Almond milk has become an increasingly popular plant-based milk alternative in recent years. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, almond milk can be used in many of the same ways as regular dairy milk – in cereals, smoothies, baked goods, and more. However, unlike dairy milk, almond milk has a much shorter shelf life. So can you freeze almond milk to extend its shelf life? Let’s take a look at whether freezing almond milk is safe and how to do it properly.
Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to freeze almond milk. Freezing is an effective way to extend the shelf life of almond milk by several months. When frozen properly in airtight containers, almond milk should maintain its consistency, nutrition, and flavor.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when freezing almond milk:
- Shake or stir the almond milk first – Separation can occur in almond milk over time. Give it a good shake or stir before freezing to reincorporate any separated liquid and solids.
- Leave room for expansion – Liquids expand when frozen, so be sure not to fill containers to the brim. Leave at least 1⁄2 inch of headspace.
- Use airtight containers – To prevent freezer burn, use containers designed for freezing like plastic freezer bags, Mason jars, or airtight plastic containers.
- Freeze in portions – Freeze almond milk in the portions you will use it in, like 1 cup or quart sizes for easier thawing.
- Avoid temperature fluctuations – Try to keep the milk consistently frozen. Thawing and refreezing can impact texture and flavor.
How Long Does Frozen Almond Milk Last?
Properly stored frozen almond milk can maintain best quality for:
| Freezer Temperature | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| 0°F (-18°C) or below (deep freezer) | 6-8 months |
| At or just below 32°F (0°C) (freezer compartment of refrigerator) | 2-3 months |
The shelf life depends on the temperature at which it is stored. Colder freezer temperatures (0°F or below) prevent freezer burn better and extend the shelf life more than storage at slightly higher refrigerator freezer temperatures.
Properly frozen almond milk should retain its flavor and nutritional content within these time frames. However, over time frozen, the texture and separation can start to degrade. It may not emulsify as well in hot drinks.
If thawed almond milk develops an off odor, flavor, or appearance, it should be discarded.
How to Freeze Almond Milk
Follow these simple steps for freezing almond milk successfully:
- Shake or stir the almond milk vigorously before freezing to redistribute any separation.
- Chill almond milk overnight in the refrigerator before freezing. This helps almond milk freeze faster for a more consistent texture.
- Pour almond milk into freezable containers, leaving at least 1⁄2 inch headspace. Mason jars, plastic freezer bags, or airtight plastic containers work well.
- Seal containers tightly. Remove as much air as possible.
- Label containers with the type and date of freezing.
- Freeze immediately at 0°F or below for up to 8 months of storage.
For convenience, consider freezing almond milk in the serving sizes you would use it in like 1 cup portions or ice cube trays. You can also freeze bananas, berries, or other fruit in the almond milk for easy smoothie mixes.
How to Thaw Frozen Almond Milk
To thaw frozen almond milk properly:
- Refrigerator thawing – For gradual thawing, place the frozen almond milk container in the refrigerator. Let it thaw overnight or for 24 hours before use.
- Cold water bath – For faster thawing, submerge the frozen milk in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Countertop thawing – Letting the container sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours will also thaw frozen milk.
- Avoid microwaving – Microwaving can cause separation and uneven hot spots.
- Use thawed milk within 1-2 days.
Shake or stir thawed milk well before use, as some separation may occur during freezing. The texture may be slightly thinner after thawing but the almond milk should still retain its flavor.
Does Frozen Almond Milk Go Bad?
Even when frozen properly, almond milk still has a limited shelf life. Signs that frozen almond milk has gone bad and should be discarded include:
- Sour or off smell and flavor
- Change in color or consistency – Significant separation, clumping, grittiness, etc.
- Ice crystals or freezer burn
- Mold growth
As long as frozen almond milk is kept at a constant 0°F or below, it should stay safe to consume within 6-8 months. But over time, the quality can degrade. Use your judgment when thawing old frozen milk.
Can You Freeze Almond Milk Creamer?
Yes, flavored refrigerated almond milk creamers, like the kinds used for coffee and tea, can be frozen too. The same guidelines apply:
- Shake or stir creamer well before freezing
- Leave headspace in containers
- Use airtight freezer containers
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use
The added sugars and flavors in creamers make them more prone to separating with freezing. But a good shake or stir once thawed should reincorporate it well for using in hot or cold coffee drinks.
Can You Freeze Non-Dairy Milks Like Soy, Coconut, and Oat Milk?
Freezing works for other plant-based milks too. Here are some freezing guidelines for popular kinds:
Soy Milk
- Leaves a more chalky texture after freezing.
- May need shaken or stirred before drinking once thawed.
- Best for cooking or baking after freezing, not plain drinking.
Coconut Milk
- The oils may separate more after freezing.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
- Stir well before use and drink quickly once thawed.
Oat Milk
- Prone to separation – shake very well before freezing.
- Works well in smoothies or cereal after freezing.
- Can get slimy in coffee drinks after thawing.
The fats and proteins in each milk interact differently with freezing. But following proper methods, you can successfully freeze most plant-based milks at home.
Reasons to Freeze Almond Milk
Freezing is a smart way to cut down on potential almond milk waste. Here are some of the top reasons you may want to freeze your almond milk:
- Stock up on sales – Buy a bunch of almond milk when it’s on sale or you have coupons and freeze the extras.
- Reduce food waste – Freezing can prevent almond milk from spoiling if you can’t use it all before the expiry date.
- Seasonal usage – Stock your freezer with almond milk in the colder months if you use more of it in smoothies or hot drinks.
- Emergency supplies – Having some frozen on hand means you don’t run out if you can’t get to the store.
- Smoothie packs – Make ready-to-blend smoothies by freezing milk with your favorite fruits.
For minimal waste and cost, freezing gives you options for always having almond milk ready to go. You can customize the portions to your needs.
Can You Freeze Opened Almond Milk?
Once opened, almond milk will only stay fresh in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. But you can extend its shelf life by freezing any leftover milk. Follow the same freezing directions, being sure to shake or stir it well as separation occurs faster once opened.
It’s best to freeze already opened milk sooner rather than later for optimal freshness and texture. While not ideal, you can carefully pour unused milk from the original carton into a freezer bag or container if you don’t have another sealed container.
Conclusion
Freezing is an easy, cost-effective way to prevent almond milk waste and always have it on hand. When frozen properly in airtight containers and stored at 0°F or below, almond milk can safely keep for 6-8 months in the freezer. Thaw frozen milk overnight in the fridge and give it a good shake or stir before using to reincorporate any separation. While the texture may change slightly after freezing, frozen almond milk retains its flavor and nutrition. So go ahead and stock up – freezing ensures you always have your favorite plant-based milk ready to enjoy!
