Whether it’s a big storm coming or a public health concern, we often hear about people going to the grocery store to stock up on essentials like milk and bread. Can You Freeze Milk when you buy a lot?

But, what can you do if you want to stock up on milk but worry about it expiring before you can safely get back to a grocery store? The answer, like so many foods, is simple. You can freeze your milk!

You can stock up on your favorite brand of milk and freeze it for up to 6 months by following these steps, however it is recommended to use it within 1 month of freezing. Another option is to stock up on a shelf-stable variety, which has all the same nutrition.

Tips for Freezing Milk

1. Consider the space you have in your freezer. If you don’t have room for a number of large milk gallons, think about stocking up on half gallons and quarts of fresh milk.

2. Drink some first! When milk freezes, it expands. So, drink enough from each container to leave a little bit of room for the milk to expand safely when it freezes. Leave 1 to 2 inches of empty space in each container.

3. TThaw your frozen milk in a refrigerator, not at room temperature. It is recommended to use defrosted milk within 2-3 days of thawing.

4. After your milk is thawed, give it a good shake before drinking!