4 types of foods that preserve all the nutrients after freezing

Meat and fish

According to Ukrainian dietitian Olha Bezuhla, chicken, beef, and fish can be stored for up to 6–12 months. However, for optimal quality, it’s best to consume them within the first 6 months.

Vegetables and fruits

Frozen vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and berries, remain fresh for 8–12 months while retaining their vitamins and minerals.

Baked goods and bread

Bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, and baked goods like pastries or pies can last up to 6 months.

Cooked dishes

Soups, sauces, and ready-made dishes are safe to eat for up to 2–3 months, though their taste and texture may change with extended storage.

“Proper labeling and knowledge of expiration dates will help ensure you always have fresh and healthy foods on hand. Store them correctly, and your freezer will be a true helper for healthy eating,” the expert says.

Signs that foods have spoiled in freezer

Ice crystals inside the packaging

If small ice crystals accumulate in your bag, it’s a sign of freezer burn, which happens when water molecules from the food move toward colder areas of the freezer (such as the walls).

This food is technically safe to eat, but since it has lost moisture, its taste and texture won’t be as good when reheated. This can also indicate temperature fluctuations in the freezer.

You can't remember when you stored it

Food frozen under ideal conditions can last indefinitely, though quality will degrade after several months. Get in the habit of writing the freezing date on food packages before placing them in the freezer.

Unpleasant smell

This odor may not be obvious until the food is thawed. If meat or seafood has this odor, it has likely spoiled due to poor freezer conditions.

Sticky texture

After thawing food, check its texture. If it’s sticky or slimy, it’s best to discard it.

For best results, freeze foods promptly rather than leaving them in the refrigerator for a while before freezing. This way, they’ll last longer and taste better when thawed.

Sources: Instagram page of dietitian Olha Bezuhla, Food Safety and Inspection Service website.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.