Those of us that like to shop in bulk are always looking for ways to save our extra ingredients I’m sure you have wondered at some point, can you freeze almond milk?
The answer is yes! There are some methods and effects of the milk to consider, but rest assured that almond milk left unpoured in your fridge can be frozen and saved for later when you follow the proper steps.
Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
Yes, it is entirely possible to freeze both homemade and purchased plant-based milk, including almond milk.
Frozen almond milk can be used within 5 or 6 months of freezing to be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of recipes. It’s a great way to extend the shelf-life of the product – with the understanding that the thawed result won’t be quite the same as if it was fresh.
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How Do You Store Almond Milk in the Freezer?
In Ice Cube Trays
This is the best way to do it. It’s easy to portion out, simple to store, and causes the least amount of fuss once the time comes to thaw.
Simply pour the liquid into the tray and place the tray in the freezer. Within 2 hours or so, the milk should be frozen solid. At this point, the frozen cubes can be popped out and transferred to a Ziploc bag or other freezer-safe container.
In A Freezer-Safe Storage Container
It can also be poured directly into either of the aforementioned storage containers. The container should be airtight and have a couple of inches of space left for when the milk expands as it freezes.
Ways to Thaw Almond Milk Once Frozen
The natural follow-up question to “Can I freeze almond milk?” is, “How do I thaw almond milk?” Here are a couple of techniques to try:
Overnight in the Fridge
When you freeze almond milk, slowly thawing produces the best results. The separation isn’t as severe, and it’s easier to blend the thawed milk to get it closer to its original texture.
This does take a while, so be sure to place your frozen milk in the fridge the night before you plan on using it.
Stovetop Method
Simply transfer the frozen milk into a saucepan and heat on low, stirring as it melts.
This method will be difficult if you freeze in one large piece in a single container – allowing it to sit at room temperature for a bit will help it loosen and come out.
Otherwise, it’s best to store the milk in cubes for easy thawing later on.
Warm Water Bath
Place your container of frozen milk in a larger container filled with warm water. Make sure the container is sealed tight! A freezer bag is best for this method.
This process can be accelerated if you take the time to replace cooled water with more warm water or if you do this directly in the sink under running warm water.
Once thawed, consume within 5 days and keep refrigerated – don’t leave it sitting at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
Can You Freeze Silk Milk?
Yes – you can freeze almond milk, so you can freeze Silk milk as well. Any plant-based milk can be frozen in the same ways described above.
Can You Freeze Almond Milk in the Carton?
It will certainly freeze in the carton, but you’ll have a hard time getting it out of that carton once frozen! So if your goal is to use the milk in its frozen form, the carton isn’t your best bet.
Alternatively, if you wish to thaw later on, then storage in the carton is a feasible option. Just make sure there is enough space at the top of the carton for when the milk expands – it is possible that this process will cause the carton itself to burst in the freezer.
Why You Shouldn’t Freeze Almond Milk
Just because you can freeze almond milk, however, doesn’t mean that you always should.
It generally isn’t recommended, not even by the store-bought brands themselves, because you end up with a completely different product once it thaws.
The liquid separates once frozen and thawed, leaving it grainy. It’s not nearly as smooth as its original form and also experiences a change in flavor.
How to Use Frozen Almond Milk
The best way to use your frozen almond milk is in recipes that don’t rely on the overall texture of flavor of the milk.
- Use as ice cubes for smoothies or milkshakes for an icy consistency. A dairy-free frappuccino would be delicious!
- Frozen and thawed almond milk is great to bake with because the change in texture will not affect the overall recipe.
- Freeze to use in your morning coffee as a creamer, cooling it down a bit quicker, or in iced coffee! Be sure to give it a stir as the almond milk thaws.
If you’re freezing to drink later, then we recommend blending with an immersion blender or giving it a good whisk will get it as close as possible to fresh almond milk.
