SHORT ANSWER: WHERE DO I GET #2 PLASTIC BOTTLES?
Haley Nutrition recommends using #2 HDPE plastic bottles when refreezing aloe vera to maintain freshness and reduce spoilage. Customers can repurpose juice bottles or purchase HDPE juice bottles online, but refreezing aloe in glass is not recommended due to breakage risk.
Many customers ask where they can buy safe plastic bottles for refreezing aloe vera. While we sometimes include a small empty bottle with a first purchase to demonstrate portioning, we do not sell empty bottles separately.
Why We Recommend Smaller Bottles
We suggest keeping about one week’s worth of aloe vera in the refrigerator at a time. While aloe can last longer, limiting refrigerated portions helps maintain freshness and reduces the chance of spoilage. Smaller bottles make this much easier.
What Type of Plastic Bottle Is Best?
When repurposing or purchasing bottles, we recommend:
- #2 Plastic (HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene)
- Occasionally #5 Plastic (PP – Polypropylene) may also be acceptable
You can identify these by checking the recycling symbol and number on the bottom of the bottle.
HDPE (#2) is commonly used for juice bottles and is widely considered one of the most stable plastics for cold storage and freezing.
Where to Buy Empty HDPE Bottles
If you’d rather buy new bottles instead of reusing ones you already have, the simplest option is to search online.
Try searching Amazon for:
You’ll find a variety of sizes that work well for portioning aloe vera before freezing.
If You Can’t Find Empty Bottles
You still have options.
Another practical approach is to visit your local grocery store and buy a multi-pack of bottled sports drinks or juices. If you do this:
- Check the bottom of the bottle first
- Confirm it is labeled #2 (HDPE)
- Use the bottles for aloe after thoroughly cleaning them
This method is often easier than sourcing specialty containers and ensures you’re using bottles designed for liquid storage.
Why We Do NOT Recommend Refreezing Aloe Vera in Glass
We understand concerns about plastic use, and in many cases those concerns are valid. However, freezing aloe vera in glass containers poses a real breakage risk due to expansion during freezing.
For safety reasons, we believe using HDPE plastic for refreezing aloe is a responsible and practical choice.
If you’d like a deeper explanation, please see our article:
“Is It OK to Re-Freeze Aloe Vera in Glass?”