Q&A for How to Freeze Milk

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I freeze full-fat milk?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Leave room to expand a little, about 2 inches in a quart, and 1 inch in pints. Place lids loosely on the bottles, then tighten them after expansion the next day (24 hrs.).
  • Question
    Can semi-skimmed milk be frozen?
    Community Answer
    If you can freeze full fat and fat free I'm sure you can freeze semi-skimmed milk.
  • Question
    How long can milk stay frozen and still be safe to drink?
    Community Answer
    Milk can stay frozen for about 3-6 months before it should be thrown away.
  • Question
    Can I freeze lactose-free milk?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can freeze it. The trick is to thaw it properly when you want to use it. When milk thaws, it tends to separate so you will have a block of ice and the "milky' part will be what turns liquid first. It will probably taste funny/off at that point. However, if you thaw it completely and then shake like crazy, it will be pretty much just like before you froze it. Always thaw in the fridge.
  • Question
    Can I freeze fat-free milk?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    Is it safe to freeze milk in a carton?
    Community Answer
    Do not freeze milk in a paper carton, but you can freeze the milk if it is in a plastic carton.
  • Question
    Has anyone tried adding cream to the thawed milk to get a smooth texture?
    Community Answer
    It works great. Add at a rate of two tablespoons of heavy cream per quart, blend or shake to mix, chill and serve.
  • Question
    Can I freeze almond milk?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can freeze almond milk. Just follow the directions in the article.
  • Question
    Could I freeze milk 4 or 5 days after the expiration date?
    Community Answer
    Yes; the date on the packaging isn't the expiration date, it's the sell-by date. The milk is still good for about five days after this. As such, you could freeze the milk, but you'd want to use it quickly once thawed.
  • Question
    I brought 4 pints of semi-skim milk that was out of date that day and froze it. Will it be OK to drink when I decide to thaw it out?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The date marked on milk containers is the sell-by date, not the expiration date. Your milk will be good for 5 days past the date marked, so should be fine if consumed within that time once thawed.
  • Question
    What do I do if my glass jars are breaking when freezing my milk?
    Community Answer
    Try using plastic containers or milk bottles instead, or you could try freezing the milk in ice cube trays.
  • Question
    Can milk be frozen if it hasn't been boiled?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it can.
  • Question
    Can I re-freeze fresh milk if it's still within the sell-by date?
    Community Answer
    You can, although the consistency and texture of the refrozen milk when thawed would probably be changed even further.
  • Question
    How long does it take milk to freeze?
    Community Answer
    It depends on whether you freeze the milk in the carton or in something like an ice cube tray. Smaller volumes of milk will take less time to freeze. It will likely take at least one day for a full jug and 12 hours or so for cubes.
  • Question
    I use milk only in my coffee. Do I have to thaw a milk-cube (milk frozen in an ice cube tray) before putting it in my coffee?
    Community Answer
    No, not at all. Of course, naturally, a milk ice cube will slightly lower the temperature of the coffee.
  • Question
    Can I freeze the milk in double-sealed freezer bags?
    Community Answer
    Yes, just don’t overfill or the bag may tear, similar to overfilling any other container.
  • Question
    Can I freeze milk in Ziploc bags?
    Community Answer
    Yes. make sure you don't fill them more than half full and you will want to put the bag in some sort of container to give it some form while freezing.
  • Question
    I froze half a pint of milk before seeing this. Why can't one freeze milk in a carton?
    Community Answer
    Expansion from freezing occurs in all directions. When in a smooth firm plastic bottle or jug, the expansion is forced upwards toward the air space at the top where you removed the half or cup or so depending on the size of your jug. This is also why you should leave the cap off for the initial freeze so the air can escape. However, pressed cardboard or paper cartons are not as strong as plastic and are less likely to withstand the pressure of the expansion as the mike freezes. Then instead of forcing the milk to expand upward in the jug, it expands outward and may tear the carton, causing it to leak. You might get lucky with a small pint but it is a risk. Your 1/2 pint may be okay.
  • Question
    Can you eat frozen milk?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is fine but be aware that it will be like crunching on ice, so be careful not to break a tooth. Also, as you are eating, the ice crystals will begin to melt and allow chunks of it to break off, making it easier to eat.
  • Question
    Can I use frozen milk to make my soup more creamy?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as it is used within five days from the thawed date. Thaw inside the refrigerator.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article