Can yogurt be frozen?
Yes, yogurt can be frozen. It stays safe indefinitely at 0 degrees F, but quality is best within about 1 to 2 months. Thawed yogurt is often thinner and grainier, so use it in smoothies, baking and sauces rather than eating it plain. Thaw it in the fridge and avoid refreezing it.
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In this article
Can you freeze yogurt?
Yes. Freezing does not make yogurt unsafe, but it changes the texture. Water separates from the milk solids, so thawed yogurt is often thinner or grainier. Healthline notes the live bacteria survive freezing and stay dormant until thawed, but the best use is cooking or blending.
How long can you keep frozen yogurt?
Food stays safe indefinitely at 0 degrees F (-18 C), the US FDA’s freezer temperature, but quality declines. Healthline gives about 1 to 2 months for frozen yogurt. Refrigerated yogurt lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, so freeze it well before the date.
How to freeze it
- Use unopened or fresh yogurt, within its date.
- Stir it well so it is even.
- Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving room to expand, or freeze in ice cube trays or silicone molds, then bag the cubes.
- Label with the date.
How to thaw it
- Thaw overnight in the fridge. This is the safest method.
- For a quicker soften, Healthline says it can sit on the counter for up to 2 hours (it will not fully thaw); never do this with raw-milk yogurt.
- Stir it to bring it back together.
- Use it soon after thawing; refreezing is not advised because the texture will get worse.
Best ways to use thawed yogurt
- Smoothies and shakes
- Baking, such as muffins, pancakes and cakes
- Marinades, dressings and sauces
- Overnight oats
Healthline suggests choosing yogurts with pectin, xanthan gum or gelatin if you want to eat thawed yogurt straight from the tub; otherwise mix it thoroughly before freezing.
When to throw it away
Discard yogurt that smells off or shows black mold or a slimy film, or that has been thawed on the counter too long. Watery liquid on top of thawed yogurt is normal.
General food-handling guidance, not medical advice.
People also ask
How long can you freeze yogurt?
It is safe indefinitely at 0 degrees F, but quality is best within about 1 to 2 months.
Why is thawed yogurt grainy?
Freezing separates water from the milk solids. Stirring helps, or use it in smoothies and baking.
Can you refreeze yogurt?
Avoid it. Use thawed yogurt soon; refreezing makes the texture worse.
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