Best Freezer Labels: How To Choose the Right Ones

Steve

Steve

Hi, I’m Steve, and I’m the founder and chief editor at cookerybarn.com. I'm by no means a trained chef but I enjoy good food, fiddling around in the kitchen, and trying out the latest gadgets. My goal is to create a place where anyone interested in cooking and learning about the kitchen can get easy-to-follow practical advice. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me.

Are you tired of playing the guessing game with your frozen food? We know the struggle! You carefully store away that bag of chicken breasts or batch of homemade lasagna, only to forget about it in the icy depths of your freezer.

And when you finally stumble upon it, you’re left guessing how long it has been there or if it’s still safe to eat.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to avoid this problem: freezer labels! You can finally bid farewell to the confusion and avoid spoilage by adequately labeling your frozen food. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones.

Let’s explore the best freezer labels and provide tips on choosing them.

Our Top Picks

To help track and keep your frozen food organized, here are our best-tested freezer labels in various categories:

Best Freezer Labels for Freezer Bags

Best Labels for Freezer Containers

Best Removable Freezer Labels

Best Large Freezer Labels

What To Look for When Choosing Freezer Labels

Choosing the correct freezer label can help you prevent food item misidentification, reduce spoilage, and make it easier to keep your freezer organized. 

Stability and Readability of Freezer Labels?

The stability and readability of your freezer labels depend on the following factors:

Adhesive Quality

The low-quality adhesive on your freezer label will peel off quickly and ruin its stability. Make sure your label has a suitable adhesive that sticks well.

Label Material

Depending on the environment, different materials will hold up better than others. For instance, paper (semi-gloss, gloss, matte) is prone to moisture and UV, while polyester and vinyl materials are not.

Ink Quality

Even when exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture, the label’s ink should resist fading, smudging, and bleeding.

Application Process

How you apply the freezer label can affect its stability. The surface should be clean, dry, and free of any residue. After that, evenly and smoothly press it on the surface to prevent air bubbles or wrinkles.

Storage Conditions

The labels may become unreadable or peel off easily if exposed to high humidity or extreme temperatures.

Types of Freezer Labels

Freezer labels are classified into two:

  • Dry Condition Labels: They’re made of paper and plastic, and you can only use them at low temperatures
  • Wet Condition Labels: Made of durable and water-resistant materials to withstand splatters without falling and fading

Features To Look Out for in a Freezer Label

To get the most out of a freezer label, here are the features you can look out for:

The Surface of the Container

This refers to the surface to which you intend to apply your labels, such as glass, metal, or plastic. Some may be rough, while others may be corrugated or completely smooth.

The container surface will determine the adhesive type and the best label material. To be safe, order different labels to suit various surface types.

The Material

Also known as the label substrate, it’s the base material used to make the label, such as paper, plastic, or vinyl. Choose a label that can withstand low temperatures and moisture without deteriorating.

Materials like vinyl are best for freezer labels.

Adhesive Composition

The adhesive should be strong enough to hold the freezer label in place. To that effect, there are three common types used for freezer labels, and each will react differently depending on the surface used and the temperatures:

  • Acrylic solvent adhesive: This is suitable for use with metal food containers in hot and cold conditions
  • Hot melt adhesive: These work best in hot and cold conditions, especially in temperatures close to room temperature
  • Emulsion acrylic adhesive: These are most effective on transparent or metal containers in hot, cold, or freezing conditions

Make sure to select the right adhesive for your needs.

Size

It refers to the dimension of the label. The best label size should comfortably accommodate all the content information and fit easily on the container surface.

Shape

Labels come in various shapes, from round to square to rectangular. Select one that best suits the size and surface of the container.

Temperature Range

A freezer label should withstand the freezer’s minimum application temperature without becoming unreadable or falling off.

Freezer-grade adhesive labels are the best option as they can handle temperatures as low as -40°F.

Review: Best Freezer Labels

Here are our top picks of the best freezer labels:

Best Freezer Labels for Freezer Bags

450pcs Smatagee Removable Freezer Labels

To start the list is the Smatagee freezer label. These are a must-have for anyone looking to stay organized in the kitchen and avoid freezer burn and food spoilage.

The labels come in a pack of 450 pieces, each measuring 1×3 inches, giving ample space to jot down contents, dates, and times. You also get three rolls of 150 stickers each, in red, green, yellow, and blue. This makes it easy to identify your foods in the fridge.

Additionally, they’re constructed of specially formulated paper which is not only durable but water and oil resistant. The labels are easy to peel off without leaving any sticky residue or tearing down any surface. And with high-quality glue, they’ll stick securely to any food container.

