Can You Freeze Yogurt? The Truth About Freezing Yogurt

Have you ever been in my shoes and bought too much yogurt to use before it goes bad?

The short and simple answer: Freeze your yogurt.

According to the USDA, “Food stored constantly at 0°F will always be safe. Only the quality is affected with lengthy freezer storage. Freezing preserves food for extended periods because it prevents the growth of microorganisms that cause both food spoilage and foodborne illness.”  

Does freezing affect the nutrient composition or retention of the yogurt? 

No, there are little to no nutrient changes that occur.   

How do I freeze yogurt?  

Because yogurt is partially liquid, it will expand slightly when you freeze it. You can freeze yogurt in its original container or another airtight container, but be sure to leave 1 to 2 inches of space at the top to prevent the container from bursting. One way to freeze thick yogurt is by scooping it onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Once frozen and hard, you can transfer into an airtight container for storage in the freezer. Yogurt can also be frozen through some recipes like our PB+J Yogurt Bark, Unicorn Yogurt Bark, or Chai Tea Latte Yogurt Popsicles.   

How long can I keep frozen yogurt in the freezer?  

According to the USDA, you can safely store yogurt in the freezer at 0°F for 1 – 2 months.

How do I thaw yogurt?  

Dairy products should be thawed gradually, in the refrigerator at 32–34 °F. It may take up to 24 hours depending on the size of the container you used, so plan accordingly.

Frozen yogurt may not defrost to the same consistency however, you can still use it in baking recipes. Frozen yogurt can also be used straight from the freezer to be used in smoothies. 

What are some benefits of freezing yogurt?

Free up refrigerator space.   
Save money by buying yogurt in larger sizes.  
Wasting less by freezing before the sell-by date (instead of throwing it away).  
Getting the most out of your dollars spent; when you throw food away you throw money away.

Other helpful tips:

If you’d like to learn more about the sell-by dates, visit the USDA’s website for more information. 
Label your container with the date you’re freezing it and how many days until expiration. This way you know when thawing it how many days you have to eat or use it.  
Freeze yogurt in ice cube trays to quickly add to smoothies or smoothie bowls – you can even freeze berries or spinach in the yogurt cubes for an added boost.