4 Tips to Make Your Food Last Longer: Grocery Storage Tips, Best Ways to Freeze & More

Apr 19 2024
Whether you're trying to make fewer trips to the store or just attempting to lengthen the shelf life of your food—who doesn't want that?—here are four top tips to make your groceries last longer. Take notes...



Buy frozen and shelf-stable versions when possible.

Here we have the longest-lasting foods at the supermarket! Fruits and veggies are actually flash frozen at peak freshness, so they're FULL of nutrients. Just watch out for added sugar and salt. It’s also a great idea to stock up on lean protein and condiments… Combined with those veggies, you’ve got a three-ingredient meal!

Frozen Favorites: fruits, veggies (especially riced and spiralized!), shrimp, chicken breast, meatless patties

Shelf-Stable Staples: almond milk, salsa, salad dressing, sauces, canned beans, pouched/canned tuna



Don’t wash & chop produce until you're ready to use it.

Rinsing your produce introduces extra moisture to the environment, making it likely to spoil faster if not fully dried. (This is especially true for salad greens.) Instead, store whole produce in your crisper drawer, and rinse it just before using. If advance prep is a must, store those fruits or veggies in an airtight container with paper towels to help wick away moisture. 

For berries (which often spoil quickly), soak them in water with a little vinegar and/or baking soda and rinse thoroughly. Then store with paper towels for extra moisture. They'll last much longer that way!



Freeze thoughtfully.

Keep an eye on fresh ingredients, and freeze them before they start to turn. It’s also a good idea to freeze single servings of leftovers in airtight containers like these: They’ll thaw more easily, so you’re more likely to eat them. Meat, poultry, fish, baked goods, soups, and stews all freeze and thaw well. Another great tip: If you’ve got a bunch of tortillas, don’t just throw the whole bag in the fridge. Lay them in a sealable bag with parchment between them so they’re easy to separate once frozen. Click here for more freezer tips & tricks!



Store smart.

Invest in containers designed to keep produce fresh, like this set. Each container comes with a colander basket, which drains out the water and keeps your food fresher. Also, pay attention to your fridge temperature and adjust it as needed: You want it cold enough to preserve your food without causing icicles on your lettuce or running up your electric bill.



More Amazon Must-Haves for Food Storage!

Chew on this:

Today, April 19th, is National Garlic Day. One order of Slow-Cooker Garlic Parm Chicken, coming right up…

Help your pals out, and pass along this helpful info!

Social

We may receive affiliate compensation from some of these links. Prices and availability are subject to change.

We may have received free samples of food, which in no way influences whether these products are reviewed favorably, unfavorably, mentioned with indifference, or mentioned at all. Click for more about our editorial and advertising policies.

*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.

Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.

Hungry Girl provides general information about food and lifestyle. This information and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Click here for more information.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. By using this site you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy
Accept