Have you ever wondered, Can You Freeze Milk? Whether you get a great deal on milk at the store or you hope to stock up to save time, freezing milk is one way of storing it. But, before you simply put the milk container in the freezer, here are a few simple tips to consider. If you have a gallon of milk coming close to the expiration date, find out how to prevent food waste!
Sometimes, I look in the fridge and find that I have so much milk left. While milk typically has a longer shelf life than some items, I’ve found the best way to store milk safely, is to freeze it for later. This is a great way to save a carton of milk or even an entire gallon that might be close to expiring.
You can also do this the next time that you need extra space in the fridge, too.
It takes 3 to 4 hours to freeze completely. For all milk types, pour milk into your desired container, leaving an inch or so of headspace to allow for expansion. (This does not apply if using ice cube trays.) Freeze up to 3 months from the date of purchase.
How long does milk last after being frozen?
After you have frozen the milk, it will last for three to six months in the freezer. If you try to store it for longer than that, you might find that it has started to absorb odors from the other foods you’re freezing (yes, even thru the packaging). And, it may start to look more yellow than normal.
The reason that frozen milk turns yellow is that the riboflavin doesn’t freeze as quickly as the milk. That makes it separate from the milk and causes a color change.
While this shouldn’t affect the taste at all, provided you shake it well, it might make it less appealing to people. So, if you’re wondering how to freeze milk without it changing color, use it within three to six months.
Can you freeze milk for later use?
Yes, you can easily freeze milk to use later on, whether it’s skim, reduced-fat, or whole milk.
It is best to freeze your milk before the best by date. If the milk is approaching its best-by-date, you would be better off using it up in a recipe like our rice pudding or 3-Ingredient Mac and Cheese.
After you’ve frozen the milk, it’s easy to defrost it. Simply place it in the refrigerator to thaw. It will be completely safe for consumption if you do that.
We have frozen milk in the carton, made milk ice cubes, and transferred it to a freezer-safe plastic container. Any of these methods work great!
How to Freeze Milk & Thaw out | How long does it last?
FAQ
Can I freeze milk in ice cube trays?
How fast do ice cube trays freeze?
Is it safe to freeze milk in plastic containers?
Why does milk take long to freeze?
Can you freeze milk in ice cube trays?
Freezing milk in ice cube trays is just as easy as freezing water. Purchase an ice cube tray (or use one you already have). Fill each compartment about 3/4 of the way full to give the milk room to expand. Put the ice cube tray in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours.
How long does milk take to freeze?
It doesn’t matter which type of milk you have. It takes 3 to 4 hours to freeze completely. For all milk types, pour milk into your desired container, leaving an inch or so of headspace to allow for expansion. (This does not apply if using ice cube trays.) Freeze up to 3 months from the date of purchase.
Can you freeze milk cubes?
To prevent the milk from absorbing any odors from other food and make them store longer, you might want to use a covered and airtight ice cube tray or place the tray in the freezer bag. Thaw the cubes in the refrigerator or use them directly from the freezer. Use the frozen milk cubes just like you would regular ice cubes.
Can you freeze milk in a plastic container?
The best thing to do is open the container and pour out about an inch of liquid to make space for expansion. Rigid plastic containers with airtight lids, such as Ziploc containers, are a great choice for freezing milk in smaller containers. The smaller containers will fit more easily in an already-full freezer.