Can You Freeze Oat Milk? – The Freezing Dilemma: Exploring the Viability of Freezing Oat Milk

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Can you Freeze Oat Milk? In recent years, oat milk has seen a significant rise in its popularity, and rightly so. A delectable, creamy substitute for dairy milk, this beverage is quite versatile and can be used in cooking, your morning coffee, smoothies, and various baking recipes. Additionally, oat milk also offers a slightly nutty creaminess without any added sugar, making it a naturally sweet beverage.

And the best part, if you want you can make oat milk at home!

However, what to do if you want to extend the shelf life? How to store them to use later, at your pace? Can you Freeze Oat Milk? In this blog, we will answer not only that question but also a bunch of others that may arise in your endeavor to freeze Oat milk. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!

Can You Freeze Oat Milk

Can You Freeze Oat Milk?

Yes, you can. It is certainly possible to freeze oat milk! The only downside is that on thawing the consistency may change slightly and the oat milk might get a little grainy. However, there is no cause for concern, as it can still be used without issue.

In addition, I have some fantastic tips and tricks for addressing this problem up my sleeve. But, first thing first, let us delve through the handy and straightforward steps of freezing oat milk. In the following section, I have laid out the step-by-step method of how to freeze this creamy and delicious beverage!

How to Freeze Oat Milk?

As mentioned above freezing oat milk does somewhat impact its consistency, however, if you anyway freeze it to use in baking or cooking, you can easily bring it about in a few simple ways. Moreover, there are a number of approaches you can use to freeze oat milk, that is, you can freeze it in a carton, in freezer-safe bottles, or in an ice cube tray. Here’s what you need to do:

Freezing in the Carton

If you will be using the Original Carton straight from the supermarket, you can simply put the carton in the freezer. In the case of an unopened oat milk carton, it can last up to 6 months.

Freezing in an Airtight, Freezer-Safe Bottle

Here is the step-by-step process to freeze in an air-tight and freezer-safe bottle.

  • In case you want to freeze the homemade oat milk or even the store-bought (in anything other than the carton), you can use the airtight, freezer-safe bottles.
  • Carefully, pour oat milk into the selected bottles.
  • Remember, leave at least 1 inch of space at the top, to allow space for expansion when the liquid freezes.
  • Next, label with the name and date. Finally, transfer the bottles to the freezer.

Freezing in Ice Cube Tray

Following are the step-by-step instructions to freeze in an ice cube tray.

  • For the convenience of use, I would suggest freezing the oat milk in an ice-cube tray.
  • To achieve this, carefully pour the oat milk into the ice slots. Do not fill to the brim. Leave space for expansion.
  • Next, transfer the ice trays into the freezer and allow the oat milk to freeze completely; this can take anywhere between a few hours or overnight.
  • Once solidified, transfer the frozen oat milk cubes to a freezer-friendly ziplock bag or container.
  • Label the ziplock bag or container and place it in the freezer for the final freeze.

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How Long Can You Freeze Oat Milk?

As I mentioned, if you follow the steps that I have outlined for you above, you will be able to freeze oat milk for around 6 months. Moreover, the store-bought oat milk, which is frozen in its original unopened container, responds the best to freezing; extending its shelf life up to 6 months. However, it needs to be mentioned that the durability may vary depending on the brand and packaging techniques used.

Whereas, in the case of opened cartons or homemade oat milk, freezing can preserve it for about 2-6 months. To maximize freshness, freeze your oat milk before its expiration date. If you’re dealing with homemade oat milk, freeze it within five days of making it to prevent spoilage. Furthermore, keep in mind that freezing oat milk will alter its texture, which will largely influence how you intend to use it.

How To Thaw or Defrost Oat Milk?

There is only one good method that you can use to thaw or defrost frozen oat milk and the reason it is good is because it does not allow an immediate change in temperature, preventing bacterial growth or spoilage. Here is how to thaw frozen oat milk:

Thawing Oat Milk Frozen in a Carton or Freezer-Safe Bottles

Following are the step-by-step instructions to thaw frozen oat milk in a freezer-safe bottle.

