{"id":212661,"date":"2025-04-29T11:24:38","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T11:24:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/recipes\/category-a-b\/blw\/how-to-freeze-milk-yummy-toddler-food\/"},"modified":"2025-04-29T11:24:38","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T11:24:38","slug":"how-to-freeze-milk-yummy-toddler-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=212661","title":{"rendered":"How to Freeze Milk – Yummy Toddler Food"},"content":{"rendered":"


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If you\u2019re heading out of town and have some milk in the fridge you don\u2019t want to go to waste or you\u2019re looking to have a little extra on hand, these two simple ways to freeze milk<\/strong> will answer all of your questions about whether you can do it\u2014and exactly how to do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"frozen-half-gallon-of-milk-in-freezer\"<\/figure>\n

Every time we go away, I try to have a few pantry staples on hand for an easy dinner and at least one breakfast when we get back. Which means I almost always freeze milk so I can thaw it for the next morning and avoid having to find time to go to the store when we\u2019re settling back into life at home. It\u2019s really easy to do!<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> Find the best milk for toddlers<\/a> for more info on choosing milk for the kids.<\/p>\n

(You might also like these posts: How to Freeze Bananas<\/a>, How to Freeze Blueberries<\/a>, and How to Freeze Strawberries<\/a>.) <\/p>\n

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Your toddler won\u2019t eat? Help is here!<\/p>\n

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How to Freeze a Half-Gallon of Milk<\/h2>\n

The key with freezing milk is that, like any liquid, it will expand a bit as it freezes. So you\u2019ll need to make sure you leave some empty room in the container for that expansion to happen. Otherwise, you risk the container breaking. To freeze a half gallon of milk, simply open it and use 1\/2-1 cup of the milk. Secure the lid and lay the container flat in the freezer. Freeze for 3-6 months.<\/p>\n

Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. (It can take a few days to thaw in the fridge, but I usually leave it at room temperature overnight. I don\u2019t consider it a food safety risk since part of the milk usually stays frozen until morning but do what you think is best.)<\/p>\n

You can do this with a half gallon carton of plant-based milk, coconut milk<\/a>, oat milk, whole milk, soy milk, or another type of milk you have as needed.<\/p>\n

How to Freeze a Gallon of Milk<\/h2>\n

You can do the same thing with a gallon of milk, making sure to remove about a cup so that there\u2019s room for the rest of the milk to expand when it freezes. Stand the gallon upright and freeze. (There will be the most room to do this in a deep freezer due to the size of a gallon but do your best with the space you have!)<\/p>\n

\"how-to-freeze-milk-in-ice-cube-trays\"<\/figure>\n

How to Freeze Small Portions of Milk<\/h2>\n

A great way to freeze smaller amounts of milk that you can use in sippy cups is to freeze milk in an ice cube tray. This is a great way to prevent a portion of a container of milk from going to waste. Fill each compartment of the tray about \u00be full to allow for expansion\u2014<\/em>or just do it the way you usually make ice cubes! You do want to make sure there is at least some headspace to allow space for expansion.<\/p>\n

And consider using an ice cube tray with a shape that fits into whatever cup you want to put the cubes into.<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> You can put a few cubes into a sippy cup or container at night, place into the fridge, and (depending on the temperature of your fridge), it should be ready for the kids to drink in the morning.<\/p>\n

\"milk-in-blue-and-purple-sippy-cups\"<\/figure>\n

Milk Types to Freeze<\/h2>\n

This works with plant milks too. The only thing I\u2019ve noticed is that some plant milks can separate a little when they thaw, so be sure to shake them up well or use them in a smoothie where they\u2019ll be blended with other ingredients.<\/p>\n

Freezing Milk That\u2019s On Sale<\/h2>\n

This is a great way to take advantage of milk that\u2019s on sale and store it for use later on. Just make sure you have enough freezer space for the amount that you buy!<\/p>\n

Freezing Fresh Milk<\/h2>\n

We have access to one local brand of milk at our store that\u2019s low-heat pasteurized, so the cream separates at the top. If you want to freeze that kind of milk, you\u2019ll want to try to mix in the cream first either with a whisk or in a blender<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"toddler<\/h2>\n

Freezing Shelf Stable Milk<\/h2>\n

You can! The packages of frozen milk will expand, but once the milk is thawed, they should return to their original shape\u2026mostly at least! Shake the milk before serving.<\/p>\n

How Milk Tastes After Thawing<\/h2>\n

In my experience, the thawed milk doesn\u2019t taste any different, though it may depend on the type of milk. As I mentioned, non-dairy milk may separate a little though.<\/p>\n

If your milk is grainy or separated in texture after thawing, use it in baking rather than to drink fresh.<\/p>\n

How to Thaw Milk<\/h2>\n

Place milk ice cubes into a sippy cup<\/a> and store in the fridge overnight to thaw. It will thaw fully or partly, depending on the temperature of your refrigerator. Or, thaw ice cubes in a cup or container overnight in the fridge. Thaw single serving milks in the fridge overnight. You can also pack them in a lunch box<\/a> frozen to work as an ice pack and a drink at lunch on hot days.<\/p>\n

Thaw half gallon or gallon jugs of milk in the fridge (which will take a few days) or overnight at room temperature. Place the container in the sink to avoid condensation on your counter.<\/p>\n

Once thawed, use milk within 5 days.<\/p>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
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Can you freeze milk in a plastic jug? <\/strong> <\/p>\n

Yes! Just make sure to remove a little of the milk to allow room for the liquid to expand in the container as it freezes.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Is it OK to freeze fresh milk? <\/strong> <\/p>\n

Milk can be frozen from 3-6 months and still maintain its quality. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Does freezing milk change the taste?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

No, not usually in my experience, though it may depend on the type of milk. As I mentioned it may make non-dairy milk separate a little though.
If your milk is grainy or separated in texture after thawing, use it in baking rather than to drink fresh.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Best Tips for Freezing Milk<\/h2>\n