You don’t drink milk every week like I do and a lot of other families do. Some weeks, you can’t keep it in the fridge for long enough. But that additional gallon just sits there for weeks until it’s too late.
It’s a little-known secret that you can freeze milk, which can save you money, time, and stress. It’s also really simple to do.
This easy culinary tip has become a family favorite. It has helped me not waste milk, go to the store too often, or feel awful about pouring spoilt milk down the drain.
I can show you the appropriate and safe way to do it so that you can get the most out of every drop.
First of all, you should know that you may freeze milk, but you need to prepare it first.
A lot of people don’t know that milk may go straight into the freezer, just like other dairy products. But here’s something more that a lot of people don’t know: it becomes bigger as it freezes.
Yes, if you try to freeze a gallon that is already full, you could end up with frozen milk all over the shelves of your freezer.
Instead, do this:
Step 1: First, pour out a cup.
Open
If you’re freezing milk in its original plastic jug, this step is really critical.
How to freeze milk so you can use it every day
You have two wonderful ways to store things after you’ve made room for growth:
Option 1: Put the full jug in the freezer.
This is the simplest way. After you pour that one cup, shut the jug tightly and put it in the freezer on its side.
Check that the jug is plastic. When glass containers freeze, the cold and the expansion can cause them to break or shatter.
Option 2: Put them in ice cube trays and freeze them.
This is an excellent idea for folks who only need a little milk at a time for baking, cooking, coffee, or tea.
Fill clean ice cube trays with milk and put them in the freezer. Put the cubes in a container that doesn’t let air in, such a zip-top freezer bag, when they are frozen.
It’s easy to measure with these cubes because each one holds around two tablespoons.
How long can milk that has been frozen stay good?
You may freeze milk for up to three months without it becoming bad. You can still drink the milk for a little while after three months, but the quality may start to fall down.
Just remember to write the date you froze it on the bag or container. That way, you’ll always know when to utilize it.
How to Thaw Frozen Milk the Right Way
When you want to use your frozen milk, here’s how to safely thaw it:
Option 1: Put it in the fridge to thaw.
This is the best way to do it. Put the frozen jug (or cubes) in the fridge and let it thaw slowly for a day. Before you use it, shake the jug. It might break apart a little, but that’s okay.
Option 2: A quick dip in cold water
Do you need milk right now? Do not place the sealed jar or container in water that is heated. Usually, it will melt in 30 to 45 minutes. Using hot water or a microwave could make the milk taste terrible and make it less safe.
Does the taste or texture change?
When you heat up frozen milk, it can split apart a little. You might notice a small change in texture; at first, it might seem a little gritty or watery.
But here’s the good news: You can drink it.
If you shake the container well, it will come back together.
It works well in smoothies, baking, coffee, and cooking.
You can use the thawed milk to cook instead of drinking it if you don’t like the texture.
Why You’ll Love This Tip for Freezing Milk
I freeze milk a lot as part of my daily practice. Why?
Because it keeps me from:
Going to the supermarket at the last minute
Getting rid of spoiled milk
When milk is on sale, I buy too much of it. I can throw away food and feel awful about it. It also allows me more freedom and room to move about in the kitchen.
Here are some ways this trick can help you every day:
Are you going away? Instead of throwing away what’s left in the fridge, freeze it.
Are you buying a lot of stuff on sale? You could buy a bit more and put the rest in the freezer.
Do you want just a little bit for your coffee? Put a frozen cube in the mug right away.
Do you need milk to make something? Thaw some cubes ahead of time so you can get to them quickly.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before milk goes bad, always store it in the freezer. Putting milk in the freezer won’t make things better.
Tag everything. With a marker, write down the date you put each bag or container in the freezer.
Put things in containers that are appropriate for the freezer and don’t let air in. If you’re moving it from the jug, use a container that can freeze and has room to develop.
Put frozen milk in the back of the freezer. This maintains the temperature stable and very low, which makes the quality excellent.
You should give it a try; you might be amazed at how useful it is.
I wish I had known that milk might last for years in the freezer. This small trick has saved me more times than I can count since supermarket prices are going higher and my daily life is so unpredictable.
Instead than throwing away spoiled milk or going to the store at the last minute, freeze it instead.
You’ll save more money, throw away less, and always have what you need when you need it.