Pros

Durable and tear-resistant paper

Oil and water-resistant

Easy to peel and won’t leave a residue

Stick securely on freezer bags

Available in four colors for easy identification

Cons

Microwave unsafe

Yoget 300pcs Removable Freezer Labels

The Yoget 300pcs Freezer Labels are another excellent choice for organizing food and pantry items. They come with two rolls of 150 stickers each, in red and blue, to meet your needs. You also have enough space with the 1×3-inch size to write down your ingredients, dates, and times comfortably.

However, the best part is that they’re water and oilproof making them ideal for the freezer/refrigerator. Furthermore, the labels are crafted of unique materials that won’t rip, tear, or fade away when exposed to harsh temperatures. And while the adhesive is strong, they still peel off easily without leaving any residue.

Pros

Require little water to wash off

The labels adhere securely

Durable and waterproof material

Easy to peel off

Ample space for writing

Cons

Microwave unsafe

Limited to two colors-blue and red

Best Labels for Freezer Containers

If you are looking for the best labels for your freezer containers, the following two options might be a good option for you.

Tafura Food Labels

These are made of premium-grade paper, Tafura freezer labels will not tear, fade, or become unreadable after contact with liquids. They come in 200 pieces, large enough to accommodate lengthy descriptions, dates, and times.

The ultra-adhesive labels don’t fall off easily, no matter how cold your freezer gets. And don’t fret-they won’t leave any glue residue or paper fragments when you peel them off. That way, you don’t have to do extra cleanup when it’s time to switch labels.

If you have a variety of containers, then you’ll appreciate their applicability. These labels will stick to plastic, metal, glass, or paper surfaces. Moreover, they’re reusable, making them a great money-saving option for the long run.

Pros

Peels off easily without leaving residue

Reusable for long-term use

Sticks securely to any surface

Not prone to fading or tearing

Large enough for detailed descriptions

Cons

Available only in one color-blue

Dissolvable Food Labels

If you worry about stickers clogging your drains, Dissolvable Food Labels are the perfect solution. These non-toxic, eco-friendly stickers will dissolve in water, leaving no mess. They also offer a generous writing surface of 1×2 inches, ideal for long-winded descriptions.

The labels feature a unique adhesive formula that makes them highly sticky and moisture-resistant. That means they won’t fall off in cold temperatures, allowing you to store your food items safely.

Additionally, they’re easily repositionable, allowing you to make changes when necessary. And best of all, they leave no residue behind, so you can keep your containers clean. With these labels, you can save time, money, and effort.

Pros

Leave no adhesive residue

The labels are reusable

Dissolve quickly in water

Ample space for detailed descriptions

Eco-friendly and non-toxic

Cons

Don’t stick well on wet surfaces

Best Removable Freezer Labels

Hybsk Removable Freezer Labels

Treat yourself to a set of freezer labels from Hybsk and ensure your cabinet, fridge, and freezer stay organized.

First, these labels come in a pack of 10 sheets, each containing ten labels to meet all your requirements. And with ample writing space, you can add long descriptions without crowding them.

What sets them apart is their unique adhesive – extra sticky so they won’t fall off. Plus, they’re a breeze to peel off and won’t leave any residue behind. This makes them perfect for labeling food containers, mason jars, and other kitchen essentials.

But that’s not all – these labels are also reusable, allowing you to alter your labeling as needed. And with their waterproof material, you can rest assured that they’ll hold up in even the most extreme freezer conditions.

Pros

Water-resistant and durable

Reusable labels

No residue is left behind

Extra sticky adhesive for secure application

Enough writing space

Cons

Only available in black and white

OliveBird Removable Freezer Labels

Not every day, you come across labels that perfectly combine convenience and functionality. But that’s precisely what Olivebird Removable Freezer Labels offer.

The labels come in 500 pieces, each measuring 2 x 2 inches. That’s plenty of space for long descriptions. And the dotted red lines? These provide you with a visual guide for creating perfectly straight labels.

And that’s not all! Olivebird labels are also equipped with an ultra-strong adhesive and temperature-resistant material, so they won’t fall off when stored in the freezer. The best part is they’re completely waterproof and will never smudge or fade.

Additionally, the labels are reusable and repositionable, making them an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable and long-lasting solution.

Pros

Plenty of room for long descriptions

Durable and moisture-resistant

Labels don’t leave any residue behind

Easy-to-peel backing

Sticks firmly to any surface

Cons

Microwave unsafe

It may not stick well to all surfaces

Best Large Freezer Labels

Sterling Gifts Large Freezer Labels

Finding labels sizable enough for your large containers can be difficult. Fortunately, Sterling Gifts Freezer Labels make this task a breeze. The stickers measure 3 1/2 x 3 3/4 inches, allowing for plenty of writing space for content and even instructions.

