Can You Freeze Milk?

Save money by freezing milk before the expiration date hits.

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Updated on March 1, 2021

When it comes to dairy products, getting your money's worth from them can seem like an impossible task. Too often, that gallon of milk ends up down the drain once the expiration date hits. But there is hope — and it lies in your freezer.

Value and convenience can be found in freezing certain foods, and to the surprise of many, milk is one of them. If you find yourself always pouring out-of-date milk down the drain, learning how to safely freeze and thaw milk for later use can save you money and reduce food waste.

Can You Freeze Milk?

Absolutely! According to the Dairy Council of California, it's perfectly fine to freeze milk for later use. You just have to make sure you do so before the expiration or "best by" date.

With countless alternative milks on the market, the term "milk" can refer to drastically different drinks. In general, dairy milk with lower fat contents will do better in the freezer since fat can separate when the milk is frozen, causing the texture to be somewhat grainy once thawed. However, this can be remedied by using an immersion blender or simply shaking the container. Unfortunately, plant-based milk tends to curdle and become more grainy in texture once frozen.

Best Types of Milk for Freezing

Fat-free cow milk
Reduced-fat cow milk (1 percent or 2 percent)
Skim milk
Whole milk (some graininess may occur)
Goat's milk

Worst Types of Milk for Freezing

Sadly plant-based milk just doesn't handle the freezer as well as its dairy counterparts. A lot of separation tends to occur, although shaking or blending can help to offset this.

Almond milk
Coconut milk
Soy milk
Oat milk
Flax milk
Cashew milk

How to Freeze Milk

Bottle and glass of milk — Jose A. Bernat Bacete / Getty Images

Milk can be frozen in its original container, so long as that container is plastic. If your milk comes in a glass or cardboard container, you'll want to transfer it into a freezer-safe plastic container before you freeze it. Milk will expand when frozen, causing glass or cardboard to break — and you don't want that mess in your freezer.

Also, since the milk will expand, it's important not to place a full jug of milk straight into the freezer. Leave one to two inches of headspace in each container, whether you're freezing the entire jug or separating it into individual containers. Write the date on the milk with a marker, then simply reseal the lid, shake vigorously, and place it in the freezer.

Milk will save in the freezer for up to three months, although it's best to use it sooner rather than later, as it can absorb odors from nearby food.

How to Thaw Milk

To safely thaw milk, place it in the refrigerator to slowly thaw. Do not thaw milk at room temperature because this can risk the quality of the milk if it gets too warm. You can also fill a sink or a large bowl with cold water and place the entire container in the water to speed things up, replacing the water as it warms up.

You may notice the texture of the milk after it's thawed is a bit grainy. This is because the fat separates. But fear not! A vigorous shake will help return the milk to its original texture. Thawed milk should be consumed within three to four days.

How Milk Changes After Freezing

Although thawed milk will retain its nutrients, you may notice a difference in its appearance. The fat may separate, causing the texture to be slightly grainy, but a vigorous shake will help return the milk to its original texture. You may also use an immersion blender to mix the fats back into the milk.

Another change you might notice in your milk is the flavor, and not because the milk has gone bad. Storing milk in the freezer (even with a sturdy plastic container) can cause it to absorb odors from particularly pungent foods (looking at you, seafood). This is why you should try to use your frozen milk sooner rather than later and avoid storing it next to foods with strong odors.

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