Although while we were growing up we were told to drink a whole glass of milk to keep our bones strong, some of us still struggle to use up a whole carton of milk before the expiration date or the dreaded sour smell begins to form. This problem has lead many to ask the fateful question: “is it okay to freeze milk?”
Can You Freeze Milk?
In short, yes it is safe to freeze milk. However, there are some guidelines you should know about it, especially depending on the kind of milk you are attempting to freeze. Each type of milk has a different reaction to being frozen. For example, most milks will separate during the freezing process.
Oat and almond milks will become especially grainy, according to Healthline. It is important to note that any milk that comes in a can (like coconut milk) should absolutely not be frozen while in the can, since it will not have room to expand while in a can.
For best results, you should place your milk in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Leave enough room for it to expand, but don’t leave too much air in the container as well. Ideally, you’ll leave about 1.5 inches for expansion. Then stick it in the freezer until you need it!
Freezing Milk Can Change Its Texture
Once you’re ready to defrost, it’s definitely better to do so in the refrigerator as opposed to room temperature, as room temp will allow bacteria to start growing, which can make your milk unsafe for consumption. We should note that most milks will have a slightly different consistency upon defrosting.
Due to the change in consistency, milk that has been defrosted is probably best to use in smoothies, cooking, or any other use in which it will be blended with other ingredients. If you really want to drink it or use it in your cereal, you can try to throw it in the blender first to smooth out its texture first.
If you’re planning to cook the milk in a hot pot or pan, you can defrost it in the pan itself. If you plan on using it in smoothies, you can try freezing it directly in an ice cube tray to make it easier to use.
Freeze Milk Directly In Ice Cube Trays
While you can definitely freeze and use frozen milk, we recommend that you consume it within one month of freezing. Throughout the whole process, make sure you are thorough in order to avoid bad results in your cooking, or even worse, your health!
