Is it safe to freeze oat milk?
If you’ve got a carton of oat milk that’s about to turn into a pumpkin, you might be wondering if you can freeze it for later use. The short answer is yes, you can freeze oat milk. But like most things in the life of fighting food waste, it’s not quite that simple.
When you freeze oat milk, the texture and taste may change slightly, but it’s still a viable option for preventing food waste. The process of freezing and thawing oat milk can cause some separation, so you might need to give it a good shake or stir to get it back to its original consistency.
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In terms of nutritional value, freezing oat milk doesn’t impact its macronutrient content (protein, fat, and carbohydrates). However, it might affect the vitamin and mineral content, particularly if the oat milk has been fortified with certain nutrients.
How long will oat milk last in the freezer?
Oat milk can last up to six months in the freezer, but it’s best to use it within three months for optimal quality. If you keep it longer, it might lose some of its flavour and texture.
Overall, freezing oat milk is a smart move if you don’t want to waste it. The slight change in taste and texture is a small price to pay for keeping food waste at bay. Just make sure you follow the right freezing and thawing procedures to get the best results.
Easiest steps to freeze oat milk
Now that we’ve established that you can freeze oat milk, let’s talk about the proper way to do it.
1. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container
First things first, you’ll need to select the right container. A sturdy plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid works best. Avoid using paper or cardboard containers as they may not hold up well in the freezer.
If your oat milk is still sealed in it’s original carton, it might be safest to transfer it to a more frost-resistant material.
2. Leave room for expansion
Next, make sure to leave some room for expansion. When liquids freeze, they expand, and oat milk is no exception. You don’t want your container to burst open like a can of biscuits, so make sure to leave about an inch of space at the top.
3. Label your container with dates
Labelling your container with the date and contents might seem like a tedious step, but future you will thank you for it. There’s nothing worse than playing a game of “Is this still good?” with frozen food. Plus, you’ll feel like a professional organiser, and isn’t that worth it in itself?
4. Wait for your oat milk to be completely cool, and then freeze!
Lastly, make sure your oat milk is completely cooled down before putting it in the freezer. Hot liquids can cause uneven freezing and potentially ruin the texture.
And that’s it! Pop your container of oat milk in the freezer and wait for the frosty magic to happen.
When you’re ready to use your frozen oat milk, move it to the fridge to thaw for a few hours or give it a lukewarm water bath (not too hot!) to speed up the process.
Just remember to shake or stir it well before use.
Easy ways to thaw oat milk
Congratulations, you’ve successfully frozen your oat milk! Now it’s time to thaw it and put it to good use. Like with frozen and thawed almond milk, thawing frozen oat milk is easy-peasy. But, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The best way to thaw oat milk is to move it from the freezer to the fridge and let it defrost for a few hours. You can also put it in a bowl of warm water (again, not too hot!) to speed up the process. Avoid using the microwave or any other heating method, as it might cause the oat milk to curdle or develop an off-taste.
Once your oat milk is thawed, give it a good shake or stir to get it back to its original consistency. This step is important because frozen oat milk tends to separate during the freezing process, so you want to make sure it’s well-mixed before using it.
Using your thawed oat milk
When it comes to using frozen oat milk, it might differ slightly from fresh oat milk. For example, it might not foam as well when used for frothy drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. But don’t let that discourage you from using it in your morning cup! Frozen oat milk is still a great addition to coffee, smoothies, and baked goods.
In terms of storage, thawed oat milk should be used within five to seven days and kept in the fridge. So, make sure to only thaw what you need and not the whole container unless you’re planning to use it all.
And there you have it; freezing oat milk is a simple and effective way to prevent food waste, and with these tips, you can make sure you’re doing it right.
Best Recipes for using frozen and thawed oat milk
Scrambled Eggs
Oat milk can be used in scrambled eggs, and there are plenty of creative ways people have thought to!
Hot chocolate
Who says hot chocolate is only for winter? Use frozen oat milk to make a creamy and decadent hot chocolate that’s perfect for any time of the year.
Oat milk ice cubes
Want to add some creaminess to your iced coffee or tea without watering it down?
Freeze some oat milk in an ice cube tray and use them as a replacement for regular ice cubes.
Oat milk ice cubes are simply fantastic!
Oat milk smoothie
Frozen oat milk is a great addition to smoothies as it adds a creamy texture without the need for dairy.
Try blending frozen oat milk with frozen fruit, protein powder, and some spinach for a nutritious and delicious smoothie.
Final notes on freezing oat milk
Freezing oat milk is a great way to prevent food waste and extend the shelf life of this delicious and nutritious dairy milk alternative.
By following the guidelines outlined in this post, you can ensure that your frozen oat milk remains flavorful and creamy for many weeks to come.
Remember to choose the right container, leave some room for expansion, and label it with the date and contents. And when it’s time to use your frozen oat milk, simply thaw it in the fridge or a bowl of warm water, give it a good shake or stir, and use it in your favourite recipes.
Whether you’re making smoothies, baking, or adding it to your coffee, frozen oat milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless ways.
So, don’t let those leftover oat milk cartons go to waste – freeze them instead!
