Almond milk is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk. It is made from ground almonds and water, and can be enjoyed cold or heated. While almond milk does not have the same extended shelf life as cow’s milk, it can be frozen for up to two months without losing its quality or flavor. In this article, we will discuss how to freeze almond milk and some of the best ways to use it in your cooking and baking.
Should you Freeze Almond Milk?
Almond milk is not recommended to be frozen because the separation that occurs between the water and lipid layers makes it unpalatable once thawed. If you do freeze almond milk, then there are several things you could do to restore it back to its normal consistency. To avoid this problem, make sure to store almond milk in an airtight container within the refrigerator; this will extend its shelf life. If you have previously frozen almond milk and really want to use it, try blending or stirring thoroughly before enjoying your homemade treat!
What is emulsifying?
Emulsifiers are substances that help to recombine components of almond milk that are bought out-of-the-store. If you cook your very own almonds milks, an emulsifier for example sunflower lecithin is an ideal alternative. Once you have mixed or stirred well, cold the almond milk in the refrigerator and then use it within 3 to 5 days. You might need to give it a vigorous shake before utilizing it.
What do you do if not freezing Almond Milk?
If almond milk is not frozen, then it should be stored in an airtight container within the refrigerator. This will increase its shelf life. If almond milk has been frozen and then thawed, the separation between the water and lipid layers can make it unpalatable. To recombine these layers and restore the milk to its original state, blend or stir thoroughly before consuming.
Freeze almond milk: good or bad idea?
It is never a good idea to freeze almond milk because the water and lipid layers will separate during the freezing process. If you do happen to have frozen almond milk, there are some ways that you can fix it. When this separation occurs, the water layer becomes very thin while the fat layer takes on a yellow colour.
The best way to reverse this effect is by mixing or stirring thoroughly before placing it in your refrigerator until completely thawed. There are also some commercially available products that are used to recombine separated components of foodstuffs. These emulsifiers help bring together ingredients within various recipes. You might be able to find them at your local grocery store!
For example, sunflower lecithin is an emulsifier that is commonly used in almond milk. If you make your own almond milk, this can be a great addition to help keep the components evenly dispersed.
What are the benefits of freezing Almond Milk?
There are no benefits to freezing almond milk because the water and lipid layers will separate during the freezing process, making it unpalatable when thawed. If you do happen to have frozen almond milk, there are some ways that you can fix it by mixing or stirring thoroughly before placing it in your refrigerator until completely thawed.
There are also some commercially available products that can help recombine separated components of foodstuffs. These emulsifiers might be able to find them at your local grocery store! For example, sunflower lecithin is an emulsifier that is commonly used in almond milk. If you make your own almond milk, this can be a great addition to help keep the components evenly dispersed.
Best Ways to Freeze Almond Milk
1. In An Ice Cube Tray
When it comes to freezing almond milk, many people opt for freezing it in a large block. However, there is an alternative way to freeze almond milk that can be more beneficial depending on your needs- freezing it in smaller cubes using an ice tray. This method will take a little more effort and time to divide almond milk into smaller boxes, but the end result is definitely worth it.
One of the benefits of freezing almond milk in this way is that you can defrost it more easily as needed. For example, if you only need a small amount of almond milk to add to your morning smoothie, frozen almond milk cubes are the perfect option. Simply remove as many cubes as you from the container or bag and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes until they are the right texture to add to your smoothie.
Another benefit is that it makes it easier to measure out one cube when you need to defrost. If you don’t have a good memory, then measuring out one almond milk ice cube can be a lifesaver and ensure that you will not over or under-freeze the milk cubes. Additionally, if you do happen to forget how much milk is in each ice tray, you can easily mark an ice tray with tape and write on the tape (or attach a sticker) with the date so you know exactly how long ago it was frozen.
Finally, freezing almond milk in an ice cube tray makes milk cubes will stay fresh for a longer period of time than if you were to freeze the almond milk in a large block. This is because when you freeze something in a large block, all of the air inside is trapped and this can cause freezer burn. When you freeze something in smaller cubes, there is less surface area exposed to the air and therefore, it is less likely to get freezer burn.
So, if you are looking for the best way to freeze your almond milk or if you need an easy way to defrost almond milk depending on your needs, then freezing it in small ice cubes using an ice tray is definitely the way to go!
2. In a Milk Storage Bag
When freezing almond milk in a milk storage bag, it is important to use the correct size bag for your needs. This will help prevent the almond milk from leaking out and spilling after it has been frozen. It is also important to fill the bag only with a small amount of almond milk, as this will help prevent the milk from breaking the bag.
The almond milk can be kept in the bag until it is needed, and each bag can be stamped with a date to help keep track of its expiration date. The benefits of freezing almond milk in a storage bag include ease of use and the ability to measure the volume of almond milk that has been frozen.
