If you’ve ever wondered how to freeze goat milk, you’re not alone. When your doe is in milk, the jars fill up fast, and sometimes you just can’t use it all fresh. Freezing goat milk is the easiest way to save what you’ve worked for—whether you’re planning a batch of goat milk soap, baking with it later, or just keeping extra on hand.
In this post, I’ll share exactly how I freeze goat milk, the containers that work best, how long it lasts, and what to expect once it’s thawed.
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Why Freeze Goat Milk?
Freezing goat milk helps avoid waste and keeps your hard work from spoiling in the fridge. The shelf life of raw milk is shorter than store-bought milk, so if you can’t use it within a few days, freezing is the best option.
Here are the main reasons I freeze it:
- Prevents waste – no more sour milk sitting in the fridge.
- Perfect for soapmaking – frozen cubes make lye mixing easier and prevent scorching.
- Always available – pull it out whenever you need it for baking, cheese, or yogurt.
- Peace of mind – you don’t feel rushed to use it right away.
How Long Does Frozen Goat Milk Last?
Goat milk keeps best in the freezer for 3–4 months, but it can last up to 6 months or longer if it’s going into soap or baked goods.
Pro tip: Remember to label your containers with the date and rotate the oldest milk to the front so it gets used first.
Step-by-Step: How to Freeze Goat Milk
Here’s the simple method I use every week when I have extra milk:
- Strain the milk. Run it through a fine strainer (or cloth filter if you’re saving it for drinking).
- Chill first. Let the milk cool in the fridge before freezing—it helps preserve texture.
- Choose containers. Wide-mouth mason jars, silicone freezer bags, or ice cube trays all work.
- Leave headspace. Milk expands as it freezes—about 1 inch of space at the top of jars.
- Label and freeze. Mark the date and whether it’s for “soap” or “kitchen” use. Place jars upright and lay bags flat.
Best Containers for Freezing Goat Milk
I use two main methods, depending on how much milk I have:
- Ice cube trays with lids – This is my favorite method, especially for soapmaking or when I want smaller portions. I pour chilled milk into ice cube trays with lids. I like these because they’re stackable. Then once the cubes are frozen solid, I transfer them into labeled freezer bags. I have plastic trays, so the easiest way to get the cubes out after freezing is to flip the tray upside down and run the bottom under hot water for a few seconds—the cubes pop right out. If you’re using silicone ice cube trays, they’ll press out even easier.
- Freezer-safe plastic bags – For larger amounts, I pour milk directly into ziploc freezer bags and lay them flat in the freezer.
You could also use:
- Wide-mouth mason jars – A good option for freezing in quarts or pints. Just make sure they’re straight-sided and leave at least an inch of headspace to prevent cracking.
- Silicone freezer bags – A reusable option that’s sturdier than plastic, lays flat, and thaws quickly.
How to Thaw Goat Milk
Thawing is just as important as freezing. Here’s how to do it safely:
- In the fridge (best method): Place frozen milk in the refrigerator 12–24 hours before you need it.
- In cold water (faster method): Place the sealed container in a bowl of cold water.
Don’t thaw goat milk at room temperature or in the microwave. Both can spoil the milk.
What to Expect After Thawing
Goat milk won’t look exactly the same once thawed. That’s normal!
- Separation – cream may rise or the texture may look grainy (just stir or shake).
- Slight taste change – not noticeable in soap, baking, or cooking.
- Safe to use – as long as it was frozen fresh and smells normal.
Use thawed goat milk within 3–5 days and don’t refreeze it.
Freezing Goat Milk for Soapmaking
For cold process soap, frozen milk is the way to go. Here’s what I do:
- Pour fresh milk into ice cube trays.
- Once frozen, transfer cubes into a labeled freezer bag.
- Weigh out the frozen cubes when making soap and add them directly to the lye mixture.
This keeps the sugars from scorching, so your soap stays creamy instead of turning brown.
FAQ
Can you freeze raw goat milk?
Yes, raw milk freezes very well as long as it’s fresh, strained, and chilled before freezing.
Can you freeze goat milk in mason jars?
Yes—use wide-mouth jars, leave at least 1 inch of space at the top, and only freeze jars marked freezer-safe
How long does frozen goat milk last?
For best taste, use within 3–4 months. For soapmaking or baking, it’s fine up to 6 months.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen goat milk?
In the fridge overnight is best. Cold water works faster. Don’t thaw on the counter.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to freeze goat milk has made a huge difference on our homestead. Instead of losing jars to spoilage, I always have milk ready for soapmaking, baking, or cheese. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your goat milk stretch further without wasting a drop.
If you’re swimming in extra jars, take a few minutes to strain, chill, and freeze them. You’ll thank yourself later.
