The Best Way To Freeze (And Thaw) Soup To Retain Flavor & Nutrients

Nothing can warm you up from the inside out like cozying up with a steaming, wholesome bowl of soup. Luckily, soup is also a versatile timesaver you can make ahead in batches and enjoy throughout the year. 

And whether you're storing leftovers or honing your meal-prep skills, freezing soup is one of the best ways to avoid waste and secure a healthy, readily available dish.

Using freezer-safe storage containers is one of the most valuable tools for stocking up on soup. We're talking about the types of containers that can endure the cold without cracking or shattering, particularly during rapid temperature shifts. 

It's equally important to "choose container sizes that fit your lifestyle," says Maggie Moon, M.S., R.D., author The MIND Diet. "If you're one person, reheating from a container that includes one to two servings makes more sense than having to reheat six servings to get one meal."

Not all bags are made the same, and when it comes to freezer-appropriate choices, the best (and most sustainable) ones are reusable silicon style versus single-use bags. Aside from being a convenient, washer-friendly option, "you can also reheat the whole bag in a pot of hot water," Moon suggests. 

Freezer-specific plastic bags are also an option—and a better one over conventional sandwich baggies. These are made of thicker and sturdier plastic, which prevents them from leaking or becoming brittle. Because liquids expand as they chill, make sure to leave 1 to 2 inches of space at the top of the bag (which applies to almost any soup-friendly container you choose). Buying high-quality freezer bags from a reliable brand you trust is always a good bet.

You read that right! Muffin tins, ice cube trays, and silicone molds are a brilliant way to freeze single soup servings. 

Freezer-appropriate glass vessels are a practical, plastic-free way to store soup, as long as you leave enough expansion room so the glass doesn't crack. According to Moon, "There are freezer-safe glass containers on the market that can go straight into the microwave for a quick defrost." 

Mason jars are a durable, inexpensive glass favorite that make for a lovely storage solution (wide-mouth options work especially well). Their tight lids mean you can minimize freezer burn without worrying about leaks. Just be sure to let your soup cool down to room temperature before freezing, to avoid glass fractures down the road. And if you're worried about spilling soup all over the counter in the pot-to-jar transition, a funnel might be useful.

Soup has been a staple in most cultures globally for good reason. They're often full of nutrient-dense ingredients, which, when simmered, tend to be easier to digest while retaining their maximum nutritional value. 

Generally, soup lasts roughly three to six months in the freezer, depending on the ingredients. Veggie-based broths, stews, and soups tend to last longer than dairy or meat-based ones, but it's always useful to keep an eye on your frozen soups. If they look, smell, or taste unpleasant, it might be time to throw them away.