Why Putting a Coin in Your Freezer Could Save You from Food Poisoning
We often assume that once food goes into the freezer, it stays perfectly preserved. But what if your freezer silently fails while you’re away?
Whether it’s due to a power outage, unexpected maintenance, or even extreme weather, a loss of electricity can cause frozen food to thaw—and possibly refreeze—without you ever knowing. This is especially dangerous for perishable items like meats and dairy, which can develop harmful bacteria if not kept cold enough.
That’s where a clever freezer hack comes in: the coin-in-a-cup trick.
The Trick That Tells the Truth About Your Freezer
If you’re heading out of town—even for a short weekend getaway—you might want to try this simple test. All you need is a cup of water and a coin.
The method, made popular by Sheila Pulanco Russell on Facebook, is surprisingly effective. Her advice? Freeze a cup of water, then place a coin (like a quarter) on top of the frozen surface and leave it in the freezer.
In her post, Sheila explained, “If you ever have to evacuate or leave your home for any reason, this little trick can let you know whether your freezer contents are still safe. When you return, just check the cup. If the coin is still on top or only slightly sunken, your food likely stayed frozen. But if it’s dropped to the bottom, the freezer thawed completely and the food should be discarded.”
A Permanent Safety Backup
Even if you’re not planning a trip, keeping this coin-in-a-cup test in your freezer can offer peace of mind during surprise blackouts or appliance failures. It’s a low-effort way to help ensure your food is safe to eat—and potentially prevent foodborne illness.
As Sheila wisely put it: “When in doubt, throw it out. Your health and safety are more important than saving a few groceries.”
Public Response
Sheila’s practical advice struck a chord—her post has garnered over 231,000 likes and been shared more than 420,000 times. Thousands of people have commented, calling the idea “brilliant,” “life-saving,” and “a freezer must.”
One commenter noted, “Been doing this for years in my garage freezer—it works like a charm.”
Sometimes, the simplest tricks make the biggest difference.