From lattes and smoothies, to a morning cup of tea or coffee? Oat milk has gained immense popularity as a dairy-free alternative to dairy milk in recent years.
That’s because of its creamy texture, natural sweetness, and versatility make it a preferred choice for those with dietary restrictions needs (e.g. lactose intolerance) or people who want to cut down on dairy consumption and food waste (i.e. me!).
But what happens when you have bought milk or have leftover oat milk? Can you freeze oat milk to extend its shelf life? Will it thaw and change the texture? The answer to can you freeze oat milk is a resounding yes!
In this blog, I will explore why freezing oat milk is a great option for zero waste living, how to freeze it properly, and the best practices for thawing and incorporating it into recipes.
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The Growing Popularity of Oat Milk
Non dairy milk such as oat milk and almond milk has seen a surge in popularity as more people seek dairy-free healthy alternatives.
In fact, everytime I visit a supermarket I see a new non-dairy milk brand pop-up. This means people are ready to move away from dairy and try something new.
Personally, I began to find drinking cows milk was making me sick and bloated. When I was at a friends house she offered me a cuppa with this new type of milk called oat milk. I’m usually very adventurous when it comes to trying new foods and drink but I have previously tried rice and hemp milk and they were both disgusting (sorry not sorry).
Oat milk didn’t sound appetizing but I thought I’d give it a try as that was only milk on offer and I needed something to dunk my tea into. It was only until I was halfway through the cuppa that i realised that I was drinking oat milk. I couldn’t taste the difference and from then on I was converted.
What Makes Oat Milk a Popular Dairy-Free Alternative?
What I love about oat milk is that added to just about anything and tastes the most similar to dairy milk (without the grassy aftertaste).Not all oat milk is created equally but for me my faves are Tesco and Aldi own brands.
Oat milk in general lasts longer than regular milk and can be stored in the fridge or in a dark cupboard.If you want to learn about other non-dairy milks like almond milk check my Non-Dairy Milk For Tea article. Finally it can be added to coffee, smoothies, and used in baking just like regular milk.
The Nutritional Benefits of Oat Milk
When it comes to oat milk, its nutritional benefits are worth noting. According to an article by Jeske, 2018 milk has the following benefits:
- Reduces blood sugar
- Contains health fatty acids
- Contains healthy proteins
- Contains dietary fibre
How is Oat Milk Made?
The process of making oat milk is relatively simple so in theory you could make homemade oat milk. The steps are as follows:
- Soak whole rolled oats in water
- Blend
- Strain the mixture to remove any solids.
This process creates a creamy, slightly sweet milk that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a substitute for dairy milk in various recipes.
I love this recipe from Love and Lemons as it’s simple to follow. If you give it a try or have made oat milk before let me know in the comments below.
Best Uses For Oat Milk
Like I said before the reason why oat milk is really popular is because it’s versatile. Hare are some of the uses for oat milk:
- Use as milk for coffee, tea or latte.
- Make a delicious bowl of oatmeal by cooking your oats in oat milk instead of water for added flavor and creaminess.
- Create a creamy smoothie by blending oat milk with your favorite fruits and vegetables.
- Add oat milk to soups or sauces to create a slightly thickened and velvety texture.
- In baking, substitute dairy milk with oat milk to make moist and flavorful pancakes, muffins, or cakes.
Why Consider Freezing Oat Milk?
Let’s have a look at the key reasons why you should consider freezing oat milk.
Extending Shelf Life with Freezing
- By freezing oat milk in airtight containers, you can maintain its natural sweetness, flavor, and consistency, extending its shelf life by 3 months.
- Once thawed, the frozen oat milk retains its freshness and creamy texture, making it suitable for various uses such as cooking, baking, and smoothies.
- This simple method ensures that you always have fresh oat milk on hand, without the need for preservatives or additives.
- Whether using store-bought or homemade oat milk, freezing is the best way to preserve its quality and enjoy its benefits for longer.
- The versatility of frozen oat milk cubes allows for easy incorporation into various recipes, offering unparalleled convenience and flexibility in your culinary endeavors.
- Creating your own oat milk and freezing it in ice cube trays provides an efficient way to have convenient portions for smoothies and iced coffee. Which is perfect during the hot summer months!
How to Freeze Oat Milk: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Freezing oat milk is a simple process that can help extend its shelf life.
- Start by pouring the homemade oat milk into a suitable container. You could try ice cube trays to use in iced coffee.
- If you place in a container make sure you leave some room for expansion.
- Seal the container tightly and label it with the date.
- Place the carton of oat milk in the freezer and ensure it stays away from strong-smelling foods.
- When you’re ready to use it, defrost the oat milk in the refrigerator.
Remember, the best way to enjoy fresh oat milk is to avoid preservatives and additives found in store-bought options.
Choosing the Right Containers for Freezing
When freezing oat milk, it’s important to choose the right containers for optimal results. Airtight containers are ideal for maintaining the freshness of homemade oat milk.
Consider using ice cube trays for convenient portioning when defrosting small amounts. Opt for freezer-safe, BPA-free containers to ensure the quality and safety of the frozen oat milk.
