If you want to eat healthily, but don’t have time to cook or simply don’t enjoy the process of cooking, you have surely looked into various meal delivery services —like Factor!
But with these meals-for-the-week services, there is always the risk of not eating up everything. How do you store these meals?
Can you freeze Factor meals? Yes, you can freeze Factor meals. You can freeze unopened Factor meals in their original packaging. Once opened, you should freeze Factor meals in freezer-safe zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. Frozen Factor meals are good for around 3 months.
In this article, we tell you why freezing Factor meals is a good idea, the best ways to do so, how long frozen Factor meals last, and everything else you might need to know about freezing Factor meals!
What Are Factor Meals?
Factor (formerly Factor 75) is a meal delivery service aimed at making it easy to eat healthy. This service delivers meals designed by dietitians and claims that it uses only fresh ingredients.
You can choose meals to fit your diet. Factor meals can be low-carb, low-calorie, plant-based, and keto.
The best part about Factor meals is that you don’t need to prepare anything! These meals come in containers. You only need to open them and reheat the food in the oven or in the microwave.
Another important point is that Factor meals do not come frozen — they are always fresh.
How To Store Factor Meals
Ordering Factor meals is a great way to have healthy food for an entire week. But the real question is, how do you store these fresh meals?
Factor meals come in boxes with gel packs that keep the food cold and prevent it from going bad. As soon as you receive your box, you should transfer all the meals into the fridge.
Can I Freeze Factor Meals?
Although Factor Meals doesn’t recommend it, the short answer is yes, you can freeze their meals. However, improper freezing can result in spoilage, loss of flavor, and freezer burn.
It’s important to note that each package of Factor Meals comes with a label stating “Keep Refrigerated. Intended to be enjoyed fresh; freezing not recommended.”
Despite this, they don’t explicitly prohibit freezing. In the following section, I will share my personal experience and provide tips on the best way to freeze Factor Meals.
How To Freeze Factor Meals
If you’ve decided to freeze your Factor Meals, it’s important to do so properly to ensure they maintain their flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Here are some tips I’ve figured out on how to properly freeze Factor Meals..
Freezing Unopened Factor Meals
If you are freezing unopened Factor meals, there is no need to open the packaging and transfer the food inside into another container.
You can freeze Factor meals in their original packaging so long as it is not damaged. Factor containers are insulated and work great for the freezer.
If you feel like the packaging is not safe enough for the freezer, wrap the container with a few layers of food wrap or aluminum foil.
Freezing Opened Factor Meals
If you have already opened the Factor meal, you have the option of freezing it in zip-top bags or in airtight containers.
Freezing food in zip-top bags is convenient as this way it doesn’t take up too much space. But the downside of this freezing method is that it may not work for different food consistencies.
Containers take up a lot more freezer space, but the good thing is that you can get airtight containers with compartments and freeze your Factor meal just like you have received it.
To freeze opened Factor meals, do the following.
- Portion the meals. Freezing meals in smaller portions always works better.
- Transfer the food into zip-top bags, remove the excess air, and seal. If you are using containers, make sure that they seal tightly. If they don’t, wrap the containers with food wrap to protect the meals from freezer burn.
- Label the bags with the date and freeze.
Final Thoughts
While Factor Meals does not recommend freezing their meals, it is possible to do so if done properly.
Freezing can be a great option for those who want to extend the shelf life of their meals and have them available when they need them. However, it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure that the meals maintain their flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
By using the right containers, removing excess air, labeling your meals, freezing them flat, and thawing them properly, you can enjoy your Factor Meals even when you’re short on time.
By following these simple tips and best practices, you can ensure that your Factor Meals stay fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible. Proper storage not only helps you get the most out of your meals, but also keeps you and your family safe from foodborne illness.
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