How to Freeze Milk

Never waste another drop of precious milk or worry about buying too much when it’s on sale. This handy guide will show you the best and safest way to keep milk in the freezer for long-term storage. Stocking up for emergencies? Buying in bulk? No problem, this post is full of tips and tricks for fresh-tasting frozen milk.

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Can you freeze any type of milk?

Any type of milk from skim to buttermilk can be safely frozen for long term storage as long as you follow proper steps for freezing, storage, and defrosting.

Can you freeze plant-based milk?

Non-dairy milk such as plant based milk can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Non-dairy milk like almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk or coconut milk can be stored in the same airtight containers you would use for regular milk.

It should be noted that this type of milk can become a little grainy in the freezer as the solids will separate from the liquids. After thawing, whisk or shake the milk vigorously to recombine the solids.

Is it safe to freeze milk?

Freezing milk is perfectly safe as long as you follow the proper steps and the milk is stored at a safe temperature. Avoid storing frozen milk for longer than 3-6 months, and always use your judgment to determine if thawed milk is still safe to drink. When in doubt, throw it out.

If you experience an accidental freezer thaw out while storing frozen milk the milk must be either used immediately or discarded.

How Long Does Frozen Milk Last?

Properly frozen milk is able to last in the freezer for up to 6 months! Make sure you write on the container with a permanent marker the date it was placed in the freezer. This will prevent you from losing track of which milk was frozen when and you can be sure that your milk is safe to use.

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The Best Containers for Freezing Milk

There are a variety of suitable containers for freezing milk. Whatever you use you should make sure it is sealed and has enough room for the milk to expand while freezing.

How to freeze milk in the original container

The easiest option is to use the container the milk came in, you may need to pour out a small portion of milk in order to leave a gap for expansion before freezing.

How to freeze milk in a plastic container

String plastic containers with a tightly fitting lid work well and are easy to store. Make sure there is at least 1 inch of space between the milk and the lid for the milk to expand.

How to freeze milk in a milk bag or freezer bag

Use a specially designed freezer bag with a strong seal to freeze milk. Pour the milk into the bag and remove as much air as possible while still leaving room for expansion. Seal tight and place in the freezer.

How to Freeze Milk in a jar

Canning jars or mason jars are an excellent choice for freezing milk. Make sure they are approved for freezing and avoid overfilling them. Leave at least 1 inch of space at the top for milk to expand.

How to Freeze milk in an ice cube tray

For smaller amounts of leftover milk you can use an ice cube tray.

• Pour the milk into a clean ice cube tray and place into the freezer for several hours until frozen solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a sealed freezer bag for long term storage.

How to defrost milk

How to thaw frozen milk safely

The safest way to thaw frozen milk is slowly in the fridge overnight. This makes sure the milk is kept at a safe temperature. Do not place it on the counter to thaw, this can make the milk go bad and it may not be safe to drink.

Why does thawed frozen milk turn yellow?

Thawed milk may appear yellow due to the separation of fat from the milk. Unless there are other signs the milk has gone bad, yellowish thawed milk is still okay to consume.

How long does milk last once it is thawed from being frozen?

Once frozen milk has been thawed it is only safe to use for 3-4 days. You should only thaw milk once you are ready to use it.

Can you use frozen milk the same way?

Frozen milk is perfectly safe to drink like normal. If a slight change in taste and texture is off-putting then thawed milk is best used for cooking, baking, and smoothies.

Does frozen milk taste different?

Freezing milk does change the texture and flavor slightly. As milk freezes, the fat and milk separates. Although this might appear strange, it does not ruin the flavor of the milk. You can combine the milk with the fat after it’s thawed by shaking the milk vigorously.

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