And that’s just the beginning. The stickers are waterproof, so they won’t fade or smudge when exposed to moisture. Additionally, they come with a unique adhesive that allows them to stick securely even at very low temperatures.

And when it’s time to change the labels, you can easily remove them without leaving any residue behind. All in all, they offer you a perfect balance of convenience and durability.

Pros

Large writing space for plenty of detail

Waterproof material

Ultra-strong adhesive

No glue residue is left behind

Reusable

Cons

Limited to one color-white

L LIKED Removable Freezer Labels

Another extra-large label you can consider is the L LIKED removable freezer label. The set comes with 200 stickers, each measuring 2×3.5 inches, giving you enough room to list ingredients, dates, and other helpful information. You also get to enjoy five vibrant colors for easy categorization.

Constructed with special paper and premium glue, these labels are tear-resistant and waterproof. They stick securely to any food container, and you can easily remove them without leaving a residue. Moreover, they can withstand the extreme temperatures of your freezers or refrigerators and last long.

Pros

Durable and waterproof

Multiple colors for easy identification

Easy to peel off without leaving glue residue

Large labels for more writing space

Stick well on any surface

Cons

Microwave unsafe

Top Tips for Using Freezer Labels

Finding the perfect label is one step closer to an organized freezer and goodbye to food waste. However, knowing how to use the labels properly will help you get the most out of them.

Here are some of our top tips for using freezer labels:

General Tips

  • Before applying the label, ensure the freezer bag or Container’s surface is clean and dry. Any moisture or debris could affect the label’s adhesion.
  • Use a permanent marker or a pen designed for use on freezer labels. These can withstand the cold temperature of the freezer, and the ink won’t smudge or fade.
  • Ensure to clearly write the label’s contents and the “best before” or “use-by” date. The last thing you want is to consume unhealthy food.
  • Avoid overcrowding, as too much information can lead to confusion. Instead, keep it simple but, if necessary, use additional labels.
  • Never write on top of unreadable labels. Instead, replace or apply a new label next to the old one.
  • To save space on the label, use abbreviations for common words like “chicken” (CH) or “spaghetti sauce” (SPG).

Best Way to Label Freezer Bags

  • Choose the label designed explicitly for freezer bags
  • Using a permanent marker, write the date and contents of the freezer bag on the label
  • Stick the label on the front of the bag where it’s easy to see. Make sure it’s securely attached
  • Fill the bag with your food item, press out any excess air, and seal it
  • Place your labeled freezer bag in the appropriate location in your freezer/fridge

How to Label Freezer Containers

  1. Select the label specifically designed for freezer containers.
  2. Thoroughly clean your Container and dry it completely before labeling.
  3. Pick a ballpoint or permanent marker and write the date and contents of the freezer container on the label.
  4. Peel the label off the backing paper, and stick it to the front of the Container or its lid.
  5. Press firmly to ensure that the label is securely attached.
  6. Fill the Container with the food, seal it, and store it in the freezer.

Best Label Printer

If you’re tired of store-bought labels, you may want to invest in a label printer. It’s a great way to quickly make custom labels with whatever text and designs you want.

However, finding the right one can be challenging if you’re a novice, especially given market saturation. Fortunately, we’ve tested several models and narrowed it down to the following two:

While both printers offer superior quality and user-friendly interfaces, your choice will ultimately depend on your budget and individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s look at some of the commonly asked questions about freezer labels.

What label material to use for the freezer

Go for polyester and vinyl, which can withstand moisture and extreme temperatures without fading or tearing.

What can I write on freezer bags with?

A ballpoint or permanent marker. The two can withstand cold temperatures and won’t smudge or wash off.

What tape sticks in the freezer?

Scotch Freezer Tape is specifically designed for cold environments and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F, making it an excellent choice for labeling food items.

Do Avery labels work in the freezer?

You can use Avery labels in the freezer, which will stick even in cold temperatures. However, always check the packaging before buying any label, as some may be unsuitable.

Do Dymo labels work in the freezer?

Dymo labels are another excellent option you can use in the freezer. They can withstand low temperatures of up to -80 °F. However, use specific freezer labels for better adhesion and longevity.

Conclusion

The above freezer labels are the best in the market as they can withstand low freezer temperatures without smudging or peeling off. But to reap maximum benefits, consider their adhesive property, size, moisture-resistant and materials. With these factors, you can keep your freezer organized and food fresh longer.

Steve

About Steve

Hi, I’m Steve, and I’m the founder and chief editor at cookerybarn.com. I'm by no means a trained chef but I enjoy good food, fiddling around in the kitchen, and trying out the latest gadgets. My goal is to create a place where anyone interested in cooking and learning about the kitchen can get easy-to-follow practical advice. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me.
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