Knowing the right way to keep uncrustables is very important. This is because these sandwiches are very delicate, and when stored the wrong way they can lose their texture and amazing flavor. Below we look at whether uncrustables can be stored in the refrigerator or in the freezer.
Contents
What Are Uncrustables
Uncrustables are small sandwiches that are made using bread that does not have any crusts on it. These sandwiches are designed to be kept in the freezer and when one wants to snack on them, they can easily thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Uncrustables come in different flavors some of which include chocolate, peanut butter and jelly, cheese and ham. These sandwiches are a convenient lunch solution and can be found in a number of grocery stores.
Do Uncrustables Need To Be Refrigerated
Uncrustables can be refrigerated if you are planning on eating them within 24 hours. This is because the refrigerator will thaw them for you since they are sold whilst frozen. If you keep them for more than 24 hours in the refrigerator without consuming them, they are most likely to lose their texture. Uncrustables were designed to be kept in the freezer and then thawed at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. So if you buy uncrustables from the store and you have no intention of consuming them the next day, its best that you store them in the freezer.
How To Refrigerate An Uncrustable
If you are going to be refrigerating an unopened packet of uncrustables you can always put it in the refrigerator with its original packaging. You can place it overnight so that in the morning it will have thawed. If the packaging had been opened, you can transfer the uncrustable into a freezer bag and then place it in the refrigerator. Uncrustables that are stored in the refrigerator should be consumed within 24 hours or else they will start to lose their texture.
Shelf Life Of Uncrustables Stored In The Refrigerator
Uncrustables that are stored in the refrigerator have a shelf life of 24 hours. If you keep them longer than that, they will start to turn bad. Uncrustables are designed to be kept in the freezer and should only be placed in the refrigerator if you intend on eating them within 24 hours.
Disadvantages Of Refrigerating Uncrustables
While uncrustables can be thawed in the refrigerator, there are actually a few disadvantages associated with this method. Below we highlight some of them.
- There is a risk that you might forget the uncrustables in the refrigerator.
- The uncrustables might become soggy if left for long periods of time.
Advantages Of Refrigerating Uncrustables
- The refrigerator prevents uncrustables from being exposed to bacteria.
- Uncrustables can easily thaw overnight in the refrigerator and will be ready to eat in the morning.
How To Freeze An Uncrustable
As noted in this article, uncrustables are designed to be stored in the freezer. So if you are going to be storing them there, you can place them directly into the freezer with their original packaging. The freezer should have an internal temperature of 0F or lower. If you had already opened the uncrustables you can simply place them in a freezer bag. Take out as much air as possible before storing them in the freezer. The uncrustables will last until their expiry date if you keep them in the freezer.
Disadvantages Of Freezing Uncrustables
- Frozen uncrustables take a bit longer to thaw so if you are craving them, you will need to be patient.
Advantages Of Freezing Uncrustables
- Freezing extends their shelf life.
- Freeing preserves their texture and flavor.
- Freezing prevents harmful bacteria from getting onto the sandwiches.
Shelf Life Of Uncrustables Kept In The Freezer
Uncrustables that are stored in the freezer can last up to their expiry date. Therefore, it’s important that you take note of the dates indicated on the package so that you can consume these sandwiches before they expire.
How To Thaw An Uncrustable
Apart from using the refrigerator to thaw uncrustables, there are other methods that you can use. Below is a list of some of the methods.
Room Temperature
Instead of thawing your uncrustable in the fridge, you can always thaw it at room temperature. This sandwich usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to thaw at room temperature. If you are thawing it at room temperature, simply take it out of the freezer and place it on a kitchen counter. After 30 to 60 minutes it will be ready to eat.
Warm Water
If you do not have a lot of time on your hands, you can always use warm water to thaw your uncrustables. In order to do this simply take your uncrustable and place it in a freezer bag. Take a bowl of warm water and submerge the uncrustable into the water. Let the uncrustable sit in the water until you are satisfied with the texture.
Lunchbox Method
If you are going to be having your uncrustable at school or at work you can simply place it in the lunchbox whilst frozen. The uncrustable will thaw by itself on your way to your destination. By the time you eat, the uncrustable would have already thawed.
Sun Method
Another alternative is to put your uncrustable in an area were the sun shines through. This method is only reliable during the summer. If you use the sun to thaw your uncrustable, you will be able to enjoy it in less than 30 minutes.
How To Tell When Uncrustables Have Turned Bad
If you want to know whether your uncrustables have turned bad, here are a few things you need to look out for;
Appearance
When the color of your uncrustables change, there is a good chance that they have turned bad. Uncrustables are made using bread and we all know that it is highly perishable. So if you see a lot of discoloration and mold on your uncrustables, chances are high that they have turned bad and you need to discard them immediately.
Texture
When your uncrustables have a slimy or stale texture, there is a risk that they have turned bad. Therefore, you will need to throw them away. Eating uncrustables that have turned bad can lead to severe health problems.
Smell
When uncrustables have gone bad you can also tell by their smell. If you get an unpleasant smell from your uncrustables, chances are high that they have gone bad and need to be thrown away.
Taste
If your uncrustables have turned bad they will definitely taste off. If you notice that the flavors are not tasting well or are tasting different, there is a chance that they have turned bad. The moment you taste a bad uncrustable, it’s important that you throw it away or else you can end up getting sick.
Can You Refreeze Uncrustables?
Yes, you can refreeze uncrustables however, it is not recommended. This is because refreezing uncrustables, tends to sacrifice their flavor. When uncrustables are thawed, they become soft, and if you refreeze them, ice crystals might form on the bread. This then affects the texture of the sandwich. Furthermore, when uncrustables are thawed and refrozen, they can be exposed to bacteria which can cause stomach problems in humans when they consume the sandwiches.
Do Uncrustables Go Bad If Not Refrigerated?
Yes, uncrustables can go bad if they are not refrigerated. This is because these sandwiches are designed to be stored in the freezer. So if they are exposed to room temperature or hot conditions for a long time, they can easily lose their texture. Furthermore, they can get infected by bacteria which causes them to turn bad. So if you want to preserve the state of your uncrustables, its best that you keep them in the freezer or refrigerator until you are ready to eat them. It is worth pointing out that uncrustables should only be kept in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 hours. After that they will start deteriorating in texture and flavor.
Are You Supposed To Eat Uncrustables Frozen?
No, you are not supposed to eat uncrustables whilst they are frozen. You are supposed to thaw them first. You can either put them at room temperature, in a lunchbox or you can submerge them in warm water. If you eat uncrustables whilst they are frozen, you will have a hard time trying to taste the flavors and also you can get brain freeze.
Can You Get Food Poisoning From Uncrustables?
Yes, you can get food poisoning from uncrustables if they have turned bad. Therefore, it is very important that your always store your uncrustables the right way. You also need to check the expiry date so that you do not consume stale sandwiches. If you notice that an uncrustable has turned bad, you should always throw it away.
Final Words
Uncrustables can be refrigerated if they are going to be eaten within 24 hours. If you know that you do not intend on eating these sandwiches anytime soon, it’s best that you place them in the freezer.