Perhaps, you made a big batch of almond milk. The homemade version lasts much shorter than the store-bought variety. Either way, you might be wondering: Can you freeze almond milk?
No worries, you’re about to find the answers about freezing almond milk in this article. So, keep reading!
How To Freeze Almond Milk
Let’s start with the good news: yes, you can freeze almond milk. You should also know that after thawing, the liquid tends to separate and affects the overall texture.
Other than that, safety aspects are not compromised. Therefore, most major almond milk producers, such as Silk, Alpro, and Blue Diamonds, are against this idea.
Next to that, not all almond milk brands give similar results after thawing. So, you might want to try for yourself and see which one freezes the best.
There are at least two ways to freeze almond milk: in a container and in an ice cubes tray. Never freeze it in its original packaging (carton or glass bottle) as the milk expands during freezing, and it may burst in your freezer!
If you freeze store-bought almond milk, make sure to do it before the best-by date. Meanwhile, if you make homemade almond milk, don’t wait too long to freeze it.
How to Freeze Almond Milk in a Container
This method is the easiest and takes no time. What you need is just a freezer-safe container. That’s about it.
Pour almond milk into a small container. Divide a portion you need for a single serving or recipe. Leave extra space on the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Close the lid tightly.
Place the containers in the freezer. Label each container to rotate your supply safely.
How to Freeze Almond Milk in Ice Cube Trays
If you only use almond milk in a small amount each time, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. This method is also applicable to other drinks or sauces.
Pour almond milk into ice cube trays.
Place the trays in the freezer. Let the liquid freeze in a few hours.
Take the almond milk cubes and transfer them into a freezer bag or container. If you use a freezer bag, squeeze as much air as possible. Place it in the freezer for later use.
No matter which method you use, make sure to seal the container tightly. It is crucial to keep the milk safe and to avoid picking up odors from other foods.
How To Defrost Almond Milk
You can safely thaw frozen almond milk in the refrigerator or in cold water.
In the refrigerator
This method is considered the safest. Simply place the container in the refrigerator. But, you need to plan ahead of time as thawing in the fridge may take time. Do it overnight to have the milk ready in the morning.
In cold water
Thawing in cold water takes less time, but you need to do it correctly. Place the container or freezer-bag in a bowl of cold water. Make sure that the container is tightly sealed. If it leaks, there is a chance for microbial contamination from the water.
Depending on the time you have and how you want to use it, pick one that suits your situation. If you’re using it for cooked dishes or smoothies, you can use frozen almond milk right away without defrosting it.
As mentioned earlier, thawed almond milk tends to separate or looks grainy. You can fix the consistency by stirring it thoroughly. If you’re not happy with the end result, consider using it for smoothies, frozen desserts, or cooked dishes.
How Long Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
You can freeze almond milk for 2 to 6 months. Homemade almond milk lasts shorter than store-bought dairy as it doesn’t contain preservatives. The quality may decline if it’s frozen for too long.
After thawing, it is best to use it within 2 to 5 days. Keep any leftover in the refrigerator.
What about refreezing thawed almond milk? If you defrost it in the refrigerator, it is relatively safe to put it back into the freezer. But, if the milk is exposed at room temperature for too long, don’t refreeze it as there’s a chance of bacterial contamination.
FAQs
Can you freeze smoothies with almond milk?
Yes, of course. That’s definitely a time saver if you drink smoothies every morning. You can make a big batch of smoothies and freeze it in individual packages. Before you go to bed, thaw it in the refrigerator. It will be ready in the morning.
Can you freeze almond milk for smoothies?
Absolutely, yes. Making smoothies is probably the best way to use frozen almond milk as the altered texture won’t likely be noticed.
Can you freeze almond milk to make ice cream?
You can’t directly make ice cream by freezing almond milk. You’ll need several other ingredients, but you can definitely use almond milk as an alternative for dairy milk.
Can you freeze almond milk yogurt?
Similar to regular yogurt, freezing almond milk yogurt also tends to separate after thawing. The texture might be slightly unappealing, but that’s about it. You can still use it for cooked dishes or baking.
Does almond milk go bad?
Yes, almond milk does go bad. General symptoms of spoiled almond milk are similar to dairy milk, such as curdled liquid, unpleasant smell, or sour taste.
Summary
Freezing almond milk is definitely a way to salvage leftover milk. After thawing, the liquid tends to separate, which you can fix by shaking it well. Due to the altered texture, frozen almond milk is best to use for smoothies, frozen desserts, cooked dishes, or baking.
To defrost frozen almond milk safely, you can simply place it in the refrigerator or in cold water. If you plan to use it for cooking, throw the cubes right into the pan. Easy!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
