Quick Summary: Yes, you can freeze almond milk for up to 6 months, but freezing and thawing separate it and make it grainy. Frozen almond milk works best for smoothies, cooking, and baking rather than drinking straight. Freeze it in ice cube trays or airtight containers, and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator.
Almond milk is an excellent alternative for those looking to drink something other than dairy. As a lactose-free milk, it is often enjoyed by those who suffer from lactose intolerance; what is more, some vegans and vegetarians also like to drink it.
As an almond lover, you might find that you have a container of almond milk that is half full, and you don't know what to do with the leftover.
The biggest problem with almond milk is that it comes in large cartons and is hard to drink before it goes bad. That is not something you enjoy doing.
So let's discuss whether you can freeze almond milk, how it affects its taste once thawed, how to freeze it properly, and how to use it after defrosting.
Can you freeze almond milk?
The short answer is yes: you can freeze almond milk for up to 6 months.
Freezing almond milk doesn't affect its safety or nutritional value, but most almond milk manufacturers don't recommend freezing it. Why? They claim that freezing and thawing negatively affect the milk's consistency, texture, flavor, and taste.
Simply put, when you freeze and then thaw almond milk, it separates. This separation changes the texture and taste of almond milk. It doesn't look visually appealing to drink, but it is still good for cooking and baking. Moreover, the shelf life of the thawed milk is significantly reduced.
The truth is that almond milk is a great way to get more protein and calcium into your diet, but what kind you use can make all the difference. Interestingly, some brands work better than others when freezing almond milk. Find out which ones by testing yourself.
Try to freeze a small amount of your favorite milk brand and see how you feel about the results.
Should you freeze almond milk?
Not really. Although most people vote against freezing almond milk, there are ways to freeze it.
It makes sense to freeze leftover almond milk only when you want to use it in a dish and have a recipe in mind for the thawed milk. You won't notice any texture or taste difference if you make protein shakes, smoothies, clafoutis, or almond milk crepes.
Freezing almond milk is an excellent option for preserving milk when people make their own almond milk at home.
How to freeze almond milk
There are two ways to freeze this vegan beverage. As always, each has pros and cons.
How to freeze it in an ice cube tray
This method is perfect if you need a small amount of almond milk later. Most ice cubes contain about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of liquid.
These are three simple steps to proceed:
Step 1: Portion it. Pour almond milk into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Let it freeze for about two to four hours, preferably overnight.
Step 2: Freeze it. Once solid, transfer the almond milk cubes to a Ziploc freezer bag or container, then wash your ice tray.
Step 3: Label it. Place the plastic bag or container into the freezer. It is always recommended to label it with the contents and date.
How to freeze it in containers
The easiest way to freeze it is to use freezer-safe containers.
Step 1: Portion it. Portion your almond drink: pour as much as you need for future use. The best containers are freezer-safe and airtight to prevent the milk from absorbing freezer odors. Leave about 1 inch/ 2 centimeters from the cap (a headspace) since the milk may expand once frozen.
Step 2: Label and freeze it. Label your container and freeze it, standing upright until the milk is frozen. But keep in mind that you should never refreeze almond milk after thawing.
Note: The same freezing technique applies to coconut milk and soy milk.
How long can you freeze almond milk?
A general guideline is to use your frozen almond milk within 3 to 6 months of freezing.
How to defrost almond milk
Thaw the milk in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. It minimizes the risk of bacterial growth. The best way to thaw almond milk is to move it from the freezer to the refrigerator. Usually, a few hours is enough.
If you need your almond milk to thaw faster, you can use a cold water bath. Just place the container over a bowl of cold water and let the milk defrost. Never thaw frozen almond milk in hot or even lukewarm water because it carries a slightly higher risk of bacterial growth.
Always stir or shake the milk to fix the separation. If you plan to cook with frozen milk, skip thawing and add your milk directly to the pot or pan while you cook. Once defrosted, use your milk within a couple of days.
How to use thawed almond milk
You can use thawed almond milk in smoothies, where you will not notice any difference in taste since it retains its flavor. You can also use it for cooking and baking. In this way, the milk will heat up and mix properly.
Can you drink the thawed milk? Yes, absolutely, but you will need to stir it vigorously to preserve the texture, flavor, and color.
Can you refreeze almond milk?
The quick answer is no. You cannot refreeze almond milk because the separation will only worsen the texture and taste.
How to tell if the milk has gone bad
Almond milk brands set an expiry date beyond which the product should not be consumed. So always check before you pour yourself a drink.
