Yes, you can absolutely freeze yogurt and eat it frozen. Freezing yogurt is a great way to help yogurt last longer and create a delicious frozen treat. There are just a few things to keep in mind when freezing yogurt so it turns out well.
Quick Tips for Freezing Yogurt
- Choose thick, Greek style yogurt or strain regular yogurt to remove some whey liquid before freezing. This helps prevent icy crystals from forming.
- Store yogurt in airtight containers or freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Freeze yogurt for at least 6 hours or overnight before eating for best texture.
- Let frozen yogurt thaw slightly before eating, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stirring frozen yogurt occasionally while it’s thawing gives it a creamier, smoother texture.
- Add mix-ins before freezing like fruit, nuts or granola to create frozen yogurt treats.
Does Freezing Affect Yogurt Nutrients and Probiotics?
Freezing yogurt does not destroy the beneficial nutrients and probiotics, the “good bacteria” that provide health benefits. Studies have found that the nutrients in yogurt remain stable with freezing and thawing. The probiotics also show good viability after being frozen.
One study in the Journal of Dairy Science looked at probiotic counts in frozen vs unfrozen yogurt. The results showed that freezing yogurt for up to 21 days did not substantially affect the probiotic bacteria levels. Another study found up to 61% probiotic viability after freezing. So while some probiotics may die off, there are still plenty left even after freezing yogurt for a prolonged time.
The protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals found in yogurt are also fairly stable with freezing. Protein and carbs do not degrade much. Vitamins like B12, A, E, D, K are minimally affected. Minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium remain intact as well. So the nutritional value of yogurt stays high despite freezing.
Tips for Freezing Yogurt
Here are some tips to follow for successfully freezing yogurt at home:
1. Use Thick, Strained Yogurt
The best type of yogurt to freeze is thick Greek yogurt that has been strained. Thick yogurt freezes better than regular yogurt because it contains less whey, the watery liquid part. Having less whey means fewer ice crystals form so the yogurt stays creamy.
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can strain regular yogurt overnight in cheesecloth, a coffee filter or yogurt strainer to remove some whey. This helps improve the frozen texture.
2. Remove Air and Seal Containers
Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing yogurt containers for the freezer. Air causes freezer burn and ice crystals. Push yogurt down into storage containers and smooth off the top before sealing lids on tight.
Airtight containers prevent air exposure and keep yogurt from absorbing freezer odors. Suitable containers include plastic freezer-safe containers or bags, mason jars or yogurt tubes. Make sure all containers are completely clean and dry before filling.
3. Freeze Yogurt Flat
For best results, freeze yogurt flat in a single layer rather than in a big block. Spreading yogurt out so it’s no more than an inch or two deep allows it to freeze faster and more evenly. This prevents icy parts and gives a smoother texture.
You can pour yogurt into a reusable silicon ice cube tray to freeze flat pieces. Or spread yogurt in a thin layer on a parchment lined baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
4. Mix in Frozen Yogurt Add-Ins
Mix in any additional ingredients you want in your frozen yogurt before freezing. This allows the flavors to blend together. Popular add-ins include:
- Chopped fruit like mango, berries, banana, pineapple
- Granola, nuts or crushed cookies
- Shredded coconut or chocolate chips
- Jams, nut butters, honey or maple syrup
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract
Stir in any wet ingredients to fully incorporate before freezing. If adding dry crunchy toppings, you can either freeze yogurt plain then mix them in after, or freeze with toppings mixed in a sealable freezer bag.
5. Freeze Yogurt at 0°F or Colder
Freeze yogurt at 0°F or colder to stop bacteria growth. Yogurt needs to be kept frozen solid. The freezer section of a refrigerator is usually around 0°F while a stand-alone chest freezer can get down to -10°F or so.
Rapid freezing at very cold temperatures also prevents large ice crystals from forming and gives the best texture. Let yogurt freeze undisturbed for at least 6 hours or overnight before eating for proper freezing.
6. Allow Frozen Yogurt to Thaw Slightly Before Eating
Let frozen yogurt thaw out a bit before trying to eat it. Thawing for 10-15 minutes on the counter makes it easier to spoon and gives it a creamier consistency. If yogurt is rock solid straight from the freezer, it will be too hard to scoop or chew.
You can also microwave frozen yogurt for 10-20 seconds to soften it up. Gently stir the yogurt occasionally as it thaws to distribute any icy parts that develop.
7. Re-Freeze Thawed Yogurt
If you thaw yogurt but don’t eat it all, you can safely re-freeze it. Just keep thawed yogurt refrigerated at 40°F or below and re-freeze within 1-2 days. Bacteria can start to multiply in thawed yogurt if left for too long at room temperature.
Give yogurt a stir before re-freezing to smooth it out. Try freezing re-thawed yogurt in popsicle molds or an ice cube tray for single-serve portions.
8. Properly Store Leftover Frozen Yogurt
Only take out as much frozen yogurt as you plan to eat at one time. Any remaining frozen yogurt needs to be immediately stored back in the freezer, not left out.
Make sure to re-seal freezer bags tightly. You can also transfer leftovers to a smaller container so there is less air inside. The less air exposure, the better frozen yogurt retains its flavor and texture.
Do not re-freeze yogurt once it has completely thawed out and warmed up to room temperature. At this point, too much bacteria growth occurs. Discard any yogurt left at room temperature over 2 hours.
Shelf Life of Frozen Yogurt
How long does frozen yogurt last in the freezer?
