Oat milk has become an increasingly popular plant-based milk alternative in recent years. It is made by blending soaked oats with water and straining out the oat pulp. Oat milk has a creamy, mild flavor that makes it suitable for drinking, baking, cereals, and more. It is naturally sweet, nut-free, and contains some fiber.
Many people buy oat milk in bulk or when it is on sale and freeze the extras to help it last longer. But what actually happens when you freeze oat milk? Here we will explore how freezing affects oat milk, whether it is safe to freeze and thaw it, how long it keeps frozen, and the best way to freeze oat milk.
Does Freezing Affect Oat Milk?
Freezing oat milk does lead to some changes in its texture and consistency once thawed. Here are the main effects:
- Thickness – Frozen and thawed oat milk will be thicker and more viscous than fresh oat milk. This is due to the formation of ice crystals during freezing which disrupt the structure.
- Separation – Separation of the liquid and solids can occur after thawing frozen oat milk. This results in watery liquid at the top and a thicker, oat pulp layer at the bottom.
- Mouthfeel – The mouthfeel of thawed oat milk may be grainy or gritty due to the ruptured cell structure.
- Flavor – Some of the subtle, fresh flavors can diminish after freezing and thawing.
- Nutrition – No significant changes in the nutritional value of oat milk occur with freezing.
While frozen and thawed oat milk may not taste exactly the same as fresh, it is still perfectly safe to consume. The changes are simply a result of physical changes from ice crystal formation and do not signify spoilage.
Is it Safe to Freeze and Thaw Oat Milk?
Yes, it is safe to freeze oat milk and thaw it again later for use. However, some best practices should be followed:
- Check ‘use-by’ date – Only freeze oat milk that is still within the use-by date range. Freezing does not extend the shelf life beyond the printed date.
- Allow headspace – Leave at least 1 inch of headspace in containers when freezing to prevent cracking.
- Quick freeze – Freeze oat milk as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours of purchasing.
- Food safe packaging – Use food safe, airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Limit thawing time – When ready to use, thaw oat milk in the refrigerator and use within 5-7 days.
- Avoid refreezing – Do not refreeze thawed oat milk.
Following these tips will ensure frozen oat milk stays safe and retains maximum quality and flavor. Thawed oat milk is best used for cooking or baking rather than plain drinking.
How Long Does Frozen Oat Milk Last?
Frozen and thawed properly, oat milk can safely last the following durations:
| Freezer Temperature | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| 0°F (-18°C) or below | 6-8 months |
| Self-defrosting freezer | 4-6 months |
The colder the freezer temperature, the longer frozen oat milk will retain ideal quality and shelf life. Temperatures that fluctuate frequently shorten how long it lasts compared to a consistently cold freezer.
Properly stored frozen oat milk lasts 6-8 months at a constant 0°F but only 4-6 months in self-defrosting freezers. The oat milk will still be safe to consume after these durations but may begin deteriorating in texture and taste.
How to Freeze Oat Milk
Follow these easy steps for freezing oat milk:
- Check ‘use-by’ date and ensure the oat milk is fresh.
- Shake or stir the oat milk well before freezing for even consistency.
- Portion into freezer safe containers, leaving 1 inch headspace. Or freeze in ice cube trays for smaller portions.
- Label containers with name and freeze-by date.
- Place containers in freezer. For fastest freezing, place on contact with freezer coils.
- Once solidly frozen, containers can be stacked or moved to longer term storage.
Key tips:
- Freezing in ice cube trays lets you thaw just the amount needed later.
- Flat containers freeze faster than tall bottles.
- Cool oat milk in fridge before freezing to reduce initial ice crystal formation.
What’s the Best Way to Thaw Frozen Oat Milk?
To retain the best quality when thawing oat milk:
- Ideal method – Thaw slowly over 24-48 hrs in the refrigerator.
- Quick method – Submerge sealed container in cold water. Change water every 30 mins until thawed.
- Microwave – Not recommended. Can create hot spots and cause separation.
- On counter – Don’t thaw at room temperature. Allows bacterial growth.
- Use within 5-7 days once thawed and keep refrigerated.
Avoid using thawed oat milk for drinking straight. The altered texture is better suited for cooking, cereals, blended drinks, etc. If separation occurs after thawing, simply shake or whisk to recombine.
Signs Your Frozen Oat Milk Has Gone Bad
Look out for these signs that frozen oat milk has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Ice crystals – Large ice crystals or frozen chunks indicate temperature fluctuation.
- Freezer burn – Dry, crusty patches of freezer burn.
- Mold – Presence of fuzzy mold anywhere.
- Off smell – Foul, sour, or rotten smell when container opened.
- Expiration – Product exceeds 6-8 month freezer time frame.
- Discoloration – Unnatural or unappealing grey, yellow, or brown discoloration.
As long as frozen oat milk remains consistently frozen and stored properly, it should stay fresh for 6-8 months. Discard immediately if any signs of spoilage appear.
Frozen Oat Milk Recipes
Frozen oat milk can be easily adapted into recipes. Here are some delicious ideas:
Frozen Oat Milk Latte Cubes
Make coffee shop lattes at home! Mix oat milk with coffee, maple syrup, and spices like cinnamon. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Add latte cubes to hot coffee for a cozy, creamy treat.
Frozen Oat Milk Smoothie Packs
Blend oat milk with your favorite fruits and veggies. Freeze in freezer bags flattened in single smoothie servings. Thaw and blend for quick, healthy smoothies.
Overnight Oats with Frozen Oat Milk
In a jar, combine oats, chia seeds, almond butter, and freeze a thin layer of oat milk on top. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for chilled overnight oats.
Vegan Oatmeal Cookie Dough Bites
Blend oats, almond butter, sugar, and frozen oat milk cubes in a food processor. Roll into balls, freeze, and enjoy guilt-free edible cookie dough!
Conclusion
Freezing is a great way to prevent wasting oat milk and keep it on hand longer. While some texture changes occur after thawing frozen oat milk, it remains perfectly safe and nutritious to use. Follow proper freezing and thawing methods to get the most out of your frozen oat milk. Creative recipes like latte cubes, smoothies, overnight oats, and cookie dough make enjoying frozen oat milk even more fun.