Almond milk is one of the most popular plant-based milks on the market. It’s high in calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin E, and it’s cholesterol-free.
Almond milk can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients, and it’s a great option for those who are vegan or gluten-free
But when it comes to storing almond milk, there seems to be a lot of confusion.Can you store almond milk in the freezer? And how would you go about defrosting it?
That (and more) is exactly what we’re going to find out in this article, so let’s jump in!
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Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
To get right to the point, yes, you can freeze almond milk! It’s a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or just want to have it on hand when cooking.
But keep in mind, its texture will change upon freezing and thawing. In the freezer, almond milk undergoes biochemical changes that alter its consistency, taste, and color.
However, these impacts can be minimized, and the product’s nutritious value will not be compromised. We will discuss this in detail, so keep reading!
How To Freeze Almond Milk
As I said before, almond milk is a great substitute for dairy products.It’s high in protein, low in fat and has many health benefits.And sometimes, you just have to keep almond milk beyond its expiration date. If that’s the case, consider the following.
There are three different ways to freeze almond milk:
Using A Tray
If you freeze the almond milk in little quantities, such in an ice cube tray, you might find that the separation is less obvious. As soon as the cubes have reached a solid state, they need to be placed in plastic bags.
Use The Original Container
If it’s at all practical, you should freeze the almond milk in the container it came in, which should not have been opened. When freezing almond milk, you should always take the precaution of limiting the amount of time it is exposed to air.
Use A Different Container
If you are unable to freeze almond milk in the packaging or bottle it came in, pour it into a different container that has a lid that can keep out air. Be careful to allow a space of at least a couple of centimeters at the very top! Because almond milk is mainly water, it will expand as it freezes, so be sure that the container is not overfilled.
Be warned that after thawing frozen almond milk, it only has a 3-5 day shelf life (in contrast to 7-10 days fresh after opening).
How Long Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
There is not a lot of information available regarding the length of time that almond milk can be stored in the freezer.
This is primarily due to the fact that almond milk manufacturers do not recommend freezing almond milk due to the changes in quality and texture that can occur when almond milk is frozen.
Nevertheless, you should make it a point to consume any frozen almond milk within three to six months of the date it was frozen at the very latest.
How To Defrost Frozen Almond Milk
If you have frozen almond milk, the best way to defrost almond milk is in a refrigerator.
It will take about 3-4 hours to thaw it completely. You can also use the defrosting function of your microwave or air conditioner if you don’t want to wait that long.
Once thawed, make sure not to shake the container as this could cause separation and affect the consistency of your beverage.
How To Use Defrosted Almond Milk
Of course, there are a lot of different ways to use defrosted almond milk, but these are my favorites:
- In Pancakes – This is a great way to use up leftover almond milk. You can make pancakes with it right away, or you can let the batter sit in the fridge for an hour or so before cooking to give it time to thaw and set. I add some vanilla extract and cinnamon into mine as well, but that’s just me being fancy!
- Smoothies and shakes
- Homemade ice cream
- Other baking recipes like cookies
- Dairy-free milkshakes
- Another way is to thicken the frozen almond milk by warming it over low heat until it approaches the consistency of coffee creamer. This not only helps correct any faults in the texture but also facilitates the recombination of the components. The consistency can be improved by stirring in a little bit of coconut cream.
Should You Freeze Almond Milk?
Of course, this totally depends on the situation. It is recommended to store almond milk as is intended (in the fridge), but if you have to keep it beyond it’s expiration date, freezing it is a great way to extend the shelf life.
How To Avoid Freezing Almond Milk
If you’re in a bind and need to use your almond milk right away, try one of these tips:
- Use it as-is. if you have leftover almond milk that’s been sitting in the fridge for a while, just stir it up and drink! This tip works well with any type of nut milk. It can even work with coconut water (if it has been chilled) or cashew cream (if they’ve sat on the countertop).
- Freeze small portions – Instead of freezing whole containers full of almond milk, consider freezing smaller portions like 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup at a time to avoid wasting too much food. thaw when needed. If you know that someday soon you’ll be using some frozen almond milk for baking or cooking, great! Just thaw what you need before using it so there is no freezer burn later on.
Signs To Recognize Spoiled Almond Milk
If you’re in a bind and need to use your almond milk right away, try one of these tips:
- Use it as-is. if you have leftover almond milk that’s been sitting in the fridge for a while, just stir it up and drink! This tip works well with any type of nut milk. It can even work with coconut water (if it has been chilled) or cashew cream (if they’ve sat on the countertop).
- Freeze small portions – Instead of freezing whole containers full of almond milk, consider freezing smaller portions like 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup at a time to avoid wasting too much food. thaw when needed. If you know that someday soon you’ll be using some frozen almond milk for baking or cooking , great! Just thaw what you need before using so there is no freezer burn later on.
There are some signs that can help recognize spoiled almond milk. The following are some of them:
Smell
The smell is one of the most obvious signs for spoiled almond milk. It will be off-putting when smelling it because it has a strong odor like rancid oil or rotten eggs. Some people may even think they have spilled something on their clothes instead of drinking from a carton.
Color
A change in color means that bacteria has started growing inside and spoiling this nutty beverage instantly. The change in color can also mean contamination with mold as well as discoloration due to oxidation reactions caused by high temperatures
Appearance
Smell aside, another way to tell whether your almond milk is spoiled or not yet ready for consumption is its appearance after freezing and thawing process. If your frozen almond milk looks clear without any ice crystals floating around inside but feels icy cold on touching then it is probably spoiled.
Taste
If your almond milky tastes sour or bitter then definitely discard this product immediately before consuming again since these flavors indicate spoilage
Be warned that after thawing frozen almond milk, it only has a 3-5 day shelf life (in contrast to 7-10 days fresh after opening).
Freezing Almond Milk Summary
The best way to freeze almond milk is in the container it came in. If you want to freeze extra, just pour out what you need and put it into an airtight freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Thaw as needed.
