Category
Grains
Freezing and pantry storage advice for rice, pasta, flour, oats, and other grains, with guidance on preventing freezer burn and pest contamination.
Example foods
- Barley
- Bread
- Flour
- Oats
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
Foods in Grains
Can You Freeze Cooked Lentils?
Yes, cooked lentils freeze exceptionally well - better than most legumes and grains on this site. Drained and packed properly, they hold good texture for about 6 months in the freezer, and about 5-7 days in the fridge (though 3-4 days is the safer target for best quality). The one trick that actually matters: drain lentils well before freezing, since any extra cooking liquid keeps soaking in during storage and turns them mushy and waterlogged by the time you thaw them.
Can You Freeze Cooked Quinoa?
Yes, cooked quinoa freezes well - similar to rice, and arguably a bit more forgiving. Cooled, dried, and packed properly, it holds good texture for about 6 months in the freezer, and 4-5 days in the fridge. The key step is letting it cool and dry out slightly before freezing, ideally spread on a tray rather than sealed up warm - skip that, and you'll end up with clumped, soggy quinoa instead of fluffy, separate grains.
Can You Freeze Flour?
Yes, flour can be frozen, and the freezer is especially useful for whole-wheat, nut, and other high-fat flours that turn rancid faster, as well as for killing any pantry-pest eggs hiding in a fresh bag. Seal flour against moisture and odors, freeze it in practical portions, and let the closed package return to room temperature before opening. Freezing does not make raw flour safe to eat; baking or cooking remains the kill step.
Can You Freeze Hummus?
Yes, you can freeze hummus. Portion it into airtight containers, leave headspace, and freeze at 0°F / -18°C. Thaw in the fridge (40°F / 4°C), stir to re-emulsify, and use promptly. Hummus freezing is an easy way to batch-cook, control portions, and cut waste while staying food-safe.
Can You Freeze Oats?
Yes, you can freeze oats, although dry oats rarely need it because they already store well in a cool, dry pantry. Cooked oatmeal, baked oatmeal, and overnight oats can be portioned and frozen for about 3 months. Expect thawed oatmeal to be thicker and softer, then restore it with a splash of milk or water while reheating.
Can You Freeze Pasta?
Yes - cooked pasta freezes well. Cool it fast, portion into airtight bags, and freeze at 0°F (-18°C). For best quality, use within 1–2 months (U.S.) or about 3 months (UK). Stuffed shapes like ravioli and tortellini can also be frozen raw, uncooked, straight from the tray to the pot.
Can You Freeze Rice?
Yes - freeze cooked rice (not dry grains). Cool it fast, pack airtight, and freeze at 0°F (-18°C). In the U.S., use refrigerated rice within 3–4 days and frozen rice within 3–4 months for best quality; in the UK, eat refrigerated rice within 24 hours and follow FSA's general freezing guidance. Cooling speed matters more for rice than most leftovers because of Bacillus cereus.