10 Foods You Should NEVER Freeze (and 6 Surprising Ones You CAN)

11. Hard Cheeses You CAN Freeze (Parmesan, Aged Cheddar)

Not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to the freezer. Hard, low-moisture cheeses like Parmesan and aged cheddar freeze well, especially when grated or finely chopped before being sealed. Because these cheeses contain less water to form damaging ice crystals, they keep flavor and utility even after months in the freezer. Their texture may become a bit crumblier, but they remain perfect for cooking, melting, and sprinkling. For best results, grate or cube cheese, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum-seal, and store in airtight freezer bags to avoid freezer burn and flavor transfer. Thaw in the fridge or use frozen shreds directly in hot dishes for convenience. This simple step can prevent waste and give you shelf-stable cheese for quick weeknight meals.

12. Citrus Juice You CAN Freeze (Lemon Juice, Orange Juice)

Citrus juice is one of the most freezer-friendly items you can preserve. Juice maintains bright flavor and acids even after freezing, and portioning into ice cube trays gives great flexibility for later cooking and drinks. Frozen juice cubes work well for dressings, marinades, and sauces where a burst of citrus is welcome with no texture concerns. Freezing juice also stops waste when you’ve zested and squeezed more citrus than you can use right away. To freeze, strain if needed, pour into trays, freeze solid, and transfer cubes to labeled bags for long-term storage. Squeeze and freeze the juice as soon as you can after zesting to retain aromatic oils and maximum freshness. This tiny habit saves money and brightens meals all year long.