Sometimes in life, our refrigerators may become full of certain foods. More often than not, much of it goes to waste, but this doesn’t have to be the case.
Maybe you couldn’t resist your local grocery store’s special deal on yogurt, so you decided to go a bit overboard on your purchases.
If you have too much yogurt and don’t know what to do with it, stick around before you even consider throwing it away. There are ways to prolong the life of yogurt, so you can store it for use further down the line.
This leads to the main question – “can you freeze yogurt?” Whether you’ve found yourself with an excess of yogurt or simply want to extend its shelf life, freezing can be a viable option.
In today’s article, we delve into the question of whether yogurt can be frozen and explore the best practices for freezing and thawing this beloved dairy product.
Join us as we uncover the ins and outs of freezing yogurt, discussing its impact on texture, taste, and overall quality.
Discover helpful tips and storage recommendations, so you can make the most of this versatile treat.
Ways To Freeze Yogurt
Freezing yogurt is a great solution if you have too much left over. Rather than throwing your yogurt tubs in the trash, you can freeze them to use again.
However, you need to bear in mind that the texture of the yogurt will change, typically becoming less creamy and thinner. Nevertheless, it will still be usable for smoothies and in cooking.
You can freeze both small and large amounts of yogurt. For small amounts of yogurt, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and then place the frozen cubes in a freezer bag for the air to expel.
For larger amounts of yogurt, you can freeze it in airtight containers, but with a 2 cm gap at the top for air to expand.
On average, it is possible to store yogurt for up to two months in the freezer. Once you need to use it again, defrost the yogurt for 24 hours in your refrigerator and stir well before use.
Here are the best ways to freeze yogurt.
Use The Original Tub/Container
To freeze yogurt quickly and easily, one of the best methods is to place the original container in the freezer.
Although this method can be applied to larger tubs, it is particularly suitable for single-serving containers since you can thaw only the desired amount.
Remember that yogurt tends to expand when frozen, which may cause the container seal to break.
If you want to prevent freezer burn or keep any freezer odors at bay, consider placing the individual container in a freezer bag before freezing.
Use Ice Cube Trays
Using ice cube trays for small amounts of yogurt is a suitable way to freeze any leftovers you have.
Start by placing the yogurt into an ice cube tray and leave to freeze overnight or for several hours. Once frozen, transfer the iced yogurt into an airtight freezer bag. This is a great long-term storage solution.
Although the yogurt will lose some of its thick, creamy texture, this method is perfect for making smoothies.
This is because you can throw the yogurt cubes straight into the blender with other ingredients to whip up a frothy, creamy treat in no time!
Use A Container (Freezer-Safe)
Much like using ice cube trays, you can scoop your yogurt and place it into small freezer-safe containers.
These are a fantastic option if you need to portion exactly how much you need to use. It also helps cut down on waste.
Using containers helps leave some room for your yogurt to expand inside, too.
Moreover, if the yogurt you’re freezing contains a layer or pieces of fruit, we recommend stirring it all together first before freezing.
Doing so will help both the fruit and yogurt freeze evenly, and the fruit will be distributed evenly across the yogurt when eaten again.
Freeze In Scoops
For thick Greek yogurt, or those with a similar texture in large tubs, freezing in scoops is a good option.
Start by lining a baking tray with parchment paper. Then, using an ice cream scoop, take the yogurt and palace your chosen portions on the paper.
Leave the scoops of yogurt to freeze overnight, or for several hours, and then move it to a freezer bag to store over a longer period.
If you need to measure out your exact portions, try using a particular sized scoop. This is a good solution if you plan to use the yogurt for baking or cooking.
Whatever method you use, we do not recommend freezing your yogurt for more than two months.
Label and date your yogurt to keep track of how long it has been in storage, so you can know when it’s time to use it up or dispose of it.
How Can You Thaw Frozen Yogurt?
Whatever freezing method you use, there is just one way to thaw frozen yogurt – in the refrigerator.
The best technique is to take your frozen yogurt out of the freezer and leave it to thaw in the fridge overnight. Yogurt will usually separate a little when frozen, like most dairy products, making it more watery or grainy.
Therefore, it is important to stir the yogurt once it has thawed before using it for anything.
If you find the yogurt separates a lot, you can try using a food processor to blend it. This should bring back some of its creaminess and smoothness.
Additionally, you can not refreeze yogurt that has thawed.
In Summary
There are various methods that allow you to freeze yogurt over a long period. But, whatever technique you use, it is not recommended you freeze it for more than two months.
After this time, the yogurt will lose much of its texture and should be disposed of.
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
