Can You Freeze Lunchables? [Tested & Detailed Guide]

Lunchables consists of a snacks and food brand that came into existence 33 years ago, in 1988.

Kraft Heinz is responsible for manufacturing it, and Oscar Mayer markets it.

Before this meal was available nationally, it was first introduced back in Seattle.

The production of most Lunchables products takes place in Texas facility, Garland.

Lunchables goes by the name of “Dairylea Lunchables” in places like Ireland and the UK.

Lunchables consist of 26 varying varieties of food combos.

It includes wraps, crackers, subs, pizzas, nachos, chicken nuggets, small burgers, and hotdogs.

A common package like the crackers meal combo consists of equal cheese, meat, and crackers.

The company also made two versions that targeted adults, such as the “Deluxe” and “Maxed Out”.

These versions had increased number of foods in every package; however, it is no longer produced.

Lunchables also comes with an array of desserts and drinks.

These drinks and desserts include Capri Sun Juice, Cola, Jell-O Gelatin, Reese’s Cups, Butterfingers, etc.

Can you freeze Lunchables? Yes. Of course, you can. You may wish to freeze them if you want to eat them later.

It will last longer compared to keeping them on the shelf of your pantry.

Does Freezing Affect Lunchables?

When it comes to freezing your Lunchables, the situation is quite tricky.

Why? Because Lunchables come in 26 different varieties, every food type will react differently to freezing.

For instance, freezing certain foods like pizzas and chicken nuggets won’t affect their quality and taste.

However, when you freeze foods like crackers, you can expect the texture and quality to be altered.

Also, the fact that most Lunchables do come with crackers is a problem.

Freezing tends to make your crackers soft and soggy for the most part, which isn’t up anyone’s alley to eat.

Also, there can be certain instances where the small hot dogs in Lunchables suffer from a bad case of freezer burn.

Here, the quality and taste of your mini hot dog will be bad.

But freezing will do an excellent job preserving items such as meat and cheese present inside your Lunchables box.

How To Freeze Lunchables?

There are two ways to freeze your Lunchables.

It all depends on whether you are planning to freeze packaged or homemade Lunchables.

They are as follows:

Freezing For Packaged Lunchables

The process of freezing your Lunchables is quite simple and doesn’t require any step-by-step process.

Since they come all set and ready in packages, you have to pop them inside the freezer without opening them.

But Lunchables come in different sizes, so you should store them properly to save space inside the freezer.

If you are planning to freeze multiple packages of Lunchables, then you can choose to stack them on top of each other.

It will keep everything in the proper arrangement, and it will be easy for you to eat them in an orderly manner.

Before you freeze your Lunchables, always ensure that the package isn’t torn with holes or cuts.

Since Lunchables come with varying food types, certain meals won’t react well with ice or freeze burns.

When you freeze your Lunchables, you should also pay close attention to the manufacturing and expiry dates.

Certain foods like cheese tend to expire fast, which will affect the rest of your meals as well.

Freezing For Homemade Lunchables

Many people come up with their own Lunchables to personalize their ingredients.

They get to make it healthier and also end up saving a lot of money.

Most people don’t add crackers to their Lunchables because it loses its hardness and taste from freezing.

The first thing that you need to do is select all your favorite foods.

Next, you need to come up with a convenient lunchbox.

Choose the size of your lunchbox depending on the size and number of your ingredients.

Yes, you can also use an airtight container, but the lunchbox comes with perfect compartments for storing all your different foods.

Using an airtight container will only mush the foods because of how congested it can get.

Now you can proceed to store your Lunchables inside the freezer by ensuring that it’s closed properly.

You can do the same and stack them on top of another if you are freezing multiple boxes.

The frozen Lunchables can last for more than two months inside the freezer.

Since they are already packaged, the cold temperature will preserve them for months and months.

But its longevity also depends on the ingredients inside the Lunchables because Crackers, for instance, don’t last that long inside the freezer.

How To Thaw Frozen Lunchables?

There are three ways to thaw your frozen Lunchables.

They include:

Fridge Method – You can defrost your frozen Lunchables by keeping them inside the fridge.

If you wish to eat them the next day, you can keep them in your fridge overnight.

The change of temperature will thaw out the ingredients, especially the meat.

Room Temperature Method – The second way to defrost your Lunchables would be to keep them on your kitchen counter.

The warm room temperature will instantly thaw out your Lunchables.

Here, you can keep them on top of a plate or bowl to collect the condensation from dripping on the counter or floor.

Warm Water Method – If you are in a rush, you can always defrost your Lunchables by using warm water.

Pour some warm water into a bowl and place your Lunchables on top of it using a plate.

Let it thaw out.

Caution.

• Do not use hot water to defrost your Lunchables.
• Avoid microwaving your Lunchables at all times.

Conclusion

Lunchables make a convenient and delicious meal for both kids and adults.

They also make great on-the-go meals, and you can eat them just about anywhere.

Lunchables are filling, tasty, and gives you all the required energy to carry on with your day.

You can eat them fresh or frozen, based on your convenience.

But it is best to avoid keeping your Lunchables at room temperature for long periods.

Why? Well, because bacteria will grow and affect its taste and quality.

It is also perfectly safe to eat frozen Lunchables.

But you do have to compromise with the texture when it comes to the crackers.

Also, ensure that your Lunchables aren’t expired by keeping tabs on the labels.

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