Can You Freeze Coconut Milk? Yes, Here's How! (2024)

Have you ever opened a can of coconut milk only needing ½ a cup for a recipe, and not wanting the rest to go to waste? If so, I’m sure you’ve wondered, can you freeze coconut milk? I’m here to help! Never let your coconut milk go to waste again! It’s totally possible to freeze coconut milk. In this article, I explain how to freeze coconut using two methods, how to defrost it, and how to use frozen and defrosted coconut milk.

Can You Freeze Coconut Milk?

If you use coconut milk in your recipes, you have likely opened a can of coconut milk and not needed to use the whole thing. So many popular curries, ice creams, and other vegan dishes call for coconut milk but rarely do they call for the entire can to be used. Even if you’re an avid plant-milk drinker you likely don’t need to use the rest of that can of coconut milk in a day or two. Canned coconut milk goes bad quickly, so the question is, can you freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze your leftover coconut milk. However, it is important to note that coconut milk will alter slightly after it’s been defrosted. However, freezing coconut milk is better than allowing it to go to waste.

Whether it’s canned or in a carton, I will show you the best way to freeze coconut milk so that you can use it again in the future.

Types of Coconut Milk

There are two main types of coconut milk sold in stores.

• Canned
• Carton

The fatty and creamy version in a can, and the drinkable version that is sold beside the almond milk in the refrigerated section. The canned version is often used for recipes, while the version in the carton is used to be drunk, paired with cereal, or used in your coffee.

The Challenge with Freezing Coconut Milk

Like freezing almond milk, coconut milk also separates when frozen. Manufacturers advise against freezing their product because freezing and thawing alter both the taste and the texture. What happens is that the solids and the liquids separate after it thaws. While there’s not quite as distinct of separation in solids and liquids, it is still not going to be exactly the same as fresh coconut milk.

How to Fix Defrosted Coconut Milk

Luckily, there is a simple solution to bringing coconut milk back to life. All you need to do is place the defrosted coconut milk in a blender and blend for about 20-30 seconds. The solids and the liquids will combine to return the milk to a much better consistency. However, it is important to note that thawed coconut milk will never be exactly the same as fresh, even after its been blended.

How to Freeze Coconut Milk: 2 Methods

There are two main methods to freeze coconut milk: using ice cube trays, and freezer-safe containers. Unlike other types of plant milk, coconut milk easily freezes and defrosts.

Using Ice Cube Trays

My favorite way to freeze extra coconut milk is to use ice cube trays. This is because you can easily defrost and use just the amount you need for your recipe. It’s also easy to store, and is a simple process. I prefer using asilicone ice cube traywith a lid so that the cubes easily pop out, and no spilling happens in my freezer before the liquid has had a chance to set.

Step 1: Pour the coconut milk into your silicone ice cube tray. If you have one, secure the lid.

Step 2: Place the ice cube tray in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until set. Overnight works great!

Step 3: Pop the coconut milk cubes out of the tray. Place in a freezer bag and seal. Label with the date, and store in the freezer for future use.

Using a Container

If you have a large amount of coconut milk, or plan to use a larger portion for a later recipe, you can opt to use a freezer safe container such as these16-ounce plastic storage containers.

Step 1: Pour coconut milk into your freezer-safe container. Don’t fill it all the way up to the top, as liquid expands when frozen. Secure the lid.

Step 2: Label with the date and contents.

Step 3: Store in the freezer. It will take about 8 hours to set depending on how much you freeze.

How to Defrost Coconut Milk

Now that you have your frozen coconut milk, and want to use it again, here are some methods for thawing.

In the Fridge Overnight: If you know you want to use your coconut milk for a recipe the next day, defrosting in the refrigerator overnight is the best way to go. Simply place the number of ice cubes (in a container), or the container in your refrigerator overnight. The next morning your coconut milk will be thawed. Before you use it, place it in the blender for 20-30 seconds to improve the texture.

Submerge in Cold Water: Submerge a baggie with the cubes, or the container into a larger bowl filled with cold water. Make sure that the baggie or the container is airtight so that the cold water doesn’t spill into the coconut milk. After a few hours, the coconut milk is defrosted. If you need it a little faster, you can submerge it in lukewarm water.

Microwave: If you’re in a real hurry, transfer the coconut milk you need to defrost to a microwave-safe container. Warm in 30-second increments, stirring in between until the coconut milk is fully defrosted.

While Cooking: No time to defrost, and need that coconut milk for a recipe ASAP? Throw it into your recipe and allow the heat to melt and defrost your coconut milk during the cooking process. The drawback of using this method is that you won’t have a chance to blend it before adding it to your recipe so the texture and consistency will be a little off.

Expert Tips for Freezing and Thawing Coconut Milk

• Before you freeze your coconut milk, consider how you are likely to use it. If you plan to use it for a curry recipe, you may want to consider a container. If you plan to use it for smoothies, you should consider ice cube trays.
• Before you freeze your coconut milk in ice cube trays or in containers, measure the volume. For example, one ice cube could be about 2 tablespoons, whereas one container (depending on size) could be 1-2 cups. Knowing how much each container holds, will be helpful at a later date when you want to defrost and use your coconut milk for a recipe.
• Always label your airtight containers with the contents and the date. This way your almond milk doesn’t get mixed up with your coconut milk, and you won’t have to worry about it ever going bad in the freezer. Coconut milk will keep in the freezer for about 6 months.
• Use silicone ice cube trays for easy removal.
• Blend your defrosted coconut milk before using it.
• Don’t use defrosted coconut milk for a beverage in and of itself. It doesn’t have the same flavor.
• The shelf life of canned coconut milk is a year or longer, but once opened it will only last a few days in the fridge.

Benefits of Freezing Coconut Milk

• Reduce food waste.
• Preserve leftovers.
• Use later in your favorite recipes.
• Use for smoothies.

Drawbacks of Freezing Coconut Milk

• Defrosted coconut milk has a texture change. The solids fall to the bottom, and the liquid becomes quite grainy.
• The flavor is altered by the freezing and defrosting process.
• Even after blending, the taste and flavor will never be the same as fresh.

Ways to Use Frozen Coconut Milk

• I like to use frozen coconut milk cubes in my smoothies. Instead of adding ice, adding a few coconut milk cubes adds a nice thick and creamy texture.
• Iced coffee is another great option. Instead of your coffee becoming watered down with ice cubes, using coconut milk cubes adds some creaminess to your iced coffee.

Ways to Use Thawed Coconut Milk

• Cooking Recipes: Many delicious and creamy recipes call for coconut milk. Add it to your curries, soup, creamy vegan sauces, or even sweet custard like desserts.
• Baking Recipes: Coconut milk is a great substitute for regular milk in vegan baking recipes. Use in cakes, muffins, pancakes, and cupcakes.
• Smoothies: While I like using frozen cubes in my smoothies, defrosting coconut milk is another great option.

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