Here’s Why You Should Leave A Coin In The Freezer Before Leaving The House

Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or leaving home for an extended vacation, there’s one simple trick that could save your food—and potentially your health—while you're away: leaving a coin in the freezer.

At first glance, it might sound strange. Why would anyone put a coin in the freezer? But this viral hack, which has been shared widely on social media and even endorsed by experts in food safety, is actually a brilliant way to determine whether your freezer (and everything inside it) has remained frozen while you were gone.

The Problem: Power Outages While You're Away

If the power goes out while you're not home—even briefly—your freezer can begin to thaw. When the power returns, the contents may re-freeze, leaving no visible signs of a problem. But that thaw-and-refreeze cycle can make food unsafe to eat, especially meat, dairy, and other perishable items. Spoiled food can look perfectly fine but still harbor dangerous bacteria.

This is where the coin trick comes in.

The Coin and Ice Trick: How It Works

Here’s how to use this clever method:

1. Fill a small cup or container with water.

2. Place it in the freezer until the water is completely frozen solid.

3. Put a coin on top of the frozen ice.

4. Leave the cup in the freezer before you leave the house.

When you return:

• If the coin is still on top, your freezer stayed cold the entire time. No worries!

• If the coin has sunk to the bottom or middle, it means the ice melted at some point (suggesting the freezer warmed up) and the coin dropped. When the freezer refroze, the coin remained lower in the ice.

• If the water is fully melted or slushy, it’s a clear sign that the freezer experienced a significant power outage and you may need to throw out some of the contents.

Why This Trick Matters

This easy hack is not just about saving groceries—it’s about safety. The USDA recommends throwing away perishable food that has been above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours. If your freezer was off longer than that and your food thawed, it could be dangerous to eat.

By using this simple coin method, you can make a more informed decision about whether your food is still safe, or if it’s time to toss it.

Bonus Tip

For best results, use a clear plastic or glass container so you can see the position of the coin without disturbing the ice. You can also place several of these in different parts of the freezer if you're storing lots of food or want to be extra cautious.

Final Thoughts

A coin in a cup of ice might seem insignificant, but it’s a powerful little tool that can tell you exactly what happened inside your freezer while you were away. Next time you're heading out for a trip, take a minute to do this trick—it could save you money, time, and the risk of foodborne illness.

So go ahead: grab a coin, freeze some water, and give yourself peace of mind.