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How to Freeze Milk

Did you find some milk on SALE? Is your milk about to expire? Is your milk froze? NO PROBLEM! When you know HOW TO FREEZE MILK, you’ll be saving money, time and milk you can use later! 

Silver bowl pouring restaurant ranch dressing onto green salad on grey plate

Why This Recipe Works

  • Because Sometimes The Milk Froze and you gotta know what to do.
  • You Can SAVE a ton of money by buying on sale.
  • It tastes the same ! Who knew?

***PRO TIP*** It expands as it does its thing just like any liquid, it may warp the container somewhat. Also, sometimes it will have a slight yellow color when it is thawed. But it tastes the same. 

Here’s How You Do It. 

STEP 1. Make sure your it is in a container you want it in. Write on the container the date you frozen it, a use by date and how many days until expired. 

half gallon of milk in the refrigerator

STEP 2. Place it in the ice box. 

half gallon of milk in the freezer

Can You Freeze Milk? 

Yes, you can freeze milk easily but just placing it in the freezer. This does not affect the taste of the milk. You DO NEED to know that upon removing the milk from the freezer, it will still go bad and expire like any carton of milk will do. Use it within a reasonable timeframe. 

Recipes for Frozen Milk…

We LOVE to use it in some of these recipes!!! 

pouring from a gallon container into a measuring cup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How to Thaw Froze Milk

This part is for when your milk froze in the refrigerator OR when you did it yourself. Either way, you have to know how to thaw it!

Method 1: 

  1. Remove the carton from the ice box
  2. Place the carton in the refrigerator.
  3. After 24 hours, it should be thawed. 

Method 2: 

  1. Remove the carton from the freezer
  2. Place in a large bowl of cool water in the sink. 
  3. Check every 30 minutes.
  4. When thawed, place in the refrigerator. 

How Long Does It Take Milk To Freeze? 

That depends on how much you are trying to do. An entire gallon will freeze in a few hours. Milk in small amounts will be solid more quickly. 

Can You Freeze Milk In The Carton? 

Yes, you can. What you need to know is that it expands when frozen. 

 All liquids expand as they freeze and the this may warp your container somewhat. Therefore, consider using an alternative container like gallon size freezer bags. 

Can You Freeze Milk In Ice Cube Trays? 

Absolutely you can freeze milk that way! This makes a terrific way to have small amounts for recipes! Measure out the amount you put in each one (¼ cup) and then you’ll know exactly how much you are adding to your recipe. 

How Long Can You Freeze Milk? 

Milk can remain frozen and still taste good with a good texture for about 3-6 months. I wouldn’t go longer than that. 

Does Freezing Milk Change The Taste? 

Freezing milk does not change the taste or texture at all. You may note that the color changes slightly sometimes (yellowish) but it is safe to drink. Use before 6 months and really, no longer than 3 months is my rule of thumb. 

Can You Freeze Chocolate Milk? 

You sure can freeze chocolate milk! Simply follow the instructions noted below. 

Can I Freeze A Whole Gallon Of Milk? 

Yes, you can freeze an entire gallon of milk. Please note that when you thaw the milk, you may find the container misshapen , this is normal. You might want to find another container to pour your milk into. 

Can I Freeze Breast Milk? 

Yes, absolutely you can! That’s a great way to have it available when you are away or for times when you won’t be able to breastfeed.

Why Did My Milk Freeze In the Fridge? 

Your milk did that in the refrigerator because your fridge is a little too cold. Try turning the temp down a little. Only move the temperature range down in small increments at a time and see what happens inside your fridge. You don’t want things to be too warm in there! 

Adding liquid to the sweet potato cobbler

Tips and Tricks

  • Buy more than you need when it is on sale and save some for later! 
  • Use yours as soon as you can. Don’t let it stay frozen longer than 6 months. 
  • Pour your extra milk (measured) so that you will have the milk cubes to add to recipes! Just put it in ice cubes into a gallon size zip lock in the freezer and use what you need each time! 
  • Remember that it will go bad after you thaw it, use it quickly.
  • Don’t try use milk that is on the verge of spoiling, it will still spoil quickly when you thaw it. 
  • To thaw milk, place it in the refrigerator on the day before you plan to use it. 
  • You might want to put it in a different container after thawing as freezing usually warps the original container. 
  • Interesting data about milk consumption in the US!
milk shake with melting whipped cream and bottle of milk in background

Chocolate Cherry Pie Milkshake

If You Enjoyed Learning About This, You Might Also Want To See…

How to Freeze Cheese

How to Freeze Lunch Meat

Freezing Steaks.

How to Freeze Raw Meat

How to Freeze Blueberries. 

a plate of brownies and a glass of milk

Ya’ll Help Me Out, OK?

Please leave me a 5 STAR comment below. This helps others find Loaves and Dishes on the internet!

How to Make Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing

How To Freeze Milk

Did you find some milk on SALE? Is your milk about to expire? Is your milk froze? NO PROBLEM! When you know HOW TO FREEZE MILK, you’ll be saving money, time and milk you can use later!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: freezing milk, how to freeze milk
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 minute
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 231kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Gallon Milk

Instructions

  • Use a sharpie marker to write on the milk container: today’s date, use by date (3-6 months), how many days until expired.
  • Place the milk in the freezer until needed.

Notes

  • Buy more milk than you need when it is on sale and freeze some for later!
  • Use your frozen milk as soon as you can. Don’t let it stay frozen longer than 6 months.
  • Pour your extra milk into ice cube trays (measured) so that you will have the milk cubes to add to recipes! Just put the frozen milk cubes into a gallon size zip lock in the freezer and use what you need each time!
  • Remember that milk will go bad after you thaw it, use it quickly.
  • Don’t try to freeze milk that is on the verge of spoiling, it will still spoil quickly when you thaw it.
  • To thaw milk, place it in the refrigerator on the day before you plan to use it.
  • You might want to put it in a different container after thawing as freezing usually warps the original container.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How To Freeze Milk
Amount Per Serving
Calories 231 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Cholesterol 38mg13%
Sodium 163mg7%
Potassium 500mg14%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Sugar 19g21%
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 613IU12%
Calcium 428mg43%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




Amanda Wilkins

Sunday 14th of March 2021

Thank You for All the Informative Information. I received 2gallons of milk yesterday and know that I can’t drink all of that before March 30, 2021, Lol! I am very grateful for the milk, though. It was helpful to know that it definitely won’t go to waste.

Wendi Spraker

Monday 15th of March 2021

You are welcome! I'm glad you were able to save your milk!

Lee

Saturday 28th of March 2020

The most important thing you NEVER mentioned is that you MUST MUST MUST shake the thawed milk THOROUGHLY before attempting to use it. It will taste watery and look weird. If chunks are still frozen...it needs to be COMPLETELY thawed, then shaken, before use for the best result.

Wendi Spraker

Saturday 28th of March 2020

Thanks for your input Lee.

Wendi Spraker

Friday 25th of October 2019

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