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Wondering if you can freeze almond milk? Here’s what to know about long term storage of this dairy-free ingredient.
Got leftover almond milk and wondering what to do with it? This creamy ingredient is an ideal non-dairy milk substitute, perfect for pouring on cereal or oatmeal, adding to smoothies or using in vegan baked goods. But can its texture be saved once you throw it into the freezer? Here’s what to know about whether to freeze almond milk.
Can you freeze almond milk?
Freezing almond milk is not recommended, because it separates once defrosted, though its flavor is preserved. While you can freeze other types of milk like dairy milk or coconut milk, the texture change with almond milk is so extreme that freezing it is not recommended.
Avoid freezing almond milk if you’re planning to use it for pouring on cereal or oatmeal, or in any recipe that relies on its creamy texture. It can work in recipes like smoothies or cooked recipes, but it may affect the texture of the end product. Proceed at your own risk.
How long does it last refrigerated?
Opened almond milk lasts 7 to 10 days refrigerated. If you can, try to use it in recipes within this timeframe. However, you can freeze it for use in smoothies or baked recipes for up to 3 months.
How to freeze almond milk
Still want to freeze almond milk? Here’s how to do it. It’s best to start with almond milk that is as fresh as possible. It’s helpful to separate it into smaller containers or bags so you don’t have to use it all at one time.
- Prepare the almond milk for freezing: Pour the almond milk into a plastic container or resealable freezer bag, leaving at least ½ inch of headspace in the container to allow for expansion during freezing. Or, you can freeze it into smaller portions in a silicon tray or in plastic zip top bags. You can also use an ice cube tray if desired (allow the cubes to freeze for 2 hours, then pop them out and store in a resealable plastic bag; ice cubes holes are typically 2 tablespoons in volume).
- Label the date: Seal the container or bag tightly and label it with the date.
- Freeze: Place the container or bag in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months.
How to defrost frozen almond milk
After the almond milk is frozen, you’ll need to thaw it correctly before using it. Or if you’re using it in a smoothie, you could even use it frozen (though the smoothie would need to have another liquid element). Use the defrosted almond milk within 3 days.
- Place the almond milk in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours to defrost. Do not defrost at room temperature because of the risk of bacteria growth. (If you’re in a rush, you could also microwave the almond milk in short bursts; just be careful not to overcook it.)
- Or, place the container in a bowl of lukewarm water for 30 minutes. This can speed up the process. If it’s not fully thawed, place in the refrigerator to finish the process.
- Stir. Almond milk needs to be stirred to re-integrate the texture, but it still becomes separated as it sits. Keep this in mind when using in recipes!
Uses for thawed almond milk
Once thawed, almond milk has a separated texture. You can use frozen almond milk in recipes that don’t rely on its creamy texture, like a blended smoothie. You can also try it in baked or cooked recipes. Here are some ideas:
- Smoothies like an almond milk smoothie
- Breakfast items like vegan French toast, vegan waffles, or vegan pancakes
- Baked goods like vegan scones or vegan bread
More freezing methods
Want to freeze more ingredients you’ve got on hand? Here are a few more ways to freeze food:
- Freeze vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, lettuce, onions, carrots, celery, cabbage, green beans, eggplant, zucchini, corn, potatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, cucumber, garlic, avocados, or tomatoes,
- Freeze fruits like grapes, apples, lemons, strawberries, peaches, blueberries or bananas
- Learn how to freeze dairy products, like cheese, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, ricotta, yogurt, Greek yogurt, butter, cream cheese, cottage cheese and mozzarella
- Try freezing rice, guacamole, tortillas, quiche, or hummus
Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
Wondering if you can freeze almond milk? Here’s what to know about long term storage of this dairy-free ingredient.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: N/A
- Category: Frozen
- Method: Frozen
- Cuisine: Frozen
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- Almond milk
Instructions
- Determine whether to freeze the almond milk. Frozen almond milk has a separated texture once it’s defrosted and freezing it is not recommended. If you’d like you can freeze it to use in smoothies or cooked recipes, but it may affect the texture. Proceed at your own risk.
- Pour the almond milk into a storage container, leaving at least ½ inch of headspace in the container to allow for expansion during freezing. Or, you can freeze it into smaller portions in a silicon freezer tray. You can also use an ice cube tray if desired (allow the cubes to freeze for 2 hours, then pop them out and store in a resealable plastic bag; ice cube holes are typically 2 tablespoons in volume).
- Seal the container tightly and label it with the date. Place it in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months for best results, or up to 6 months.
- To defrost the almond milk, place it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours (or you can place the container in a bowl of lukewarm water). Stir to re-integrate the texture, but keep in mind it will separate quickly as it stands. Once thawed, use within 3 days.
Let us know if you have any questions!