Soy milk is a popular beverage made from soybeans. It has a pleasing, mild, creamy taste and is suitable for vegans and people who are lactose intolerant. It’s the only non-dairy milk replacement that has a protein content comparable to that in cow’s milk. Soy milk is quite versatile and can be used on cereal and in many recipes. One cup of soy milk contains 80 to 100 calories, similar to an equal amount of skim cow’s milk. Because it’s a plant product, soy milk contains no cholesterol. It’s a good source of potassium, too.
Is frozen soy milk still good? Yes! Is freezing soy milk recommended? No, not really. Although soy milk is best enjoyed fresh, there still may be times when you might want to freeze it.
In this article I’ll cover everything you need to know about how to freeze soy milk and how to use it once thawed.
Is Freezing Soy Milk Recommended?
Freezing soy milk isn’t recommended, but it can be done.
Whilst it won’t affect safety or nutritional value, the effects of freezing soy milk can include changes in taste and especially in consistency that some people may find unpleasant.
If it’s not frozen in absolutely airtight containers, soy milk can pick up odors from other freezer items, further altering its natural taste.
Freezing also causes some of the milk’s components to separate, making the thawed product appear somewhat unappetizing.
However, thawed soy milk performs well in many recipes and frozen desserts. If you have an ice cream maker, you can even use it to make delicious frozen treats in any flavor of your choice.
Effects of Freezing Soy Milk
The effects of freezing soy milk are mostly related to changes in taste, texture and consistency. It tends to separate, which means that the the thawed product, while not affected in quality in any way, will lack the smooth, creamy consistency of the fresh product.
The thawed product looks a little different than fresh soy milk, too. However, some people don’t see any real difference and drink thawed soy milk with no problems.
Whether fresh or thawed from frozen, soy milk can still be used for cooking.
Is Frozen Soy Milk Still Good?
Absolutely. There are no safety or nutritional concerns at all. Frozen soy milk is just as wholesome as fresh. Just be sure to freeze it before its expiration date, mark the freezing date on the container and use it within three months of that date.
When You Might Want to Freeze Soy Milk
It’s best to consume soy milk fresh. That’s when it will have the best taste and consistency. In general, shelf-stable soy milk will stay fresh for about a year as long as you don’t open it.
Once opened, you have about two weeks or so to consume it. However, there may be times when you might want to freeze soy milk because you can’t quickly consume the product, and you don’t want to just toss it away. Soy milk is rather expensive, after all!
Another time when you might want to freeze soy milk is if the package is about to exceed its expiration date. Freezing will preserve it so you can use it another time in the future.
How to Freeze Soy Milk
Airtight plastic containers are best. Use containers that are at least twice as big as the total amount of soy milk to be frozen. This is because soy milk is mostly water, and water expands when it’s frozen. Using the right size containers will help to eliminate leakage, breakage and ruined product.
You can also use freezer bags, but be sure to leave at least a few inches of space at the top of the bag to allow for expansion as the liquid freezes. In my opinion though it’s best to avoid freezer bags because of the risk of bursting and breakage.
Using Containers
It’s best to use new plastic containers so odors from previously stored food won’t transfer to the soy milk during the time it sits in the freezer. Use sturdy containers with airtight lids that are several times larger than the volume of of the product.
It’s better to use several smaller containers rather than one or two big ones. That way, you can thaw and use just the amount you need at one time. Mark the freezing date and volume of soy milk on each container. You may notice that your frozen soy milk may turn a pale yellow color. Don’t worry! This is normal and just a side effect of the freezing process.
Using An Ice Cube Tray
Using an ice cube tray is another option. This is a great way to freeze soy milk and then later retrieve just the right amount of product needed at that time.
This method is also really simple – just pour the milk into silicon ice cube trays. Silicon works better than plastic because it has more flexibility and tends to release the sticky cubes easier. Put the trays in the freezer and allow the soy milk to freeze solid for several hours, overnight if possible. Then remove the frozen cubes, put them in a plastic freezer bag and label with the date.
You can leave the trays frozen with the soy milk in them, but if you do, it will take up more freezer space and the trays won’t be available for other uses. Besides, if left to the open freezer air, the frozen cubes may pick up other food odors.
How Do You Defrost Soy Milk?
There are a couple of ways to defrost soy milk. You can remove the needed amount and place the container in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed. stir the product thoroughly to improve the texture and remix any separation that may have occurred. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the frozen container in a pan of lukewarm water to speed thawing. You can also use the frozen soy milk as is in smoothies and other cold recipes. If you’re going to use it in baking anyway, there is no need to thaw it. Just warm it in the microwave or on the stove and use in your recipe. Never refreeze previously frozen soy milk.
How To Use Thawed Soy Milk
There are many ways to make use of thawed soy milk. It can basically be used in any way that fresh soy milk would. You can consume it as a beverage, although changes in taste and texture may not please everyone. It’s really best used in cooking and baking, especially in vegan recipes.
Vegan Hot Cross Buns
Check out this great vegan hot cross bun recipe from Emily Leary over at A Mummy Too.
They’re a great treat that can be enjoyed at Easter or year round!
Aside from frozen soy milk, you will need:
- Plant-based margarine
- Strong white bread flour
- Fast action yeast
- Caster sugar
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Mixed spice
- Dates
- Mixed fruit peel
- Oil
Check out the full recipe here.
Vegan Pancakes
Another great use for thawed soy milk is these delicious and fluffy vegan pancakes.
As well as soy milk you will need:
- Flour
- Organic sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Apple cider vinegar
- Vanilla
- Maple syrup
Smoothies
Defrosted soy milk is a great addition to all smoothie recipes.
As a mater of fact if you freeze your milk using the ice cube tray method, you don’t even need to defrost them before use. Simply pop a couple of cubes in to your blender with your favorite smoothie recipe and enjoy!