Can You Freeze Yogurt? Here’s the Best Way to Do It

Everyone’s freezer stash looks different; some people always have a surplus of frozen vegetables and fruit, while others store homemade broths and pre-cooked meals for convenience. Can you freeze yogurt, you ask? Believe it or not, yogurt (the regular, store-bought stuff) is another healthy and versatile item to keep in the freezer.

There are so many health benefits of yogurt—it’s a great source of protein, vitamins, and can help sustain a healthy gut because of its probiotics. Aside from the nutritional benefits, yogurt is helpful to have on-hand because it can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack or dessert, or it can be used in different dishes like curry, soups, and creamy sauces.  

Below are two efficient ways to freeze yogurt, whether it be in the container it came in, or an ice cube tray. 

How to Freeze Yogurt in the Original Container

Did you know you can freeze yogurt in the container it came in? The most important thing to note is that anything stored in the freezer will expand, so you never want to put an unopened container of yogurt in your freezer. Instead, try this technique:

1. Remove about 1/3 of the yogurt from the container so there’s room at the top.
2. Place the container in a freezer bag and seal it. This will help prevent freezer burn or any smells from permeating the yogurt. 
3. Be sure to consume the yogurt within two months, otherwise the texture and flavor will begin to decline. 

How to Freeze Yogurt in an Ice Cube Tray

Freezing yogurt in an ice cube tray is a great way to pre-portion it for smoothies and other dishes. And it’s so easy to do!

1. Pour the yogurt into each compartment of the ice cube tray, leaving a bit of room at the top. 
2. Freeze the yogurt for at least 5 hours, or overnight.
3. Once frozen, transfer the yogurt cubes to a freezer bag or airtight food storage container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

How to Thaw Yogurt

Thawing yogurt takes a bit of planning in advance, since the best way to do it is to allow the yogurt to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you need to use the yogurt within a few hours, you can thaw the container on your countertop, and it should be ready to use within 2 to 3 hours. Just be aware that it might be softened, but not completely thawed. Once the yogurt is thawed, be sure to vigorously stir it until it reaches a similar consistency as before. 

How to Use Frozen Yogurt

There are plenty of ways to use frozen yogurt, like enjoying it as a cold treat on a hot day. You can also use frozen yogurt cubes in smoothies for some extra protein, or simply thaw it out to use in other recipes, like creamy soups and silky, rich sauces.