Can You Freeze Milk?

There's nothing like an ice-cold glass of milk. This tasty, healthy beverage doubles as an essential ingredient for all sorts of recipes, from savory to sweet. But the downside of milk is that once opened, it expires in a short time. The solution? Try freezing milk to save money and avoid unnecessary waste. Freezing milk is simple to do. Here are a few tips and tricks for freezing milk so you get the most out of every carton.

How to Freeze Milk

To freeze milk, pour it into a freezer-safe airtight container then place it in the freezer.

Freeze milk in clean plastic bottles or freezer-safe bags. You can also pour the milk into ice cube trays. Once set, transfer the frozen milk cubes to a freezer-safe bag.

After being frozen and thawed, the taste and texture of milk change. This makes defrosted milk a better choice for recipes (especially if you're baking desserts), rather than something to sip on.

Tips for Freezing Milk

For maximum freshness, store your milk in a clean, airtight container.

Leave an inch or two of room at the top of the container. The milk will expand once frozen, so if there's no space, you risk having the container crack.

Don't thaw your milk outside of the fridge. This can cause bacteria to form and lead to food poisoning.

Never freeze milk twice. After you've defrosted it, if there are any leftovers, you'll want to discard them.

How to Thaw Milk Safely

Thawing frozen milk is effortless. Leave the frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight. Voila! The next morning it'll be thawed and ready to use.

To thaw frozen milk quickly, place the container in a pot filled with cold water, then put the pot in the fridge. The milk should be thawed within an hour to an hour and a half.

The fastest option for defrosting milk is to microwave it. This is the best choice if you're cooking with milk. Put the frozen milk in a microwave-safe container and zap it at 10-second intervals. Once melted, use the milk immediately.

How Long Does Frozen Milk Last?

Once frozen, milk will stay good for several months. That said, it'll taste best if used within 1 to 2 months.

Which Milk is the Best for Freezing?

Reduced-fat or skim milk freeze better than whole milk. The higher the fat content, the more likely it is that the milk will separate as it thaws.

You can freeze non-dairy milk as well. It may appear slightly grainy because non-dairy milk tends to separate once frozen and thawed, so it's best to use defrosted non-dairy milk in recipes rather than as a drink, in your morning cup of coffee, or bowl of cereal.