Can you freeze yogurt?
Absolutely! But there are a few things to keep in mind.
Imagine this – your favorite yogurt is on sale at your local grocery store!
Your heart says, “Yes!” But your mind nags you with a question. “Can I eat all these before they go bad?”
Don’t panic. You don’t have to force-feed yourself yogurt every meal of every day.
You can count on the freezer to keep your precious yogurt around longer. Not sure about the hows and whys? You’ve come to the right place.
Follow this guide to learn how you can freeze yogurt.
Can You Freeze Yogurt?
You can freeze yogurt for up to 2 months. However, freezing and thawing will affect the yogurt’s texture, consistency, and taste.
But don’t worry! This difference is hardly noticeable when using thawed yogurt in recipes.
Or, with just a few extra ingredients, you can transform it into delicious frozen yogurt!
How to Freeze Yogurt
Freezing yogurt is straightforward.
The process is the same with homemade, store-bought, high-fat, or low-fat yogurt. You can even freeze yogurt with fruit!
However, it is crucial to freeze it before the expiration date. If you freeze yogurt near its expiration, you must consume it right after thawing.
Here are several methods you can try:
In Its Original Container
This is one of the simplest methods.
You can put your yogurt directly in the freezer in its original container. It works for:
- Large tubs
- Single-serving containers
- Squeeze tubes like Go-Gurt
However, I advise you to place it inside a freezer-safe bag. This adds extra protection against freezer burn and absorption of other food odors.
Note: If your yogurt container is already opened, transfer the yogurt into a different, airtight container. Or follow any of the methods below.
In an Ice Cube Tray
This is my go-to method if my goal is to use frozen yogurt in smoothies.
- Spoon the yogurt into an ice cube tray.
- Freeze until solid (usually overnight).
- Transfer the frozen cubes into a freezer bag for later use.
These yogurt cubes are perfect for adding and blending into your shakes and smoothies.
In a Freezer Bag
Purchase a large tub of yogurt? I suggest you transfer it in portions to airtight, freezer-safe containers.
This method allows for personalized portioning and avoids waste.
It also works particularly well if your yogurt contains fruit bits. Stirring the yogurt and fruit together before freezing ensures an even freeze and fruit distribution.
Here’s how:
- Measure out your desired quantity of yogurt and put it into the bag.
- Flatten it out, squeeze out as much air as possible.
- Seal it.
- Store the bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Note: Yogurt has a significant liquid component, so it will expand upon freezing. Ensure your container has some extra space to accommodate the expansion.
Using Plastic Tubes
For a fun and healthy frozen treat, make homemade yogurt ice pops! This method is a hit if you have children at home. Or if you really like yogurt pops. #guilty
And you can blend in fruit purees for extra flavor!
Here’s how:
- Pour the yogurt into plastic tubes or popsicle molds. (Or pour the blended fruit and yogurt mixture.)
- Freeze until solid.
Using Cookie or Ice Cream Scoops
This method is useful if you have thick Greek yogurt or yogurt in larger tubs.
Here’s how:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out portions of yogurt using an ice cream scoop.
- Place these scoops on the lined baking sheet and freeze for several hours or overnight.
- Then, transfer the frozen scoops into a freezer bag for longer-term storage.
What Happens When You Freeze Yogurt?
Yogurt will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Even beyond its “best before date”.
But there’s a caveat.
Freezing dairy comes with consequences, transforming the yogurt in several ways:
Taste
We know the live bacteria in yogurt contribute to gut health. But did you know that it also adds flavor? They give yogurt its signature tang.
And that flavor is enhanced by freezing.
If you like your yogurt on the sour side, then this will not be an issue. But the amplified tang might be surprising if you prefer a dessert-like treat.
Texture
Yogurt contains both fat and water, which will separate during freezing. So, thawed yogurt will have a grainy texture instead of its original smooth consistency.
It might also turn watery. Stirring can help reincorporate some of the texture. But it will not return to its pre-freeze state.
Despite these changes, frozen-and-thawed yogurt is perfectly safe to eat.
If the texture is an issue, consider using thawed yogurt in recipes like smoothies. There, the change in texture won’t be as noticeable.
How Long Does Yogurt Last in the Freezer?
For the best quality, consume frozen yogurt within 2 months.
Yogurts with a higher fat content might last longer in the freezer. Regardless, the maximum recommended time is around 3 months.
How to Thaw Yogurt
Regardless of how it was frozen, the best way to thaw yogurt is in the fridge. Ideally overnight.
This slow thawing ensures that the yogurt remains at a safe temperature. And that reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
Stir the thawed yogurt before using it to restore some of its smoothness. You can also use the blender to smoothen it even more.
Once thawed, its remaining shelf-life is equivalent to the time it had left before freezing.
Note: Do not refreeze frozen-and-thawed yogurt.
How to Use Frozen Yogurt
As I’ve mentioned, thawed yogurt will be grainy and runny compared to its original consistency.
That said, you might not enjoy eating it as-is.
Luckily, there are many ways you can incorporate it into your meals:
- Smoothies: Frozen yogurt doesn’t need to be thawed to make smoothies. Add it to your blender with other ingredients and blend.
- You can also use it to make shakes and smoothie bowls.
- Marinades: Frozen yogurt can be thawed and used as a tenderizing agent in marinades. It works well for fish or chicken.
- Salad Dressings: The tartness and creaminess of thawed yogurt add a unique twist to your salad dressings.
- Dips and Spreads: Frozen yogurt is ideal for dips or spreads. It works best in recipes that are not smooth, like bacon dip.
- Baking: Thawed frozen yogurt is excellent in baked goods like cakes, quick bread, and muffins.
- You can also use it in recipes that call for yogurt in the batter, like pancakes or waffles.
Can You Freeze Greek Yogurt?
For sure! You can use any of the methods above.
Greek yogurt will last for 2 months when stored properly in the freezer.
Can You Eat Frozen Yogurt Like Ice Cream?
It’d be so cool if you could. But unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
Frozen yogurt does not equate to ice cream. When yogurt freezes, it turns solid- it’s more like an ice pop in texture.
Also, freezing regular yogurt does not make “fro-yo.” This dessert treat is made from a different process to maintain a smooth, soft-serve consistency.
Can You Freeze Yogurt? (Yes! Here’s How.)
Can you freeze yogurt? Yes, you can! Learn how to freeze yogurt properly with this step-by-step guide. Plus, all the best tips and tricks.
Ingredients
1 container of Yogurt, unopened
Freezer bags, as needed
Instructions
- Open the container, measure out your desired quantity of yogurt, and add it to a freezer-safe bag.
- Flatten the bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
- Seal the bag. Label and date it.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you want to use it.
- –OR–
- Place the entire, unopened, container of yogurt into a freezer-safe bag. Place it in the freezer and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge over night when you want to use it.
Notes
- The texture of frozen-and-thawed yogurt will be slightly watery and grainy. Stir it to reincorporate it. But it will never be as smooth as fresh yogurt.