Mason jars are a great option for larger quantities, while also ensuring preservation without preservatives. It’s crucial to select moisture-resistant containers like this one to prevent any unwanted changes in the defrosted oat milk.
Airtight BPA free glass containers – Amazon.co.uk
Importance of Leaving Room for Expansion
When oat milk freezes it expands so make sure you leave at least 3-5 cm of space at the top of the container for expansion. This prevents containers from cracking and potential spillage, ensuring a hassle-free freezing process.
Thawing Frozen Oat Milk: Do’s and Don’ts
When thawing frozen oat milk, it’s important to follow some do’s and don’ts. Following these guidelines will help maintain the fresh oat milk’s quality and consistency when thawed.
| Do | Don’t |
| – Thaw the oat milk in the refrigerator for the best results. – Shake the thawed milk as this ensures a gradual thaw and helps maintain the original texture. – Experiment with freezing the milk into ice cube trays or lollipop molds | – Thaw oat milk to room temperature using a microwave or on the hob. This can lead to uneven thawing and separation. – Drink thawed milk that is older than 3 months. |
Addressing Changes in Texture or Consistency
After thawing oat milk, you might notice a few changes in the consistency of milk I’ve found that a good shake can restore its creamy texture (depending on the brand). You might taste a slightly grainy texture, which is normal.
I like to minimize changes in taste and texture by adding thawed milk to smoothies or sauces during cooking. Depending on the brand a good stir may be required for the right consistency.
If all else fails then gently heating thawed oat milk can address any changes in texture or consistency. Remember to let it cool again before using it in tea or coffee as it curdles and goes weird.
FAQ
What Happens If You Drink Oat Milk That Has Expired?
Drinking expired oat milk is not recommended (unless it was frozen in date). Consuming expired oat milk can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, gas, and upset stomach. It may also have a sour taste and smell. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, always check the expiration date before consuming oat milk or any other food or beverage product.
How Long Can You Freeze Oat Milk For?
You can freeze oat milk for up to 3 months. This duration ensures that the oat milk maintains its quality and taste when thawed. Remember to consume it within a week after thawing for optimal freshness. Store oat milk in an airtight container in your freezer to prevent freezer burn.
Can You Freeze Oat Milk In A Carton?
Did you know that you can freeze oat milk in a carton? Yes, it’s true! Freezing oat milk in its original carton is a convenient and space-saving option. Just make sure to leave some room at the top of the carton for expansion during freezing. When you’re ready to use the frozen oat milk, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good shake before enjoying. Easy peasy!
How Does Freezing Change Oat Milk’s Texture?
When you freeze oat milk, you may notice a slight change in its texture upon thawing. It may thicker or seperate. Although the texture and color may change slightly after thawing, it is still safe to consume. Just remember to give it a good shake before using.
What Are Some Tips for Incorporating Thawed Oat Milk into Recipes?
Incorporate defrosted oat milk into various culinary creations for a dairy-free alternative. Add it to pancake batters for natural sweetness or creamy oatmeal for a delightful breakfast. Enhance homemade ice creams and sorbets with the rich texture of thawed oat milk, or blend it into smoothies for a creamy, dairy-free beverage. Harness the versatility of defrosted oat milk to elevate your recipes and explore the array of culinary possibilities.
How Can You Preserve the Quality of Oat Milk while Freezing?
Extending Shelf Life with Freezing is the short answer to preserving fresh oat milk. When freezing your own oat milk, choose the best way to store it in a carton of oat milk or airtight containers. Avoid preservatives and additives found in store-bought options. Upon defrosting, expect changes in texture, but avoid color alterations. Whether it’s coconut milk, almond milk, or soy, freezing homemade oat milk maintains its quality without compromising taste and nutritional value.
What Are The Storage Duration Recommendations For Oat Milk?
To maintain the best quality and flavor, freeze oat milk for up to 3 months. Once thawed, consume within a week for optimal freshness. Proper storage can help frozen oat milk maintain its quality for an extended duration. Adhering to recommended storage durations ensures the best-tasting thawed oat milk. Before freezing, check expiration dates to ensure the oat milk stays fresh for a longer period.
How Should I Label and Date Oat Milk for Easy Identification?
When freezing oat milk, it’s essential to label you containers with the date of freezing for easy tracking. Clear labeling avoids confusion with other frozen items and helps you to identify contents easily. Proper labeling helps track how long you’ve stored food accurately. By doing so, you can identify the oldest containers for use first, ensuring you always use the oldest defrosted oat milk first.
Final Thoughts on Freezing Oat Milk
Freezing oat milk is a simple and convenient way to extend its shelf life and ensure you always have a dairy-free alternative on hand.
Whether you enjoy oat milk in your coffee or use it for cooking and baking, freezing allows you to stock up and save time. Just remember to choose the right containers and leave room for expansion when freezing. Don’t forget to follow the recommended storage duration for optimal quality (i.e. don’t drink milk older than 3 months).
Thawed oat milk may undergo slight changes in texture or consistency, but it can still be incorporated into your favorite recipes and drinks after a good shake. So why not give freezing oat milk a try?
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