I love almond milk but always struggle to use it within the seven days as recommended by several companies and always wondered, “Can you freeze almond milk?” Today, I am here to answer that question and more!
Whether you are dairy-free, lactose intolerant, or just looking for an alternative to dairy milk, this nut milk is a great dairy milk alternative. And like dairy milk, you can freeze it, but frozen almond milk will undergo texture and consistency changes once thawed.
In this post, I will post will show you how to store and freeze almond milk so you never have to worry about running out again.
We’ll not only talk about freezing almond milk but discuss the best uses for it once thawed. We’ll also touch on its shelf life when not frozen.
I’ll also show you how easy it is, step by step. No need for complicated freezing methods -just follow these simple instructions for freezing and thawing almond milk so you can enjoy its benefits all year round!
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Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
Yes, almond milk does freeze so you can freeze it for later use. But the makers of Almond Breeze and Silk don’t recommend it. Here is what you need to know before you freeze almond milk at home.
Almond milk freezes easily but it separates just like cow’s milk. And once it’s thawed, you’ll notice a change in its color and taste, as well as its texture.
Can You Freeze Homemade Almond Milk?
Homemade almond milk is made with almonds and water. Fresh almond milk is not shelf-stable and has a shorter shelf life than store-bought almond milk. It can range anywhere from a couple of days to as many as two weeks, but three to four days seems to be the average for most people.
The length of time homemade almond milk lasts before it sours depends on how it was made and stored. The better sanitation used when making it, the longer its shelf-life appears to be.
You can freeze fresh almond milk just like store-bought. Just be sure it has not gone bad before you freeze it.
Can You Freeze Almond Milk In The Carton?
Technically yes, you can freeze almond milk in the carton. However, I wouldn’t recommend it. Because almond milk has high water content, it will expand as it is freezing.
When you freeze an unopened carton of almond milk, you run the risk of it expanding and cracking open.
Also, cartons won’t keep out air and freezer odors as well as a freezer-safe container will.
It’s best to transfer your almond milk to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave an inch or two of headspace (empty space) in your container to allow your almond milk to expand as it is freezing.
Why Does It Say Not To Freeze Almond Milk?
After reading Almond Breeze’s and Silk’s website, it appears freezing almond milk affects its taste and texture to the point they don’t recommend freezing it. But, frozen almond milk is still safe to consume.
And if you’re willing to deal with the changes and uses limitations once it’s thawed, freeze away, my friend!
Can You Freeze Almond Milk After Opening It?
Yes, you can freeze almond milk after opening it. Just make sure it hasn’t spoiled before you freeze it. Once you’ve verified it is still good, transfer the almond milk to an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze.
Remember, almond milk expands as it freezes so leave an inch or two of empty space in the container. I know, I’ve said this before, but it is really important.
How Long Is Frozen Almond Milk Good For?
If frozen at a constant 0°, this nut milk will remain safe to consume forever. However, its quality will start declining over time so it is best to use frozen almond milk within 2 or 3 months!
How To Freeze Almond Milk
The easiest way to freeze almond milk is to freeze it in airtight, freezer-safe containers.
But if you drink a lot of smoothies, I would recommend you freeze some in ice cubes for smoothies. Then you’ll never be out of almond milk for your morning smoothie!
Here are the two methods I use to freeze almond milk. The methods are the same for store-bought and homemade.
Method One: Freezing Almond Milk In Container
Tools & Equipment Needed
- airtight containers (freezer-safe)
- freezer label
- black sharpie
Freezing Instructions
Step 1: Gather your supplies.
Step 2: Transfer your almond milk to an airtight container. Leave one to two inches of headspace (empty space). Close container tightly.
Step 3: Using your freezer labels and black sharpie, label your container. Be sure to include the date frozen.
Step 4: Place the container of almond milk into the freezer.