However, this method is more difficult and time-consuming than other methods of freezing almond milk, and it involves using many plastic bags, which are not eco-friendly.
3. In The Container
The container method is a quick and easy way to freeze almond milk. You can either use a single container or multiple containers, depending on how much milk you need to freeze. The milk will expand after freezing, so make sure there is enough space between each container.
Label each container with the contents and the date frozen. To defrost, simply remove from the freezer and let thaw at room temperature. You can then use the milk in your favorite recipes.
This method is perfect for larger quantities of almond milk. It’s also ideal if you want to pre-determine how you’ll use the milk after defrosting. However, keep in mind that you must defrost the entire container at once. So if you only need a pint, you can’t just defrost one pint. You must defrost the whole container. Also, a glass box is not recommended for this method since it can break easily.
How to Defrost Almond Milk?
When you remove the almond milk from the freezer, make sure to leave about an inch or two of space at the top of the container for expansion. This is especially important if you are using a plastic bag. If you don’t leave any space, the container could burst and create a huge mess.
If you have more time, you can let the almond milk thaw in the fridge overnight. The almond milk will be soft enough to use in smoothies, shakes, or recipes that call for dairy milk. If you need it for coffee or cereal, you can run it under warm water until it’s liquid enough to drink.
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for it to thaw in the fridge, you can use cold water to defrost it. Just put the frozen milk in a container and submerge it in a pan of cold water. Change the water every half hour or so until the milk has thawed.
If you need the milk for cooking or want to add ice to your smoothie, you can throw in the frozen cubes without having to defrost them. This works well because you don’t have to wait for them to thaw before using them.
[wps_note size=”17″ background=”#fae588″ color=”#333333″ radius=”3″]Keep in mind that thawed and frozen almond milk will spoil faster than fresh ones. You should use it within one day of thawing. Although it is ideal to use all of the almond milk immediately after thawing occurs, this is not always possible.[/wps_note]
So, these are the different ways you can thaw your almond milk. Whichever way you choose, just make sure to follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. And as always, enjoy!
How To Tell If Almond Milk Is Bad?
The most obvious way to tell if your almond milk is bad is to look at it. If it has thickened, clumped or developed a sour smell, then it’s time to throw it out. However, if you’ve only had it for a few days and it doesn’t smell or look off, then it’s probably still safe to drink. The real test, however, is how it tastes. If it’s sour or doesn’t taste quite right, then it’s time to get rid of it.
Almond milk that has been ultra-pasteurized will last a bit longer than fresh almond milk, but once opened, it should be consumed within seven to ten days. So if you’ve bought almond milk from the store, check the expiration date to see how long you have before it goes bad. As long as it doesn’t smell or look off, it’s probably still safe to drink. But if in doubt, just throw it out. Better safe than sorry!
So, now you know how to tell if your almond milk is bad. If it doesn’t smell or look right, or if it tastes sour, then it’s time to get rid of it. However, if it’s fresh and doesn’t have any off odors, then it should be safe to drink. Just be sure to check the expiration date before you open it!
FAQs
What happens if I freeze almond milk?
If you freeze almond milk, the flavor and consistency of it might change. It is very important to store unsweetened or original flavored almond milk in a cool dark place like your pantry.
How long does almond milk last?
Unopened almond milk last for about 7 to 10 days when stored in the pantry. Opened almond milk can be kept for up to 7 days in the refrigerator after being opened.
Can you use frozen almond milk without thawing?
It’s best to thaw almond milk before using it in recipes. However, if you need to use frozen almond milk, add it directly to the recipe while still frozen and stir carefully. The almond milk may not blend well and will likely leave chunks behind.
Is it safe to refreeze thawed almond milk?
No, once almond milk has been thawed, do not refreeze; use almond milk instead.
Is it healthy to drink thawed almond milk?
If the almond has been frozen previously and thawed again, the nutrients like proteins will be broken down. It may or may not affect your health but I would recommend to start with fresh almond/soy/hemp/rice/coconut milks than consuming thawed ones. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
How do you store homemade hemp seed milk?
Homemade hemp seed milk must be stored in the fridge and consumed within 3-4 days.
What is the shelf life of almond milk that has been frozen?
Almond milk can have a shelf life of up to 2 months when frozen.
Can I freeze leftover almond milk from a carton?
Yes, you can freeze leftover almond milk from a carton; however, the texture may change after freezing. When ready to consume, allow almond milk to thaw completely before drinking.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about almond milk, including can you freeze almond milk, how to store it, how long it lasts and how to tell if it’s gone bad. Be sure to keep this information in mind the next time you go shopping for almond milk, so you can make sure to get the most out of your purchase. Thanks for reading!
