Yes, You Can Freeze Milk. Here are the steps to get the best results.

It is smart to freeze perishable grocery staples prior to their expiration dates. This will help you maximize your food budget and minimize food waste. You can freeze milk, which is one of the perishables that can be frozen. However, you might notice changes in the textural components.Rosemary TroutDHSc is Drexel University’s program director and assistant professor in culinary arts and food sciences. Trout says that frozen and thawed dairy milk should be used in recipes rather than consumed.

Different types of milk that you can freeze

Trout states that you can freeze both low-fat and whole milk. A general rule of thumb is that milk with higher fat content (e.g. whole milk) will separate more when it is thawed than milk that has lower fat content (e.g. skim milk). This can be fixed by simply shaking or blending the milk before you add it to your recipes.

How to freeze milk

Trout claims that frozen milk is safe to be stored up to six months. However, it’s best to only leave it for three days to preserve its smooth texture.

You can freeze milk by transferring it from the container you bought, such as a plastic jug, carton or plastic bag, to an freezer. airtight freezer-safe container. To allow expansion, leave at least one inch of headspace (empty space at top). The lid should be reattached and sealed.

Trout claims that you can use any container without headspace. She prefers smaller containers because you can more closely control expansion. For this purpose, rectangular and square-shaped plastic freezer storage containers are ideal. You can keep frozen milk in the freezer until it’s ready to be used. Then, move it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.

You can also use Ice cube trayFreeze small amounts of frozen dairy milk to be used in recipes. “This way you won’t have to worry about breaking a container during expansion,”Trout. To freeze milk cubes, place the milk in an ice cube tray. Once the milk cubes have frozen solid, they can be removed easily (typically within three to four hours). Take them out of the tray and place them in a zip-top bag.

How to thaw and freeze milk

When using frozen milk, it is important to adhere to safety guidelines. To avoid bacterial growth, first thaw milk in the refrigerator overnight. “In the refrigerator, [the temperature] should never be more than 41 degrees Fahrenheit,”Trout agrees. She says that thawed milk can be added to any dish during the cooking process.

Trout reminds people that freezing and melting milk can have an adverse effect on its sensory attributes, like taste and texture. “Milk is a complex food system and components change over time,”She said.

These changes may include expansion of water or recrystallization and crystallization of lactose. Thawed milk might taste more yellowish or less rich due to recrystallization. However, crystallization may make the milk less sweet. When milk is thawed, it can produce a more grainy liquid.

Trout suggests that you use thawed Milk in other formulated food, such as soups, sauces and smoothies.

Insider’s Takeaway

You can save money by freezing milk before the expiration date. You can freeze milk for up to 6 months. However, in order to get high-quality products, you should use it within 3 months. The freezing and thawing of milk can cause changes in the texture and taste of the milk.

To allow for expansion, freeze milk should be stored in small containers that have ample headspace. Thaw frozen milk in the fridge and then add it to your favorite soups, smoothies, sauces, baking recipes, or other dishes.