Yes, you absolutely can store dry beans in the freezer, and in fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to keep bugs and spoilage at bay—especially for short- to mid-term storage (up to 5 years). It’s not the most space-efficient method, but it works well if you have extra freezer room and want to keep beans fresh without investing in mylar or oxygen absorbers.
In this article, I’ll explain when freezing makes sense, how to do it properly, and the pros and cons compared to traditional pantry storage.
🪣 Why Freeze Beans Instead of Using Mylar?
While mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are great for long-term storage (think 25+ years), the freezer offers a simple alternative for those who:
- Want to kill off weevils or insect eggs
- Plan to use the beans within a few years
- Don’t want to deal with sealing and storing buckets
If you’re just storing a year or two’s worth of beans for everyday cooking, freezing is a great option.
For those looking to go the distance, read How Long Will Beans Last in Mylar with Oxygen Absorbers? for shelf lives of 25+ years.
❄️ How to Freeze Dry Beans for Storage
Freezing dry beans isn’t complicated, but doing it the right way helps preserve freshness and prevent condensation.
Step 1: Pre-Freeze (Optional, but Recommended)
Spread your beans in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 12-24 hours. This kills any insect larvae or eggs before you store them in bulk.
Step 2: Store in Airtight Containers
Once frozen, transfer your beans to a moisture-proof, airtight container. I prefer vacuum-sealed bags or mason jars with tight lids.
Avoid storing in their original packaging unless you place it inside another sealed container—bean bags are usually not moisture-proof.
Step 3: Label and Rotate
Label your containers with the bean type and date, and use the oldest ones first. Beans stored in the freezer should stay fresh for up to 5 years.
Want to compare with pantry methods? I walk through 4 top storage setups in How to Store Rice and Beans Long Term: Tried and Tested Methods.
📊 Pros and Cons of Freezer Storage
Pros:
- Kills weevils and larvae without chemicals
- No special equipment needed
- Beans stay fresh and retain flavor
Cons:
- Takes up valuable freezer space
- Power outages can ruin your stash
- Shorter shelf life compared to mylar (5 years vs. 25+)
🤔 Bonus Tip: Freeze Before Mylar Sealing
Even if you’re planning long-term mylar storage, you can freeze your beans for 48 hours first to kill off any pests, then let them return to room temp and dry completely before sealing.
Curious how to maximize bean life? Don’t miss Best Beans for Long-Term Storage (Nutrition + Shelf Life).
Final Thoughts
If you’re not ready to invest in buckets, absorbers, and sealers, the freezer gives you a reliable way to extend the life of your dry beans for several years. I use it often for small batches of lentils and pintos that I cook regularly. Just be sure to seal them well and keep an eye on your power supply.
Anne James—lovingly known as Jelly Grandma—is a professional canner, seasoned home cook, and lifelong preserver of traditional Southern skills. With over 55 years of hands-on experience in canning, gardening, cooking, and quilting, Anne brings generations of wisdom to every guide she writes.
Featured in both local media and by national brands like Hershey, Anne now shares her knowledge through PreservingSweetness.com and her YouTube channel, helping others rediscover the “old ways” of living well and making things from scratch.