Nowadays, you can get all sorts of milks such as almond, soy, oat, and coconut. They are becoming very popular with the rise in veganism, but they are also popular with people who just want to be healthier. In this article, we will be taking a look at almond milk.
The problem with almond milk and most other non-dairy kinds of milk is that they usually come in large cartons. You might not be able to drink it all before it goes off and you will then end up wasting some. Food waste is becoming a problem in the Western World and if we can, we should try and avoid it.
So, what can you do with your leftover almond milk? The answer is easy, freeze it. However, you will have to be aware that it will probably separate, and the texture will change. It won’t taste quite the same as before it was frozen.
How To Freeze Almond Milk In An Ice Cube Tray
If you enjoy smoothies (see also ‘Can you Freeze Smoothies?‘), this is the best way to freeze almond milk so you can just put as many cubes as you want into the drink.
1. Put the almond milk into the ice cube trays
Be sure not to fill the slots right up to the top as the milk will probably expand. It is possible to buy ice cube trays with larger slots so you can get larger portions.
2. Flash Freeze the Almond Milk
Put the trays in the freezer and freeze for a few hours. You can cover them with cling film for protection.
3. Put the Almond Milk Cubes in a Freezer Bag
Squeeze out all the air in the freezer bag so that freezer burn doesn’t occur. This can change the flavor and texture of the milk. Put a label on the bag so that you know the date when you put it in the freezer. Then put the bag in the freezer. The cubes won’t stick together so you will be able to just take out as many as you need.
How To Freeze Almond Milk in Containers
This is not the best way to freeze almond milk as when you come to defrost it, you will have to use it up within a couple of days. Of course, you will have to keep it in the fridge.
This is the way to freeze almond milk in containers:
1. Put the almond milk into airtight freezer-safe containers
You don’t want any air to get to the almond milk as freezer burn may occur. Wrap the containers in cling film for extra protection. Leave a gap between the almond milk and the top of the container as the milk can expand.
2. Freeze
Tips For Freezing Almond Milk
- Freeze in portion sizes so that you don’t waste any of the milk when you defrost it. The best way to freeze it is in ice cube trays.
- Once you have defrosted it, you will find that the almond milk has separated. It can never be the same as before freezing, but you can blend it to get some texture back.
- It is not a good idea to drink the almond milk as it is after defrosting. You will notice the difference in taste and texture. However, you can add it to smoothies, baked goods (see also ‘Can You Freeze Croissants?‘), curries, bisques, stews, and puddings.
For How Long Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
Some manufacturers don’t recommend freezing almond milk because of the change in texture. However, if you are prepared to accept this and only use it in dishes rather than drinking it, you can freeze it for up to six months.
How Do You Defrost Almond Milk?
There are three different ways of defrosting almond milk, depending on whether you have frozen it in an ice cube tray or in an airtight container. If you have frozen it in an ice cube tray, you can add the cubes directly to such dishes as curries, stews, and smoothies.
If, however, you have frozen it in an airtight container, you will need to defrost it in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, if you haven’t got much time, you can put the container in a bowl of lukewarm water. Change the water every fifteen minutes or so. It should defrost within two to three hours.
Can You Refreeze Almond Milk?
We certainly don’t recommend refreezing almond milk. If you do, it will separate even more and will lose more taste and flavor. It probably won’t be unsafe to drink, but it will not be tasty.
Is It a Good Idea To Freeze Almond Milk?
We can’t say that almond milk is the best thing to freeze because it has a tendency to separate. However, it can be done, as long as you are aware that the taste and texture won’t be the same. If you have defrosted a container of almond milk, blend it so that it can regain some of its texture. It is really only best to freeze almond milk if you want to use it in a dish. You will definitely taste the difference if you drink it neat.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Hopefully, you now know all there is to know about freezing almond milk, but if you want to know more about almond milk and almond products, we’ve answered a couple of questions here.
What are the best uses for defrosted almond milk?
We think that smoothies are ideal as you can just put in a cube or two into the blender. Try blending almond milk, pineapple, apple juice, Greek yogurt, turmeric, and frozen strawberries together. Curries are also a good choice. Again, you can just add as many cubes of almond milk to the curry. It goes well in a vegetable curry. You could even make mac and cheese with almond milk and vegan cheese.
Can You Freeze Almond Butter?
Yes, you can freeze almond butter. Just put it in an airtight container and freeze. It is a good idea to freeze just as much as you need for a week or so in each container as it will only last this long in the fridge. Make sure that the container is securely sealed so that freezer burn doesn’t occur. Defrost in the fridge. You will probably find that the oil and watery part may separate during defrosting so mix it together before use.
