Can You Freeze Hello Fresh Meals Before Cooking

If you’re subscribed to Hello Fresh, chances are you’re doing so because you want to make cooking at home easier. And one of the great things about Hello Fresh is that you can choose to receive either two or three meals per week. This includes meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Like other delivery meal services, Hello Fresh offers pre-portioned ingredients and recipes for you to cook at home. The service also allows you to choose from various dietary needs, including no gluten, vegetarian, and pescetarian.

So what happens when you only have time to cook one of your Hello Fresh meals? Can you freeze Hello Fresh meals before cooking or the cooked meal itself? Here’s what you need to know.

Can You Freeze Hello Fresh Meals Before Cooking?

Yes, you can freeze Hello Fresh meals before cooking if the ingredients are fresh and freezer-friendly. However, the texture and flavor of your meal may be affected upon freezing and defrosting. Plus, some of the ingredients in your meal may not freeze well.

However, if you choose to freeze your meal, do so before cooking it, so you can simply defrost and then cook it according to the instructions. This will help ensure that your meal turns out the best.

The freezing process is simple: pop your meal into the freezer before expiration and defrost it in the fridge overnight when ready to cook. You can freeze virtually any type of Hello Fresh meal, but you may want to avoid freezing sauces because they can sometimes separate when frozen.

What Are Hello Fresh Meals?

Hello Fresh meals are a meal kit with everything you need to complete a meal, including fresh ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Some people like to freeze Hello Fresh meals before cooking them to have a quick and easy meal ready at a moment’s notice.

However, it’s important to note that not all Hello Fresh meals can be frozen. If you’re unsure whether or not you can freeze a particular meal, it’s always best to check the instructions that come with it.

There are a few things to remember if you choose to freeze Hello Fresh meals. First, ensure you follow the instructions for prepping and cooking the meal exactly. This is especially important if the meal includes raw meat, as you should cook it properly to avoid food poisoning.

Once the meal is prepped and ready to be cooked, you can freeze it in airtight packaging to protect against freezer burn. When ready to eat the meal, thaw it out and cook it according to the instructions.

Remember that frozen Hello Fresh meals will usually take a bit longer to cook than fresh ones. But if you’re in a pinch and need a quick and easy meal, they can be a lifesaver—follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t end up with an undercooked or burnt meal.

Is Hello Fresh Meal Supposed To Be Frozen?

No, Hello Fresh meals are not supposed to be frozen. The company recommends consuming the meals within three days of receiving them for freshness. If you must freeze a meal, it’s best to do so before cooking so that you can thaw and cook according to instructions.

Hello Fresh meals are designed to be cooked and eaten fresh, so freezing them may affect the quality and taste of the meal. However, if you have any Hello Fresh meals approaching their expiration date, you can always try to freeze them.

Although, it’s not guaranteed that the meal will be of the same quality or taste after being frozen and thawed. If you’re unsure whether you’ll like the meal after it’s frozen, it’s best to cook and eat it fresh.

How To Freeze Hello Fresh Meals?

If you’re always looking for ways to save time and money, one way to do both is to freeze Hello Fresh meals before cooking them. This can be a great way to have quick and easy meals on hand that are ready to go when you need them.

Here’s how to freeze Hello Fresh meals:

• First, choose the meals you want to freeze—pick meals you can cook in one pot or pan since they’re the easiest to reheat.
• Next, prepare the meals according to the instructions, but don’t cook them. Instead, place them in freezer bags or containers and label them with the name of the meal and the date.
• When ready to eat, thaw the meal and cook it according to the instructions—it’s that easy.

Precautions When Freezing Hello Fresh Meals

If you choose to freeze your Hello Fresh meals before cooking, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, ensure the ingredients are adequately sealed and wrapped before freezing to keep them fresh and prevent freezer burn.

Additionally, it is essential to label the ingredients so you know what is in each meal and when you froze it. Finally, follow the cooking instructions when thawing and cooking the meal. This will ensure that the meal is cooked properly and safely.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your Hello Fresh meals even if you freeze them ahead of time. Moreover, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re taking proper precautions to keep your food safe and delicious.

How Do I Thaw Hello Fresh Meals?

The process of thawing is straightforward, but the first step is to ensure that the meal you’re planning to freeze can be safely frozen and reheated. Not all Hello Fresh meals are suitable for freezing, so checking the label before proceeding is essential.

Once you’ve chosen a meal you can freeze, the next step is to portion it into individual servings. This will make it easier to thaw and reheat the meal later on. Then, wrap each serving tightly in plastic or aluminum foil and place the wrapped servings in a freezer-safe container or bag.

When ready to eat the meal, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, cook according to the instructions on the Hello Fresh meal label. If you follow the freezing and thawing instructions correctly, your Hello Fresh meal should be safe to eat for up to four months.

Conclusion

Overall, it is up to you whether or not you want to freeze Hello Fresh meals before cooking them. If you’re in a bind and need to get dinner on the table fast, freezing your Hello Fresh meals can be a lifesaver.

While not all recipes freeze well, many of the ingredients in a Hello Fresh meal can be prepped ahead and frozen for later. With some planning, you can have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How Long Are Hello Fresh Meals Good For In The Fridge?

Hello Fresh meals can last in the fridge for up to five days. However, Hello Fresh recommends consuming your meal within three days for the best quality and taste. If you need to store your meal for longer than the recommended time, freeze it.

Remember to follow the freezing and thawing instructions on the packaging for complete effectiveness. You can find these instructions on your Meal Kit Details & Cooking Instructions card that came in your box.

How Long Can Hello Fresh Meals Sit At Room Temperature?

Hello Fresh meals can sit at room temperature for 24 hrs before you can cook or freeze them. If your meal arrives and you’re not able to cook it right away, we recommend that you put it in the fridge or freezer; otherwise, bacteria may start to grow.

Hello Fresh meals are designed to be cooked and eaten within a short time frame. So, if you choose to freeze your meals, do it as soon as possible and not longer than 24 hrs after receiving them.

How Long Does Hello Fresh Stay Good In The Box?

Hello Fresh meals will be good for 24 hours in the box, after which the food quality declines. You can always freeze your meals if you cannot cook them within that time frame.

Freezing is a great way to make your meals last longer and will keep for up to six months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and cook according to the recipe card.

How Long Do You Have To Cook Hellofresh Meals?

Hello Fresh recommends cooking their meals for about 20 to 50 minutes. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes may take longer to cook, while others can be cooked in a shorter time.

If you are unsure about how long a particular recipe will take to cook, you can always check the Hello Fresh website or ask a representative for more information.

It’s also worth noting that frozen Hello Fresh meals will take longer to cook than the recommended cooking time. Hello Fresh recommends cooking frozen meals for about 30 to 60 minutes for the best results. But it would be best to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.