Is it safe to use plastic ice cube trays in the freezer?
Based on 1 peer-reviewed studykitchen
Verdict: Use Caution
Okay for occasional use. Long-term and repeated freeze-thaw cycles crack plastic and increase release.
What's actually in it
Plastic ice cube trays are usually polypropylene or polyethylene. At freezer temperatures, chemical release is very low. Problem: repeated freezing, twisting, and warm-water rinsing damages the plastic over years, and scratched trays release more each cycle.
What the research says
A 2025 study in J Agric Food Chem documented increased plastic particle release with wear and temperature cycling.
Switch to silicone trays (flexible, easier to pop out) or stainless steel ice trays (heavy, industrial, lifetime).
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Release of Nanoplastics from Polypropylene Food Containers. | J Agric Food Chem | 2025 |
What to use instead
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