs, and breasts. Poultry cuts can be stored in the freezer for up to nine months, while whole birds can be stored for up to a year.

Dishes made with chicken or turkey that have already been cooked can be frozen for up to six months; just make sure to completely thaw the meat in the refrigerator before using.

Nutritional tip: To enhance the flavor of your poultry, combine your favorite spices and a little oil with the meat in a ziplock bag.

Red meat

It’s helpful to have various red meats in the freezer, whether you want to make meatballs, cook a piece of protein, or make a shepherd’s pie with mince. Another great way to make these foods last longer without changing their taste, texture, or flavor is to freeze them.

You can freeze steaks and roasts for up to a year, but minced meat should be eaten within three to four months. You shouldn’t freeze bacon for more than two months, so that the quality doesn’t go down.

To avoid freezer burn, make sure that all red meat is stored in containers or packaging that don’t let air in.

Edamame beans

If you’re looking to eat healthier and with more protein, one of the freezer foods for emergency meals that you should have in your household is edamame beans.

It’s cheaper to buy them already frozen, and they usually come already shelled or in pods that pop open when steamed, which makes them easy to prepare.

The bean is full of fiber and antioxidants, and it’s also good for you in other ways, like lowering cholesterol. You can eat it as a snack with chili flakes on top, or you can add it to a lot of different dishes, like stir-fries, Asian-style broths, and slaws or fresh, crunchy salads.

Butter

Most homemade meals are tastier with a tad of butter in them. So, in case you bought too much butter because it was cheaper than usual at the supermarket and now you’re afraid it will expire, I have a tip for you: put it in the freezer.

Its shelf life is also extended by the lower temperatures; a block of butter can be kept in the freezer for up to a year if it is kept in an airtight container.

What other foods do you keep in the freezer? Please let me know in the comments. Until next time!

You may also want to read: 14 Delicious and Healthy Avocado Recipes Other Than Guacamole.