Can you freeze milk is a really common question nowadays – milk is a healthy natural product that is loved by many people. It has lots of powerful effects on our body and health, and it is widely used in cooking.
Of course, everyone would like to know how to freeze milk to extend its lifespan.
In this article, the secrets of frozen milk will be revealed.
Related: Can You Freeze Butter?
Milk Usefulness For People
Milk is a super source of useful qualities so, unless you have certain medical restrictions against drinking milk (e.g. lactose intolerance), this product may become a find for those who need to boost their immune system.
So what makes this natural drink so healthy?
- Milk is a source of healthy protein
- A glass of milk is a source of various vitamins, for instance, vitamins B2, B12, A, and D
- Milk contains potassium, zinc, and calcium
- Drinking milk regularly contributes greatly to our bones’ health
- It may seem surprising but milk prevents us from gaining weight!
In addition, this product is extremely versatile! We use it for drinking but also milk fits perfectly for smoothies, milkshakes, and cocktails, for making oatmeal and of course, for confectionary creams.
That’s why freezing milk becomes so essential since people want to keep this drink fresh longer.
Related: Does Buttermilk Go Bad?
Milk Storage And Preservation Tips
Milk is considered to be a quite tricky and demanding product when it comes to keeping it fresh.
Everyone knows, for instance, that a glass of milk when being left in a warm place, becomes sour and spoils afterward.
So what shall we do to keep this drink consumable?
- When going shopping, always purchase milk last. Like this, it will be exposed to the warm air less than if you buy it at the beginning
- Always store milk at 37 F when refrigerated. The closer the air gets to 40 F, the more likely it is that harmful bacteria will start growing rapidly sooner
- When refrigerating, place the bottle of milk on the bottom shelf closer to the backside of it
- Don’t leave the bottle of milk outside the fridge for too long. Never leave it on the table during breakfast, for instance, since it provokes the drink to rot
When following these tips, your milk will remain drinkable for five to seven days in an opened packet.
Naturally, a question occurs: can milk be frozen? Since everyone knows that freezing is an optimal way to keep the products usable longer.
The good news is that it’s OK to freeze milk! And now let’s take a closer look at this issue.
Related: Can You Freeze Yogurt?
How to Freeze Milk
Finally, we have approached the major subject! Those who are not quite familiar with milk storage, often wonder: is it OK to freeze milk? How do you freeze milk at all?
Let’s go step by step.
- The first thing to keep in mind is that milk expands when we expose it to frost! It means that if we place the top-full packet of this drink into the freezing camera, there is a risk for it to explode.
- Because of this, it is often recommended to transfuse the milk from the store packet to the jar or a jug and leave some extra space on top before freezing it. However, opening the lid and taking away an inch or two of milk is also fine.
- Always make sure that the tank with the milk is tightly closed with the lid
Except for these essential life hacks, milk is one of the simplest things to freeze.
Be aware though that this drink may taste a bit different after defrosting, also, its texture will change since unfrozen milk tends to separate quite significantly.
To bring it back to the original state, just shake the tank properly to mix the milk and fat that separated back together.
It doesn’t mean though that the product is bad. However, using unfrosted milk for serving to drink may not be the best idea.
What about the lifespan, you may wonder? Can you freeze milk to make it last longer?
Frozen milk is able to remain drinkable for three to six months so yes, freezing expands its lifespan.
Can milk be frozen for later use? Definitely. People are often worried about this “can you drink frozen milk” issue but let us assure you that it’s safe both for drinking and for cooking. If you freeze the drink that is close to its expiry date, think about using it for pancakes or other cooking purposes rather than for consuming raw.
How to Defrost Milk Correctly?
Defrosting may be a troublesome thing to do if not all the precautious measures are taken.
Milk, when it’s frozen, can’t be unfrozen on the counter since it will provoke the drink to spoil.
For a safe defrosting, remove the jug to the fridge overnight.
Remember also that it will most likely separate so shake the tank properly to blend together the fat and milk again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even though milk is quite simple to freeze, there is plenty of additional tips and nuances to learn to preserve it better.
Can I freeze milk in plastic bottles?
It is OK to preserve it in a plastic packet, however, glass frost-resistant bottles would be the best choice since they keep the cold longer and don’t let the external odors in.
Is it safe to freeze milk?
Absolutely. Milk exposed to frost lasts longer and can be used for many purposes.
Does milk freeze well?
It does, however, after defrosting, the drink will separate which must be taken into account.
What happens when you freeze milk?
When exposed to frost, milk turns solid and slightly expands. That is why it’s recommended to leave some extra space in a tank before freezing it.
Can you freeze whole milk?
No, whole milk can’t be frozen unlike any other kind of this drink (e.g. low-fat milk).
Can you freeze skimmed milk?
Yes, it freezes quite well just like the semi-skimmed one.
Keep these tips in mind and freezing milk won’t be a problem!
Read next: Can You Freeze Sour Cream?
