Freezer-proof, easy-to-peel-off food storage labels?

July 30, 2011 11:53 AM

I am looking for labels to put on food I store in the freezer. Requirements inside:

*freezer-proof, i.e. probably waterproof and/or temperature proof
*plasticky feel to the label
*need to be able to write on them (preferably with a sharpie) without ink smearing
*easy to peel off plastic and glass

I've tried other methods of labeling frozen food (masking tape, regular mailing labels that feel like paper, writing directly on the container/plastic wrap/aluminum) and find them all frustrating. Anyone have any ideas?

posted by Betty's Table to Home & Garden (11 answers total)

You'll want to use scientific supply stores to find what you want.
Use the search term "cryolabel"

An example of this search at FisherSci.

There are many such companies. VWR and so on.
posted by sciencegeek at 12:00 PM on July 30, 2011

Here are some blank labels designed for freezer use, though I don't know about their texture or removeability.
posted by jessicapierce at 12:02 PM on July 30, 2011

Labels? Just sharpie on any plastic bag before it's wet and/or cold.
posted by carlh at 12:31 PM on July 30, 2011

Best answer: These meet all your criteria, plus they're erasable and don't come off (even in the dishwasher) until you peel them off.
posted by DrGail at 12:36 PM on July 30, 2011 [1 favorite]

I've always been able to use a sharpie right on the bag, but ZipLoc and Glad both make bags that have a pen-friendly, white labelling area right on them.
posted by gimli at 12:38 PM on July 30, 2011

Response by poster: @carlh and gimli - I often freeze in reusable containers, hence wanting labels. @DrGail, THANK YOU!
posted by Betty's Table at 12:40 PM on July 30, 2011

That only works if you freeze everything in plastic bags. OP seems to not do that.
posted by jessicapierce at 1:19 PM on July 30, 2011

My strategy for this: write on a slip of paper, use translucent packing tape to tape it to the container.
posted by smorange at 1:41 PM on July 30, 2011 [1 favorite]

We use a dry erase marker and write directly on the container. Comes right off in the wash. (note, only done this with plastic, so it may not work for you...)
posted by Jacob G at 6:33 PM on July 30, 2011

These aren't waterproof, but they work very well. Evenflo Smart Steps Magic Label. They stick to containers and dissolve in water, so after you wash them, the label is gone.
posted by k8to at 9:06 PM on July 30, 2011

What about freezer tape? It can be hard to find, but it's sometimes available in grocery and other stores (such as Wal-Mart) with the canning and freezing supplies. You can write on it with a Sharpie and it doesn't come unstuck.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 5:07 PM on July 31, 2011