How to tell if frozen pizza is bad? We’ve all been there. It’s the middle of the night, and you’re starving.
You open up your freezer and spot a frozen pizza. It’s been a long time since you’ve had one, so you decide to try it.
But is frozen pizza bad for you?
In this blog post, we will discuss how to tell if frozen pizza is bad and some tips on how to store it properly.
Freezer burn occurs if there are dry areas or discoloration on the frozen pizza.
It's still safe to eat, but it won't be at its optimal quality, so whether or not you consume the frozen pizza at this point is totally up to you, but it will compromise the texture and flavor.
How to Know If Frozen Pizza is Bad? The Telltales Signs
You should check for the following signs to see whether your frozen pizza has gone bad:
Freezer Burn
When your food has dried out, it develops freezer burn. This may happen due to improper storage or being in the freezer for an extended length of time.
Ice crystals may build on the outside of your pizza, causing dry streaks or discoloration.
Freezer burn may also manifest as black, leathery patches in rare circumstances.
You CAN still consume the pizza since it is safe to do so, but it may affect the quality of the product in terms of flavor and texture, so the decision is entirely yours.
While you may choose to eat the pizza if there are no symptoms of freezer burn, you should toss it if you observe any of the following:
Smell
Expired frozen pizza will often have an unpleasant smell.
This is due to the cheese, which may also turn yellow or brown, and the dough may become hard or brittle.
And other ingredients begin to spoil. If you notice a strong-smelling odor, your pizza is bad.
Mold
This may be the simplest approach to identify since it is the most visually visible. This is often manifested as green patches.
Slimy
You may be able to identify an aspect of spoiling on your frozen pizza via slime, depending on the toppings on your pizza.
Crust That Is Hard And Dry
Crunchy may appeal to some but being hard may indicate that your frozen pizza has beyond its expiration date.
Nonetheless, tossing such pizza is a personal choice. If you are not worried about a hard, dry crust, you can consume the pizza.
Awful Taste
You examined your frozen pizza carefully and couldn’t find anything wrong with it.
It still seems fresh, and the toppings appear as good as they were the day you purchased them.
However, one bite into the pizza makes you want to vomit. Again, rely on your taste senses. If anything tastes bad, it’s most likely ruined.
Check on The Expiration Date
Another way to tell if your frozen pizza is bad is by looking at the expiration date.
If the pizza is past its expiration date, likely, it’s no longer safe to eat.
Tip: Additionally, you should check the packaging for any signs of damage. If the packaging is damaged, the pizza may have been contaminated.
How to Keep Frozen Pizza Fresh Longer
Knowing how to care for your frozen pizza will help you keep them from spoiling.
If you want your frozen pizza to last longer, keep the following guidelines in mind:
1. Allow Time for Cooling
If you’ve already cooked the pizza, make sure it’s cooled. Place them in the freezer while they are still warm.
Condensation will form as a result of this. Condensation moisture will damage the pizza during freezing.
2. Temperature
Frozen food may be maintained at 0 degrees Fahrenheit forever if the container is not broken or destroyed.
As a result, the temperature plays a significant role in how your frozen pizza should be kept.
When freezing food does not destroy germs, it does prevent them from developing while held at the proper temperature, reducing the risk of food poisoning or sickness.
To be safe, if the frozen pizza is left out in temps over 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or longer, it should be discarded.
Tip: You may purchase thermometers in your freezer and check them regularly to verify that it is at the proper temperature. This should be done at least once a week.
3. Portioning
It’s vital to know how much pizza you’ll be eating before freezing it. If you plan on eating the whole pizza, you may freeze it whole.
Freeze each separately if you’re just going to consume a tiny quantity at a time.
This allows you to extract exactly what you need, and you won’t have to worry about having leftovers that need to be frozen again.
Tip: It is not suggested to thaw frozen pizza. This will further impair the pizza's quality.
4. Wrapping
Wrap the pizza in plastic wrap, whether it’s a full pie or pieces.
Wrap another layer of plastic wrap over it for further security. Make sure that all of the pizza is coated.
Place the pizzas in the freezer bag after they have been wrapped.
Ensure the freezer bag is big enough to hold the pizza, particularly if it’s a complete one. Then, before closing the bag, push it to eliminate any extra air.
5. Containers
If you got a frozen pizza from the supermarket, chances are it was already properly wrapped, and you wouldn’t have to do anything with it.
However, whether you have handmade pizza or takeout leftovers, you should consider taking additional precautions to ensure that they are properly stored.
Place your pizza in a freezer-safe, airtight container.
This guarantees that there is a minimal area for germs to build while opening and shutting your freezer and preventing freezer burn.
The Consequences of Eating Bad Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizzas may be stored in the freezer for up to 18 months. Because frozen goods are often safe to eat even beyond their expiry date.
It’s quite unlikely that you will get ill or experience any adverse effects if you consume frozen pizza after its best date.
It’s sometimes better to be safe than sorry. Food poisoning symptoms might be seen and, to some people, may result in allergic reactions such as:
- Rashes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
- Swelling
- Coughing
- Sneezing
Frozen Pizza FAQs
Do you have any more questions on how to tell if frozen pizza is bad? Here are some more common questions about frozen pizza.
How Long will Frozen Pizza Last in the Freezer?
Frozen pizza will keep its quality for 1-2 months and be stored or carefully wrapped in plastic wrap, followed by an additional layer of aluminum foil.
You don’t have to throw it away after two months, but it won’t be as appetizing.
Why Does Frozen Pizza Have a Peculiar Odor?
This fragrance may not be as noticeable until the food has thawed, but it has gone bad due to a less-than-ideal freezer condition if it has a nasty odor.
Don’t even take a chance; order some takeout.
Is It Harmful to Consume Expired Frozen Pizza?
Many frozen foods, such as veggies and frozen pizzas and veggies, are acceptable to consume beyond their expiry date.
If the meat was bought and frozen, the expiry date should not be more than 50 percent.
Final Verdict
So, how to tell if your frozen pizza is bad? If it has been in the freezer for longer than six months just like any other frozen food, it loses its original delicious flavor, and the texture may become a bit spongier.
If your frozen pizza has any of these signs, it’s time to toss it and order a new one.
With so many delicious options, there’s no reason to settle for anything less than the perfect slice.