Freezer meals can be a lifesaver on busy days—but only if you know what’s in your freezer and when it was made. Proper labeling and rotation are key to avoiding waste and making meal planning stress-free.
1. Label Everything Clearly
Every freezer meal should have a label with at least three pieces of information:
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Meal name (e.g., Chicken Alfredo Bake)
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Date it was made
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Reheating instructions (optional but helpful)
Use freezer-safe labels or masking tape and a permanent marker. Place labels where they’re easy to see—on the top or front of the container. For bags, label them before filling to avoid writing on a lumpy surface.
2. Use a Consistent Format
Keep labeling simple and consistent. Write the date in the same format every time (e.g., DD/MM/YY), and use abbreviations if needed. This makes scanning your freezer quick and easy.
3. Practice First-In, First-Out (FIFO)
To prevent older meals from being forgotten, follow the FIFO method. Always place newly prepared meals at the back of the freezer, and move older ones to the front. This way, you use the oldest meals first before they expire.
4. Keep an Inventory Sheet
Hang a freezer inventory list on your fridge or inside a cabinet door. Update it each time you add or remove a meal. This helps you plan meals without digging through the freezer.
With a little planning, labeling, and rotation, your freezer can become an efficient meal-planning tool. You’ll save time, reduce waste, and always have something ready for dinner!