Frozen yogurt lasts for 2-3 months in the freezer if stored properly at a consistent 0°F or below. The colder the temperature, the longer frozen yogurt keeps. If keeping yogurt 3 months or more, choose yogurt with a “use by” date well into the future.
The shelf life of frozen yogurt depends on a few factors:
- Ingredient freshness – Fresher yogurt and ingredients last longer in the freezer.
- Freezer temperature – Colder freezer temps preserve frozen yogurt better.
- Packaging – Airtight, moisture-proof containers prevent ice crystals.
- Freezer maintenance – Consistently frozen with minimal temperature fluctuations.
Properly frozen yogurt maintains its safety and quality for 2-3 months. After this point, frozen yogurt is still safe to eat but may develop more iciness and off-flavors.
How to Tell if Frozen Yogurt is Bad
Check for these signs that indicate frozen yogurt has gone bad:
- Frozen solid and icy instead of creamy
- Liquid or thawed portions
- Crystalized texture, grainy chunks
- Dried out, freezer burned spots
- Off odors, sour smell
- Mold growth
- Oddly soft, mushy consistency
If your frozen yogurt shows any of those signs, it’s best to throw it away. Do not eat yogurt that smells bad or has visible mold.
Tips for Serving Frozen Yogurt
Here are some serving ideas and tips for enjoying frozen yogurt:
Frozen Yogurt Pops
For a fun way to eat frozen yogurt, try freezing it into popsicles. Simply pour yogurt into popsicle molds or small paper cups. You can stir in mix-ins like fruit or chocolate chips before freezing. Insert popsicle sticks once partially frozen or when fully set.
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Make frozen yogurt bark by spreading yogurt flat onto a parchment lined pan. Top with your favorite fruits, nuts, granola and drizzle with chocolate or caramel before freezing. Once set, break into pieces.
Frozen Yogurt Bowls
Build a sundae in a bowl with layers of frozen yogurt and your desired toppings like sliced fruit, nuts, jams, even brownie chunks!
Soft Serve Style
Let frozen yogurt sit out for 5-10 minutes to soften, then stir vigorously to blend it into a soft serve consistency. Top with fruit, chocolate syrup or whipped cream.
Mix with Milk
For a creamier texture, mix thawed frozen yogurt with milk of your choice. Go for a 1:1 ratio of yogurt to milk. The milk adds a touch of sweetness and makes frozen yogurt easier to blend smooth.
Use as an Ice Cream Topping
Thaw frozen yogurt and drizzle over store-bought ice cream for a tangy, creamy swirl. You can also crumble bits of frozen yogurt as a crunchy topping.
Blend into Smoothies
Add frozen yogurt chunks into your favorite smoothie blends. The tangy yogurt flavor pairs deliciously with fruits and juices.
Storing Yogurt for Freezing
Properly storing yogurt before freezing helps extend its shelf life and prevent waste. Here are some storage tips:
Buy Yogurt with Distant Sell-By Date
Check the “sell by” or “use by” date when purchasing yogurt. For freezing, pick yogurt that has an expiration date at least 1-2 months out. This ensures yogurt stays fresh for the entirety of freezing.
Freeze Yogurt at Peak Freshness
Freeze yogurt shortly after purchasing for best quality. The fresher yogurt is when frozen, the better it retains flavor and texture.
Wait to freeze yogurt until you are ready to eat it. Avoid repeatedly freezing and defrosting the same batch of yogurt as this causes faster deterioration.
Portion Yogurt Before Freezing
Divide yogurt into sensible single-serve portions before freezing. This prevents having to re-freeze a large thawed container. Good portion sizes include:
- 1/2 cup or 4oz
- 3/4 cup or 6oz
- 1 cup or 8oz
Freezing yogurt flat in a layer on a baking sheet or ice cube tray makes removing portions easier.
Pre-Freeze for Easier Separation
If dividing yogurt into individual portions in containers, pre-freeze yogurt for 1-2 hours first. Lightly freezing makes yogurt easier to scoop and release from containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze yogurt twice?
It’s best to avoid freezing yogurt twice. The second defrost and re-freeze cycle further damages the texture. However, yogurt can safely be frozen again after thawing if it was kept refrigerated and re-frozen within 1-2 days.
Can I freeze yogurt in its original container?
It’s possible to freeze yogurt in its original container if it’s airtight. Make sure to leave headspace at the top so yogurt can expand without breaking the container. Sturdy plastic yogurt tubs or cups with lids work well.
How long does frozen yogurt last past its expiration date?
Frozen yogurt continues to be safe for about 1-2 months past its printed expiration date as long as it stays consistently frozen. However, the flavor and texture quality start to go down after the expiration date passes.
Can frozen yogurt make you sick?
Eating yogurt frozen past its prime can potentially cause foodborne illness. If yogurt develops off-odors, visible ice crystals or funky consistency, it’s best to discard it. Consuming spoiled frozen foods can result in upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea.
Is it better to freeze yogurt with or without fruit?
Either method works, but freezing yogurt plain provides more flexibility. Pre-frozen plain yogurt allows you to mix in any fruit or flavors desired at serving time. Freezing with fruit already added locks you into those mix-ins.
Conclusion
Freezing yogurt at home is simple and allows you to enjoy delicious frozen yogurt any time. Greek style and strained yogurts hold up best to freezing. Make sure to portion yogurt flat in sealed containers before freezing solidly for at least 6 hours. Allow frozen yogurt to thaw slightly before eating for ideal scooping and texture. With proper freezing and storage methods, frozen yogurt keeps its nutrients intact for 2-3 months or more.