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Why can improper frozen-food storage cause ice crystals to grow larger?

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frozen meals — frozen meal Depositing of prepared meals in trays prior to freezing.

Ice crystals in frozen food grow larger primarily due to fluctuating storage temperatures. When the temperature of a freezer system rises and falls, it triggers a cycle of partial melting and refreezing within the food product.1

During these temperature fluctuations, smaller ice crystals may melt, and the resulting moisture then migrates and refreezes onto larger, existing crystals. This process, often observed in products like ice cream, leads to an increase in crystal size, which can negatively impact the food's texture, often making it feel sandy or coarse.1

To maintain the quality of frozen items, it is essential to keep storage temperatures as stable as possible and ensure that foods are tightly packaged to prevent moisture loss, which can also lead to surface dehydration known as freezer burn.1