Can you Freeze Almond Milk? Here’s How!

I’m all about simplifying life with easy, everyday recipes and kitchen hacks to enhance your daily living. Today, I’m diving into a topic that’s both practical and essential for anyone looking to make their kitchen more efficient and reduce food waste in their home: Can you freeze almond milk? Yes! You absolutely can!

As a recipe developer and passionate home baker, I’ve often found myself with leftover almond milk. Whether it’s from testing new recipes or simply overestimating my grocery needs, I hate to let anything go to waste. Freezing almond milk has become a tried-and-tested method for me, ensuring that every drop of this nutritious, plant-based milk is used.

Should you Freeze Almond Milk?

But why is freezing almond milk such a practical solution?

1. Reducing Waste: Freezing almond milk is a fantastic way to reduce waste. Instead of pouring that extra milk down the sink as it nears its expiration, you can freeze it for later use. This not only saves money but also supports a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
2. Always Ready for Use: Having frozen almond milk on hand means you’re always ready to whip up your favorite recipes without a last-minute run to the store. Whether it’s for smoothies, baking desserts, or cooking, frozen almond milk thaws to become a convenient ingredient for your culinary creations.
3. Extends Shelf Life: Almond milk, like any other plant-based milk, has a limited shelf life once opened. Freezing it extends this shelf life, ensuring you have almond milk ready for those moments you need it most, without the pressure of using it up quickly.

What is Almond Milk?

Almond milk is a plant-based, dairy-free milk alternative made from ground almonds and water. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that’s popular among those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to reduce their dairy intake. Almond milk can be used in a variety of recipes, including smoothies, baked goods, and even as a coffee creamer.

Health Benefits of Almond Milk

Almond milk is naturally gluten free and it’s also a good source of vitamin E and can be fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. This makes it a nutritious choice for those looking for a dairy-free alternative to milk.

To learn more about how almond milk is made, the difference between sweetened and unsweeeted, and about it’s health benefits check out this post: Exploring the Taste of Almond Milk.

Benefits of Freezing Almond Milk

Freezing almond milk offers great benefits, including saving money and reducing waste by extending its shelf life up to 6 months. It’s a time-saver, eliminating frequent trips to the store and the need to make fresh batches constantly. Additionally, almond milk ice cubes can enhance the texture and flavor of drinks, making them creamier and colder without dilution, perfect for smoothies, lattes, and cocktails.

Suggested: Substitutes for Cocoa Powder in Recipes

How to Freeze Almond Milk

To freeze almond milk, simply pour it into an ice cube tray and pop it into the freezer. Once the almond milk cubes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. That’s it! You now have frozen almond milk cubes ready for use.

Can You Freeze Almond Milk in the Carton?

Technically, you can freeze almond milk in its original carton, but it is not recommended. The reason for this is that liquids expand when they freeze, which can cause the carton to burst or leak.

How long does almond milk last in the freezer?

Almond milk can be frozen for several months without significant quality degradation. However, it is important to keep in mind that freezing can change the texture and taste of almond milk. When almond milk is frozen, the liquid may separate and the texture may become slightly grainy or gritty.

In terms of how long almond milk lasts in the freezer, it can vary depending on the quality of the milk, the temperature of the freezer, and how well it was packaged. Generally, almond milk can last in the freezer for up to 3 months without significant quality degradation, although some sources suggest it can be stored for up to 6 months.

How to Thaw Almond Milk

When you’re ready to use your frozen almond milk cubes, simply let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the taste of defrosted almond milk remains the same.

Uses for Frozen Almond Milk

Not sure how to use frozen almond milk cubes? Here are some ideas:

• Add them to your smoothies for an extra creamy texture.
• Use them to make almond milk ice cream or yogurt.
• Melt them down and use them in baking recipes that call for almond milk.
• Pop them into your coffee for a dairy-free latte.
• Use them to make a refreshing glass of almond milk, just like the fresh stuff!

Suggested: Can you Froth Almond Milk? Follow These Tips!

And don’t worry, frozen almond milk cubes can last for up to 6 months in the freezer. If you need to defrost almond milk quickly, simply place the cubes in a container with some warm water and let them defrost for a few minutes.

Ways to Use Defrosted Almond Milk

Here are my favourite ways to use defrosted almond milk:

• Smoothies: Blend defrosted almond milk with fruits and vegetables for a nutritious drink.
• Baking: Use it in cakes, muffins, and pancakes as a dairy-free liquid ingredient.
• Coffee and Tea: Mix it into your morning cup for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
• Soups and Sauces: Incorporate it into creamy soups or sauces for added richness without dairy.
• Cereal: Pour it over your favorite cereal or granola for a quick, dairy-free breakfast.

Smoothie Recipe: Mango & Spinach with Almond Milk

Can You Refreeze Almond Milk?

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that once you thaw almond milk, you shouldn’t refreeze it. So make sure you only thaw what you need for a recipe or use it all at once.

How to Make Homemade Almond Milk

If you’re looking for a homemade almond milk recipe, we’ve got you covered. Simply blend together 1 cup of almonds with 4 cups of water and strain through a nut milk bag. Pour the almond milk into ice cube trays and freeze. Voila! You now have homemade almond milk cubes ready to use whenever you need them.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, freezing almond milk is easy and convenient, and it won’t affect the taste too much. So go ahead, freeze that almond milk and enjoy it in all your favorite recipes! Have any questions? Let me know in the comments. I’d be more than happy to help or answer any questions.

Don’t hesitate to share your experiences in the comments, and for more food insights and inspiration, connect with me on Instagram at @may.eighty.five. Looking forward to seeing you there!