Can you freeze almond milk?
If you’ve found yourself with an abundance of almond milk that’s about to hit its expiration date, you might be wondering if you can freeze it for later use. Well, good news! The answer is yes, you can freeze almond milk. But, like freezing oat milk, it’s not as simple as just throwing the carton into your freezer.
Things to know before you freeze and thaw your almond milk
Freezing almond milk may alter its texture and taste slightly, but it’s still a great way to prevent food waste. Just be prepared to give it a good shake or stir once it’s thawed to get it back to its original consistency. Who needs a gym membership when you’ve got frozen almond milk, right?
When it comes to nutritional value, freezing almond milk won’t impact its macronutrient content (protein, fat, and carbohydrates), but it might affect the vitamin and mineral content, especially if it’s been fortified with certain nutrients.
So, how long can you keep almond milk in the freezer? Almond 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 flavor and texture.
Overall, freezing almond milk is a smart move if you want to reduce food waste. Don’t let that liquid gold go down the drain! Just follow the proper freezing and thawing procedures to make sure you get the best results.
How to freeze almond milk
Now that we know you can freeze almond milk, let’s talk about how to do it right. After all, we want to make sure that frozen almond milk tastes just as good as fresh almond milk (or as close as possible, anyway).
Use an airtight container
First things first, you’ll need the right containers. We recommend using airtight containers made of plastic or glass to prevent freezer burn and odours from seeping in.
Pro tip: If you’re using glass jars, make sure to leave some room at the top for expansion during freezing. You don’t want your jars to turn into almond milk grenades!
Label date of purchase, freeze, and original best before date
Next up, labeling and storage. It might not sound like the most exciting part of freezing almond milk, but it’s important.
Label your containers with the date and the amount of almond milk, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with later on. And as for storage, make sure to place the containers at the back of the freezer where it’s coldest.
You don’t want your almond milk to be hanging out near the ice cream and getting all soft and mushy.
As long as it’s not held in the door of the freezer, your almond milk will be safe frozen for a while.
How long can you freeze almond milk?
Now that your almond milk is cold and comfy, how long can you store frozen almond milk?
The good news is, it can last up to six months in the freezer. The not-so-good news? It’s best to use it within three months for optimal quality.
Hey, we don’t make the rules. We just report them. But come on, who’s going to wait six months to drink almond milk?
We’re lucky if it lasts six days in our house!
How to thaw almond milk
You’ve successfully frozen your almond milk, and now it’s time to thaw it out. But what’s the best way to do it? And how do you know if your almond milk has gone bad?
Safest way to thaw frozen almond milk
The best way to thaw frozen almond milk is to do it in the fridge.
Almond milk is a delicate creature, and it doesn’t like sudden temperature changes. Thawing it in the fridge will give it time to defrost gently and maintain its creamy texture.
If you or your morning coffee can’t wait as long, you can submerge the container in lukewarm water to speed the process up safely.
How to tell if your frozen and thawed almond milk is safe to consume
Whoops, did you forget to label your almond milk? Or, did the fridge cut out and lose power?
How do you know if your frozen almond milk has gone bad? The first thing to look for is separation. If the almond milk looks like a science experiment gone wrong, with chunks and liquid that won’t mix back together, it’s time to say goodbye. And if it smells off or sour, that’s another clear sign that it’s gone bad.
If you’re not sure of the signs of spoilage, that’s where your taste buds come in. If your almond milk tastes off, sour, or just generally not like almond milk, it’s time to toss it. You don’t want to risk getting sick just to save a few dollars on almond milk.
Best Recipes using frozen and thawed almond milk
1. Creamy almond milk fruit smoothie
In a blender, combine a frozen banana, a handful of frozen berries, a scoop of vanilla protein powder, and enough frozen almond milk to get things moving. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more frozen almond milk as needed.
Bon Apetit has some great recipes you can try below!
2. Almond milk ice cubes
Fill an ice cube tray with frozen almond milk and pop it in the freezer. Use the almond milk ice cubes to chill your coffee or tea without watering it down.
3. Dairy-free alredo sauce
In a saucepan, sauté garlic and shallots in olive oil until fragrant. Add 1 cup of frozen almond milk, 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve over your favourite pasta.
Simply Whisked has an easy recipe to follow.
Final thoughts on frozen and thawed almond milk
To sum it up, freezing almond milk is an excellent way to prevent waste and extend its shelf life. By following the tips given to you, you can ensure that your frozen almond milk remains delicious and creamy for a long time.
Remember to use the right container, leaving enough room for expansion, and label it with the date and contents. When you’re ready to use your frozen almond milk, simply thaw it in the fridge or a bowl of water, give it a good shake or stir, and use it in your favourite recipes.
Like with freezing and thawing oat milk, there are endless possibilities for using frozen almond milk, from smoothies to baked goods and sauces. So, don’t hesitate to freeze that leftover almond milk and get creative with it.
