Milk is a staple in households across the UK, but its short shelf life often leads to waste. A simple storage method can extend its life for months, saving you money and reducing trips to the shop.
Freezing Milk: A Simple Solution
According to experts, milk can be frozen for up to three months and remains safe to drink once defrosted. However, the type of milk matters. Tesco advises that skimmed and semi-skimmed milk freeze better than full-fat milk due to lower fat content. Full-fat milk can still be frozen, but it may require a vigorous shake after defrosting to recombine fats and water.
How to Freeze Milk Properly
Milk freezes at 0.5°C, so ensure it is not in an overly cold fridge to prevent ice crystals. Use a freezer-proof, airtight plastic container to avoid shattering and prevent absorption of odours. You can freeze milk in its original plastic bottle, but remove about a small glass of milk to allow for expansion. Label the bottle with the freezing date and place it in the freezer; it should freeze solid in about 12 hours.
For smaller portions, pour milk into ice cube trays and cover with plastic wrap to avoid odour absorption. This method takes only about 4 hours and is ideal for smoothies, shakes, or iced coffee.
Defrosting Milk Safely
While milk can be frozen for up to three months, Tesco recommends not exceeding one month to prevent separation and graininess. If separation occurs, blending can restore the texture.
The safest defrosting method is to place the milk in the refrigerator door overnight. This takes up to 12 hours but hinders bacterial growth. For quicker defrosting, submerge the bottle in a bowl of cold water, replacing the water every 30 minutes to keep it cool. After about an hour, the milk should be defrosted.
Avoid defrosting milk in the microwave or at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth and make it unsafe to drink. Once defrosted, milk will stay fresh for the number of days remaining before its original use-by date. For instance, if frozen a day before expiry, it will last only one day after thawing.