  • To begin with, transfer the frozen oat milk carton/ bottle or bottles of oat milk from the freezer and put it in the refrigerator.
  • Allow it to thaw completely by keeping it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight, particularly if you plan to use the milk in the morning.
  • Once fully thawed, remember to consume the thawed oat milk within 10 days.

Thawing Oat Milk Frozen in an Ice-Cube Tray

Here is the step-by-step process to thaw frozen oat milk in an ice cube tray.

  • Well, honestly you don’t really need to defrost these, you can just use them directly. For instance, you can directly add the frozen oat milk cubes into baking treats, cooking sauces, curries, and soups. Or you can pop them straight into your smoothies without experiencing a grainy texture. This is the prime advantage of freezing oat milk in ice cubes- you get to use just what you require without the extra step of thawing it.
  • However, if you still want to thaw oat milk ice cubes, put them into a dish and pop them in the fridge, keeping them for a few hours or overnight.

Tips for Freezing Oat Milk

Well, as I mentioned above, here I have enlisted some amazing tips and tricks. Basically, a few tips on how to do something better is definitely the icing on the cake. And that is why I have compiled some of the best tips and tricks on how you can get the most out of freezing your oat milk:

  • Thawing oat milk results in a change in consistency and the development of a grainy texture. To improve this, you can strain the thawed oat milk using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. This will help remove the small oat granules and enhance the overall consistency.
  • Remember to leave some headspace at the top of the bottles as well as the ice cube tray for expansion. Being a liquid oat milk tends to expand as it freezes, so give it some breathing space to prevent any messy spills in your freezer.
  • Consider freezing your oat milk in smaller portions, ideally in ice cube trays. This way, you can easily thaw only what you need without wasting any precious oat milk.
  • As homemade oat milk has no added preservatives it generally has a shorter shelf life compared to store-bought oat milk. Therefore, to prevent spoilage, it is advisable to freeze homemade oat milk if it has not been consumed within five days.

Can You Refreeze Oat Milk?

No, you cannot refreeze oat milk that has already been thawed once. The simple fact is that if you do try and refreeze it, the oat milk will see a significant degradation in its texture. As mentioned earlier, freezing oat milk once itself somewhat impacts its texture, making it grainy. Thereby freezing oat milk more will simply spoil it beyond repair.

Does Oat Milk Freeze Well?

Yes, honesty oat milk does not freeze well. You will observe a significant change in its consistency. This is mostly because the oat grains often tend to separate leading to a grainy texture.

And while you do have the solution of straining thawed oat milk with cheesecloth, this may result in somewhat diminishing the actual creamy taste, making it watery. Therefore, I would strongly suggest freezing oat milk only when considered necessary. Moreover, it is usually not required as it has a longer shelf life compared to dairy milk. It is advisable to use oat milk before its best-by date.

FAQs Can you Freeze Oat Milk

1. Can You Freeze Oat Milk for Smoothies?

Yes, in fact, freezing oat milk for use in smoothies is a wonderful idea. This is because the change in texture of oat milk is masked when it’s blended with other ingredients. Additionally, frozen oat milk ice cubes work best in this case.

2. How Long Does Oat Milk Take To Freeze?

Well, the larger containers and cartoon of oat milk will take anywhere between 8 hrs to an overnight stay in the freezer; while the ice cube tray will mostly require a few hours for freezing.

3. How Long Does Oat Milk Last in the Refrigerator?

Store-bought oat milk will mostly last 10 days, while its homemade counterparts will keep well for a maximum period of 5 days in the refrigerator.

Key Takeaway

Oat milk is a delicious and nutritious substitute for dairy milk and now that you are all set with the tips and tricks to freeze it, I hope all doubts revolving around Can You Freeze Oat Milk, are well sorted. As mentioned, do remember this beverage is prone to exhibit a change in texture upon freezing.

If you want more tips and tricks on preserving your delicacies like Can You Freeze Chocolate Milk, please visit our website. Until then, Bon appétit, my friends!

 

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