Can You Freeze Oat Milk?

Can You Freeze Oat Milk?

Since the first oat milk hit the market, oat milk has started to become a widely accepted replacement for dairy milk. Oatly is the first oat milk to hit the market and was created by a research group in Sweden.

Oat milk is perfect for lactose intolerant people or people with allergies related to dairy products. You can also make your oat milk and add some additives for a unique flavor or taste. So, how do you preserve this alternative to the dairy products you are allergic to?

Can you freeze oat milk? Yes, you can. The texture would become grainy upon thawing. There are a few tips and guidelines to help you combat these irregularities. Freezing oat milk will prolong its shelf life for up to 6 months.

Freezing affects the texture of oat milk, but if the other alternative is spoiling, then go ahead to freeze it. Oat milk is perfect for people with sensitive allergies. It is free from soy, gluten, nuts, and the common things that cause allergies. Oat milk is made by extracting the moisture out of oats. Various recipes online can teach you how to extract your homemade oat milk from oats. 

How to Freeze Oat Milk

If you procure your oat milk from the store, you can freeze it right from the container, or transfer it into another freezer-friendly container to freeze long term. This is a step by step process on how to freeze oat milk.

Step 1: Storage

There isn’t any form of preparation that is made to oat milk before freezing. Finding the right container that would not burst upon freezing is all you need to do. You can freeze store-bought oat milk in their cartons just the way they are. 

On the other hand, homemade oat milk should be poured into freezer-safe bottles or containers. Leave about 1 inch of space in the bottles as the water present in the Oat milk will expand. This space would account for the expansion and keep your bottle from bursting upon freezing.

Step 2: Freezing

Make sure to label the bottles with the date of the freeze. Oat milk will only last for 6 months in the freezer. Labeling the bottles will help you keep track of how long you have stored the milk.

How to Thaw Oat Milk

Oat milk should always be left to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and never on the counter. Oat milk should always remain chilled before use, so it is only natural to let it thaw in the refrigerator. 

We mentioned that freezing affects the texture of oat milk. So, after thawing you would notice that the oat milk is sort of grainy. If your thawed oat milk is going into food items that don’t have a smooth feel or texture, the grainy texture of the oat milk might not matter. 

In cereals, oatmeal, or granola you might even notice this grainy texture. The grain present in the milk is not harmful, they are tiny granules of oats that have separated from the milk as it froze.

If you are bothered with the grainy texture and would love for it to go away, all you need to do is to strain the oat milk. You can use cheesecloth or a nut milk bag. If your oat milk is homemade then, you must have gone through the straining process already. All you need to do is just repeat that same process for your thawed oat milk.

Can You Refreeze Oat Milk?

No, It is not advisable to refreeze oat milk. It doesn’t refreeze well so only thaw a portion you can finish at a go or in a few days.

How to Recognize Spoiled Oat Milk

Oat milk that has gone bad will have a thicker consistency and would also be chunky. If you notice any signs or indications of this, pour your oat milk into a bowl and inspect the texture. If it has an uneven texture and lumpy feel then it has gone bad. 

In some cases, the color of the milk would change into yellow. Check the milk under a bright light to verify this. If you notice that your oat milk has gone bad, you should discard it right away.

Can Oat Milk Make You Gain Weight?

No, it can’t. Unlike dairy milk, oat milk is low in calories, sugar, and fat. But, rich in fiber and protein. So it is a good substitute for milk especially for someone trying to lose a few extra pounds. 

It is also a great replacement for people that are lactose intolerant or have nut or gluten allergies. Oat milk will not necessarily make you gain weight. It can help you shed some instead.

What Are The Benefits of Drinking Oat Milk?

We have stressed that oat milk is rich in protein and fiber. It is also rich in vitamins. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels and can help improve digestion. It is cholesterol-free and has bone-strengthening capabilities. Oat milk can also replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats.