Almond milk is a delicious and healthy alternative to cow’s milk. It is perfect for people who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies.
Many people like to keep a gallon or two of almond milk in their refrigerator at all times, but what do you do if you don’t finish it before it goes bad?
You can store almond milk in the freezer for up to 6 months. Frozen almond milk can separate when defrosted, so it is important to shake it well before using it. The color and flavor of almond milk can also significantly change after freezing for months.
When freezing almond milk, it is important to use an airtight container. Frozen almond milk can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days after it has been thawed.
So, if you need to use thawed almond milk in recipes you better do it within two to three days.
Consequences of Freezing Almond Milk
Freezing almond milk is a reliable way to store it. But the fact is, it does not stay unaffected when frozen. Change of color and texture, getting separated are some common consequences when you freeze it for a long time.
Its Color and Texture Changes
Almond milk will usually turn a brown or yellow color when it’s frozen. The texture also changes and becomes more watery.
The water molecules start to group together and push the other components down, as the temperature drops. As a result, these dissolve into the fat layer, which is heavier than water.
Since the fats are collecting together, they take on a yellowish hue that is not evident while suspended during the water phase.
It Gets Separated When Defrosted
Almond milk that has been frozen and then thawed may separate and become grainy. This is because the freezing process breaks down the emulsifiers in the almond milk.
When almond milk is frozen, the flavors can become muted. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re expecting the same flavor as fresh almond milk.
Almond milk can still be used after it has been frozen and thawed, but it is best to use it in cooked or baked dishes rather than using it as a beverage.
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How to Freeze Almond Milk? Tips and Tricks
If almond milk is your go-to drink, you will never want to waste the leftover milk. And if you have bought a larger amount of milk altogether for the supply of the next few months, you need a proper way to store it.
Freezing would be a greater option and almond milk will last for up to six months in the freezer. Here are some steps to freeze almond milk properly:
- Use an air-tight container before freezing it.
- If you already know how you’ll use the milk, pour it into each container as needed. So, once the container defrosts, you’re ready to go.
- Be sure to leave some headspace in the container so that the almond milk has room to expand as it freezes.
- You can freeze almond milk by pouring it into an ice cube tray. Almond milk cubes can be added to smoothies or used in baking.
- Once frozen, transfer the almond milk cubes to a freezer-safe bag. When the milk is frozen in cubes, it is easy to thaw them precisely as much as you require.
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How to Thaw Almond Milk?
You can freeze almond milk if you need to store it for a long period of time or if you want to make sure you have a backup supply.
To use the properly frozen almond milk for recipes or simply for drinking, you need to defrost it first. There are several ways to thaw almond milk:
Thawing Almond Milk in Warm Water
The quickest way to thaw almond milk is to place the sealed container in a bowl of warm water. Let it sit until the milk is thawed, which should only take a few minutes. You can then shake or stir the milk before using it.
Thawing Almond Milk in the Refrigerator
The easiest way to thaw almond milk is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. Almond milk can also be thawed by submerging the container in a bowl of cold water for a few hours.
Thawing Almond Milk in the Microwave
To thaw almond milk in the microwave, place the container of almond milk in a microwave-safe bowl and fill the bowl with cold water. Make sure that the water is level with the top of the almond milk.
Microwave the bowl on medium for 30 seconds, then check to see if the almond milk is thawed. If it’s not, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it is thawed.
Once almond milk has been thawed, it is best to use it within a day or two. Almond milk that has been thawed and then frozen again will have lower quality and may not taste as good.
Some people also boil the defrosted almond milk using it in recipes. Many consider that only reheating will be better for it.
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How to Use Frozen Almond Milk in Recipes
While frozen and thawed almond milk is not ideal for drinking straight, it can be used in a variety of recipes.
When baking, using frozen almond milk will result in a moister final product. Simply thaw the milk until it’s liquid and then measure it out as you would any other liquid ingredient.
Frozen almond milk can also be used in place of cream or half-and-half in soups and sauces.
It may not incorporate as smoothly as its non-frozen counterpart, but a little extra stirring will do the trick.
And finally, smoothies are a great way to use up thawed almond milk. You can use the ice cubes of the frozen milk directly to the smoothies. As long as you drink it right away, you won’t notice the texture change.
Using Frozen Almond Milk in Baking
If you want to use frozen almond milk in a recipe that calls for liquid milk, such as baking, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, thaw the almond milk overnight in the fridge or for about an hour on the counter before using it.
Second, give the milk a good shake before measuring out what you need for the recipe, as the freezing and thawing process can cause separation.
Finally, use about ¼ cup less frozen almond milk than the recipe calls for liquid milk, as frozen milk is more concentrated. You can also boil or reheat the thawed almond milk if you want.
Using Almond Milk in Soups and Sauces
You can add the defrosted almond milk in making soups and sauces that require milk in them. Adding almond milk to soups and sauces can give them a creamy consistency.
When adding almond milk to soups and sauces, it’s important to make sure that the milk is well-combined with the rest of the ingredients.
Almond milk that has been frozen and thawed can sometimes separate, so it’s helpful to give the milk a good stir before adding it to the soup or sauce.
Using Almond Milk in a Smoothie
If you have frozen almond milk, you will need to thaw it before using it in a smoothie. Once it has thawed, you can use it in your smoothie as you would any other type of milk.
It is important to note that frozen almond milk will not be as thick as fresh almond milk. This means that it may not work well in recipes that require a thick or creamy consistency, such as milkshakes or ice cream.
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Conclusion
Frozen almond milk may have a slightly different flavor than fresh almond milk. This is due to the fact that freezing can change the taste and smell of food.
However, these differences will be subtle and most people will ignore them.
So, if you have leftover almond milk and don’t want to waste it, freezing is a perfectly acceptable option. Just be sure to use it within a few months for the best flavor and quality.
