Jello is a jiggly sweet treat that everyone loves. It’s a satisfying and refreshing dessert for kids and a versatile food item for adults. You can turn it into just about anything—salads, fillings, cakes, and many more!
That’s why it won’t come as a surprise that you’ll have lots of Jello powder in your pantry. However, while this powdered delight can last for long when stored correctly, it may not be the case for ready-made Jello, which can only last for a week in the refrigerator.
So what can you do if you plan on pre-making Jello shots for your party weeks in advance? Or what will you do when you make too much of your child’s favorite Jello cake? Can you freeze jello?
Yes, you can freeze Jello. However, don’t expect that the frozen Jello will have the same consistency and texture once thawed.
Keep on reading this article to know more about freezing jello.
What Happens When You Freeze Gelatin/ Jello?
Freezing Jello will alter its wobbly and smooth consistency because it damages the particles that bind the gelatin together, which will cause it to separate once it’s thawed.
Instead of freezing solid, your Jello will end up as a watery mess or sometimes an ice slush because the freezing process just undoes the effects of the boiling process performed to produce Jello in the first place.
How To Store Jello Properly
Since all its ingredients will be broken down, the freezing process also won’t prolong Jello’s’ shelf life, so it defeats the original purpose you have for freezing it.
With that said, what are the methods you can employ to store Jello and slow down its spoiling process properly? Here are some tips:
- All types of Jello—packed, homemade, and dry Jello mix—should be placed in a cool and dry environment that’s safe from temperature change.
- If you plan on storing prepared Jello, the best thing you can do is cover it in plastic wrap to protect it from air and moisture, which may hasten the spoiling process.
- You can even add a layer of protection by placing the wrapped Jello in an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator.
- For storing prepared, packed Jellos, you should follow how to keep them in the place where you bought them. For example, if you’ve purchased the Jello from the stores’ refrigerator, you should also place the Jello in the fridge. If it’s just on the shelves, you can store it on your pantry shelf.
This is because temperature changes (warm to cold and cold to warm) may produce moisture. The presence of moisture inside your packed Jello will spoil your Jello and may cause mold to grow.
- If you store unopened Jello in your pantry, ensure that the temperature won’t exceed 23 degrees Celsius. Hide it away from places with light, heat, and moisture.
- When preparing homemade Jello, make sure to use only clean utensils to avoid contamination. Place the prepared Jello in an airtight container and refrigerate it right away to prevent the formation of moisture droplets.
How To Thaw Frozen Jello
There are a few ways to thaw frozen Jello.
- The easiest way is to put it in the fridge and let it slowly thaw over time.
- Another way is to place it in a bowl of warm water and let it thaw that way.
- You can also microwave it, but be careful not to cook it.
Pro tip: the best way to make sure your Jello comes out correctly is to follow the instructions on the package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are more important information you need to know about freezing (or not freezing) Jello:
In Summary
Jello is a simple dessert to make and use in your recipes, but prolonging its shelf life is truly an entirely different story.
So can you freeze Jello? Of course, you can, but with all the issues surrounding freezing Jello, you shouldn’t. Leftover jellos can last for only up to 10 days when stored in the fridge. The excellent news is and unopened and sealed Jello packs can last longer if you keep them the right way.
