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Gunther Heller

Can You Freeze Frozen Vegetables?

Source: USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS · last verified November 2026

Illustration of frozen vegetables
In the freezer
10–18 months
Yes — freezes well

Quality holds for about 10–18 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.

Quick answer

Yes: frozen vegetables keep 10–18 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 3–4 days in the fridge.

How to freeze frozen vegetables

  1. Keep it at 0°F (-18°C) or colder in the original pack.
  2. Reseal opened bags tightly or move to a freezer bag.
  3. Cook from frozen as the package directs, or thaw in the fridge.

How to thaw frozen vegetables

In the fridge

Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.

At room temperature

Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.

From frozen

Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.

Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 10–18 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.

Freezer vs fridge vs counter

Frozen vegetables Per USDA FoodKeeper
Counter
Not recommended
keep it cold
Fridge
3–4 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
Freezer
10–18 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety

More about frozen vegetables

More “can you freeze it?” answers, A–Z →

FAQ

How long can you freeze frozen vegetables?
About 10–18 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen frozen vegetables?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze frozen vegetables?
Only if they were thawed in the fridge and have not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in frozen vegetables?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number