Yes, You Can Freeze Eat Fit Go Meals
For those who love the convenience of Eat Fit Go but find themselves with extra meals before the expiration date, the good news is that freezing them is an option. The company explicitly states that meals can be frozen prior to their "use by" date. This is a fantastic way to extend the shelf life of your pre-portioned, healthy meals, offering greater flexibility in your meal planning. However, it's not a simple toss-it-in-the-freezer situation. Proper technique is essential for preserving the food's taste, texture, and nutritional value.
Preparing Eat Fit Go Meals for Freezing
Proper preparation is the most critical step to ensure your meals taste as good as new. The goal is to minimize moisture loss and prevent freezer burn, which can happen when food is exposed to the dry air inside a freezer.
Here are the key steps for best results:
- Check the expiration date: Only freeze meals that are well within their "use by" date. Freezing does not improve food quality, it only pauses its decline.
- Secure the packaging: Eat Fit Go's meals come vacuum-sealed, which already provides a good level of protection. For extra protection, especially if you plan to store them for a longer period, consider wrapping the entire container in an additional layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil or placing it inside a freezer-safe bag.
- Organize your freezer: Before freezing, flatten the meals if possible to make stacking easier. Once frozen solid, they can be stacked vertically or horizontally to save space.
- Label clearly: Use freezer tape and a permanent marker to label each meal with the date it was frozen and the meal name. This prevents the forgotten, mystery meal from being discovered months later.
Reheating Frozen Eat Fit Go Meals
Reheating is just as important as freezing. Eat Fit Go's own instructions are to reheat directly from frozen, without thawing first. This helps maintain food quality and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: Keep the meal in its original container. Vent one corner of the film seal or punch a few small holes in the top to allow steam to escape. Heat on high for an initial 2 to 3 minutes. Stir the contents and continue to heat in short 30-second bursts until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for a minute or two before eating.
- Oven: For meals that could benefit from crisping (e.g., those with roasted vegetables or potatoes), the oven is a great option. Transfer the meal from the plastic container to an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent it from drying out, especially for meals with a longer cooking time. Bake at 350°F for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 165°F.
Comparison Table: Freezing vs. Fresh Meals
| Feature | Fresh Eat Fit Go Meal | Frozen Eat Fit Go Meal |
|---|---|---|
| Best By Date | Typically 14 days from production | Up to 3 months for optimal quality |
| Flavor | Maximum, vibrant flavor as intended by the chef. | Slightly reduced flavor intensity, especially in delicate herbs. |
| Texture | Optimal, as the food has not undergone crystal formation. | Can be slightly softer or more watery due to ruptured cell walls. |
| Convenience | Grab-and-go from the fridge; minimal reheating time. | Requires more strategic planning for reheating, often a longer process. |
| Best For | Immediate consumption and peak flavor enjoyment. | Extending shelf life, future-proofing your healthy eating plan. |
| Foods to Avoid | None. | Salads, items with high water content (e.g., some vegetables). |
Tips for a Better Freezing Experience
- Understand ingredient limitations: Not all foods freeze equally well. Meals with high-water-content ingredients like leafy salads or certain raw vegetables may suffer textural changes when frozen. Eat these meals first to enjoy them at their best.
- Consider a pre-thaw: While Eat Fit Go suggests reheating from frozen, for a more even and faster result, you can thaw the meal overnight in the refrigerator. This is especially helpful if you're concerned about uneven heating in the microwave.
- Reheat creatively: If the texture of an item like roasted potatoes or vegetables has changed, consider finishing it in an air fryer or on a skillet to re-crisp it.
Conclusion: Freeze Your Meals with Confidence
By following the best practices for freezing and reheating, you can confidently use your freezer to extend the life of your Eat Fit Go meals. It's a simple, effective way to reduce food waste and maintain your healthy eating routine even on the busiest weeks. Remember to freeze meals promptly before their use-by date and use extra protective wrapping for the best results. While the texture may change slightly for some components, the overall convenience and safety of your extended meal supply will make the small effort worthwhile. You can easily stock your freezer for a quick and healthy meal whenever you need one, without sacrificing your nutrition goals.
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For more detailed information on safe food handling and freezing practices, reference the Food Standards Agency's guidelines on chilling, freezing, and defrosting food safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you freeze Eat Fit Go meals? Yes, Eat Fit Go states that you can freeze their meals before the "use by" date.
- How long can I freeze Eat Fit Go meals? For optimal quality, frozen meals should be consumed within 2 to 3 months. Quality can decline over longer periods due to freezer burn, but the food remains safe indefinitely if kept at a consistent 0°F or lower.
- Is it better to freeze a meal or eat it fresh? For the best flavor and texture, Eat Fit Go meals are designed to be eaten fresh. Freezing is a method for extending the life of a meal you won't get to in time.
- Do I need to thaw Eat Fit Go meals before reheating? No, Eat Fit Go's instructions state you can reheat directly from frozen. However, some prefer to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for more even heating.
- What is the best way to reheat a frozen Eat Fit Go meal? The microwave is the fastest option, but an oven can be used for items that benefit from being re-crisped. Always ensure the food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Do all Eat Fit Go meals freeze well? Most main dishes freeze well, but meals containing delicate items like fresh salads or those with high water content may experience textural changes.
- What is the best way to prevent freezer burn? Using an extra layer of airtight protection, like heavy-duty foil or a freezer-safe bag, over the original vacuum-sealed container helps prevent freezer burn.
