If you’re anything like me, you’re a major fan of greek yogurt. But, sometimes it happens and it’s tough to get through a container before the expiration date. So, you want to know: can you freeze greek yogurt?
Yes, you can absolutely easily freeze Greek yogurt for upwards of 9 months. Just be aware that one you thaw Greek yogurt the texture will become less creamy and a little more grainy. You just need to know how to freeze them correctly.
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What Is Greek Yogurt?
Despite its name, Greek yogurt, or strained yogurt, is actually not a recipe originating from Greek. This name is one part of the marketing campaign for this product. Greek yogurt has a thicker and creamier texture than regular ones as it is drained of all the whey and other liquid.
At the same time, Greek yogurt still retains the sour flavor. Compared to the standard yogurt, this has a lower lactose content yet higher protein amount. It also possesses various nutrients, such as calcium, vitamins, zinc, and calcium.
What happens when you freeze Greek yogurt?
When you freeze Greek yogurt you must know that its texture and taste may change. Not unlike plain yogurt, when you freeze Greek yogurt, some of the bacteria cultures within the yogurt die. However, there are countless bacteria that merely become dormant when frozen and reactivate as soon as thawed. This signifies that freezing Greek yogurt does not sabotage its many nutritional benefits.
When Greek yogurt is frozen and then thawed, it separates a little so that the yogurt may appear to form some clumps. You may have to mix or whip the yogurt to get it back to its usual creamy consistency. Freezing the yogurt can also change its taste a little. Freezing affects different brands of Greek yogurt differently, so one brand may taste better frozen than the other.
How to Freeze Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a thick and creamy yogurt that is delicious to eat plain or with berries or other fruit or toppings added in. Perhaps you have found a fantastic sale at the store and want to stock up, you may need to freeze some to extend the shelf life so it doesn’t go bad.
There are multiple ways that you can get your yogurt set up for successful freezing. The process of freezing pudding is also similar to it.
The first thing you’ll want to do before freezing your Greek yogurt is to decide how you will be using it once thawed so that you know the best freezing method.
Freezing in the container
If you’ve bought Greek yogurt from the store and want to freeze it, you can do so, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Containers: It’s best to freeze yogurt if it’s in single-serving containers. The store-bought containers might not be as airtight as Pyrex or freezer bags, so plan to eat the yogurt sooner.
- Expansion: Yogurt expands when frozen because of its liquid content. Make sure there’s about an inch or two of extra space in the container to avoid spills. Most yogurt containers have enough space, but there’s a chance they could burst.
In an airtight container
To freeze Greek yogurt in an airtight container or freezer bag, follow these steps:
- Decide how much yogurt you’ll need for each serving and divide it into those portions.
- Spoon the yogurt into airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Leave 1-2 inches of space between the yogurt and the lid for expansion.
- Squeeze out any extra air before sealing the bag completely.
- Write the date on the container or bag and place it in the freezer.
In Ice cube tray
If you’ll be using your Greek yogurt for things like baking or smoothies, it’s really easy to freeze it in an ice cube tray.
- Fill the tray compartments with yogurt.
- Put the tray in the freezer for several hours until the yogurt is frozen solid.
- Remove the frozen yogurt cubes from the tray and place them into an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Close it tightly and squeeze out any extra air before sealing the bag.
- Write the date on the container or bag and put it back in the freezer.
Can you freeze the yogurt in the original container?
You can. But, here’s why it’s not the best method.
Yogurt expands in the freezer, so the seal on the container can potentially break.
The plastic containers do not protect against freezer burn like airtight container or freezer bags.
This method works okay with single-serve portions. But, with larger containers, it’s better to freeze in portions to avoid thawing and refreezing the remaining greek yogurt.
How to Eat Frozen Yogurt Frozen
A couple of great ways to eat frozen yogurt while it’s still frozen are to eat it straight from the container using a spoon. Or you might like to add a popsicle stick to an individual serving size before the Greek yogurt is frozen to serve them as popsicles.
How To Thaw Frozen Greek Yogurt
The best way to defrost frozen Greek yogurt is to put it in the fridge overnight. Or just a couple of hours inside the refrigerator is enough. This way, your yogurt won’t get too warm and become spoiled.
But if you don’t have enough time, you can just dip the freezer bag in a water bowl. Make sure the bag’s still tightly sealed. Or else water can get in and ruin all the yogurt.
Thawed Greek yogurt cannot be as thick and creamy as before. So, remember to stir it thoroughly before consuming it. Also, make sure you refrigerate the leftover Greek yogurt within 2 hours after defrosting so it won’t get ruined.
How to Use Thawed Greek Yogurt
Thawed Greek yogurt can be enjoyed straight from the container, but its texture might be a bit different. If you prefer to use it in other ways, consider these options:
- Blend it into your favorite smoothie recipes.
- Incorporate it into baked goods for added moisture and flavor.
- Use it as a base for creamy dips, spreads, or dressings.
- Stir it into soups or casseroles for extra creaminess.
Wrapping Up
I hope you now have reached a specific answer about whether to freeze Greek yogurt with all this information. Share all your concerns or ideas about this topic in the comment section below. And if you find this article helpful, don’t forget to share it with your mates!