Signs of bad almond milk include a thicker texture, a color change, and a different smell. Noticeable thick lumps and a sour smell are the main signs that you should discard your milk. It is not safe to taste (it will taste sour).
Why do almond milk brands say "do not freeze"?
Many cartons, such as Almond Breeze, print a "do not freeze" warning, which makes people worry that freezing is unsafe. It is not. The warning is about quality, not safety.
When almond milk freezes and thaws, the water and almond solids separate, so the texture turns grainy and watery. Brands know most shoppers expect a smooth drink straight from the fridge, so they advise against freezing to protect the taste and mouthfeel you would otherwise get.
If you plan to use the thawed milk for smoothies, cooking, or baking, that warning does not really apply to you.
Can you freeze homemade vs. store-bought almond milk?
Yes, you can freeze both, and they behave similarly once thawed: each one separates and turns grainy. The real difference is shelf life before you freeze.
Store-bought almond milk lasts several weeks unopened and about 7 to 10 days once opened, so you have time to decide. Homemade almond milk keeps only 3 to 4 days in the fridge, so freezing is the smarter move if you batch-make it.
Pour fresh homemade milk into ice cube trays the same day you make it, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Give store-bought and homemade milk a good shake or a quick blend after thawing, since both settle in the freezer.
Does freezing affect almond milk's nutrition?
No. Freezing keeps the protein, calcium, vitamins, and calories of almond milk intact, so a thawed cup is as nutritious as a fresh one. Freezing changes texture and flavor, not nutritional value.
The only thing to watch is fortified almond milk, where added calcium or vitamins D and E can settle at the bottom. Shake the container well before freezing and again after thawing so those nutrients stay evenly mixed.
Can you freeze other plant-based milks?
Yes. The same rule applies to most plant-based milks: freezing is safe, but thawing brings some separation. Freeze them in ice cube trays or airtight containers, leave room for expansion, and use the thawed milk for smoothies, cooking, and baking rather than drinking straight.
Soy milk freezes with mild separation and thaws fairly well. Oat milk separates more and can turn slightly slimy, so it is best in cooked recipes. Coconut milk freezes nicely and is great for curries and desserts. Cashew milk behaves much like almond milk, splitting a little on thawing. Whatever the type, always shake or blend the milk once defrosted.
Conclusion
Almond milk can be frozen for up to 6 months. However, you should freeze it in small batches using a freezer-safe, airtight container or ice cube trays.
This non-dairy milk separates and becomes grainy when frozen, but you can try to fix it by blending it. I hope this guide gives you all the tips you need to freeze and thaw your milk properly and safely.
FAQ
How long can you keep almond milk?
Homemade almond milk has a shorter shelf life than store-bought almond milk. For example, homemade milk lasts up to 3 to 4 days maximum, while you can store industrial almond milk in a dry place for several weeks.
How long is almond milk good for after opening?
Once opened, refrigerate almond milk and consume it within 3 to 5 days.
Does almond milk freeze well?
Almond milk is not one of the foods that freeze well. Once thawed, it separates and becomes unpleasant to drink. However, you can still use it for cooking and baking.
Can you freeze almond milk in the carton?
You can easily freeze almond milk in an unopened carton for up to 3 to 6 months. The box might bulge in the freezer, which is fine.
Can you freeze almond milk for smoothies?
Yes, it is the best use of frozen almond milk. Freeze it using the ice cube method and use as many frozen cubes as you need right in the blender.
Can you freeze almond milk for ice cream?
Yes, you can freeze almond milk, but you will need to thaw it before making ice cream. The texture, color, and flavor of the ice cream will differ slightly from ice cream made with fresh milk.
How to fix frozen almond milk
The only way to fix separation in frozen almond milk is to use a blender. Still, the texture will differ from the original state. It will be unpleasant to drink or add to your morning coffee or a bowl with cereal. It's fine for making smoothies, cooking, and baking.
Can you drink almond milk that was frozen?
Yes, you can, but many people find it unpleasant to drink because of the texture changes.
How to use thawed almond milk
Use defrosted almond milk for almond milk smoothies, protein shakes, baking vegan-friendly desserts, and cooking. However, it has limited use as a coffee whitener: you need to stir it well.
Does almond milk go bad?
Yes, it goes bad when stored beyond the expiration date. Bad almond milk will become thicker, change color, and get a sour taste and an identifying smell.
Can you freeze almond butter?
Yes, it will freeze. But you will still get the same texture changes.
Can you freeze almond milk yogurt?
Freezing almond milk yogurt hardly affects its structure, but it separates when thawing. Use frozen almond milk yogurt for baking, cooking, and making smoothies and shakes.
Comments
No Comments