Method Two: Freezing Almond Milk In Ice Cube Trays
Tools & Equipment Needed
- ice cube trays
- freezer-safe plastic bags or air-tight freezer-safe containers
- freezer labels (optional)
- black sharpie
Instructions for Freezing In An Ice Cube Tray
Step 1: Gather your supplies.
Step 2: Pour your almond milk into the ice cube tray. Be sure to leave a little space for the almond milk cubes to expand as it is freezing.
Step 3: Place the ice cube tray into the freezer.
Step 4: Once frozen solid, remove the almond milk cubes from the freezer and transfer them to a freezer-safe plastic bag or container.
Step 5: Using your black sharpie, record the date frozen on the freezer bag of almond milk ice cubes or a freezer label.
How To Defrost Frozen Almond Milk
The safest way to thaw almond milk is in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just toss it in the fridge and you’re good to go.
Never defrost almond milk at room temperature.
Thawing almond milk in water runs the risk of bacteria developing. Drinking bad nut milk can make you sick.
I don’t think a trip to the doctor or emergency room is worth the risk, do you?
However, if you insist on thawing frozen almond milk in water, be sure to do the following:
Use cold water only. DO NOT USE LUKEWARM WATER.
Every 30 minutes, until your nut milk is completely thawed, replace the water with cold water and shake or stir your almond milk. Do not let the water you’re thawing your milk in get warm. That’s an invitation for bacteria growth.
How To Use Thawed Almond Milk
Remember, freezing almond milk will cause changes in consistency and texture. Once thawed, the milk will not have the consistency of fresh milk.
There will be separation. So don’t plan on drinking your previously frozen almond milk unless the changes don’t bother you. It’s best to use frozen and thawed almond milk in a recipe where the changes won’t be noticeable.
How Long Does Almond Milk Last In The Fridge?
Store-bought almond milk has a rather long shelf-life until it’s opened. The recommended consumption period is 7 to 10 days once opened. However, it may remain fresh and safe to consume longer. Just be sure it has not spoiled before you consume it.
How To Tell If Your Almond Milk Has Gone Bad
If your opened carton of almond milk has been in the fridge longer than the recommended 7 to 10 days, you should make sure it has not spoiled and gone bad before consuming it. Here’s what to look for:
- Changes in color
- Changes in consistency.
- Changes in smell
- Bloated carton
If your almond milk has gotten thicker or formed clumps, throw it out. If its carton is bloated, the color has changed, or it smells “off”, throw it out.
Once you have verified none of the above applies to your almond milk, take a small sip. If it tastes ok and has not soured, it should be safe to consume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Freeze Almond Milk Smoothies?
Yes, you can freeze almond milk smoothies but I find the almond milk has better consistency when it’s been frozen in ice cube trays and then make my smoothies fresh each time.
Can You Freeze Almond Milk To Make Ice Cream?
Absolutely! You can freeze almond milk to make ice cream.
Can You Freeze Almond Milk Yogurt?
Yes, you can freeze almond milk yogurt for a great frozen yogurt treat.
Does Almond Milk Freeze For Popsicles?
Almond milk popsicles are delicious, so yes, you can use almond milk to make popsicles.
Can You Freeze Almond Milk Coffee Creamer?
The answer is yes. It is safe to freeze almond milk coffee creamers. However, your thawed coffee creamer may have an unpleasant consistency due to separation. Be sure to give it a good stir and shake before consuming.
ProTip: Try freezing a small amount of your creamer the first time. Then thaw and try it in a cup of coffee to see if it freezing it in the future would be an option for you.
Final Thoughts From Cost-Effective Kitchen
If you love almond milk but don’t want to buy it every week then you should explore freezing options.
Just remember non-dairy almond milk experiences separation when frozen and thawed. This will alter the taste and texture.
You can help minimize the separation and improve the taste by giving it a good stir or putting the thawed nut milk into the blender.
Then, make smoothies or use your defrosted almond milk in your favorite sweet or savory recipe where it is blended and cooked.
Until next time…
Kim
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