Can I Freeze Coffee Creamer?
Can I freeze coffee creamer and thaw it out successfully? We explain how your excess powdered and liquid creamer can be preserved for future use.
Can I Freeze Coffee Creamer Successfully?
Yes, you can freeze both powdered and liquid coffee creamer.
We describe below the best way to freeze and defrost both options.
But first, we would like to describe what a coffee creamer is made from and the differences between liquid coffee creamer and powdered creamer storage.
This will explain why a liquid coffee creamer will need a little more attention than a powdered version once opened.
What Is A Coffee Creamer?
Despite its name, coffee creamer is not cream, and in many cases, it is not even a dairy product at all.
Coffee creamer is an additive that can be found either as a powdered creamer or in liquid form. Creamers are used to make a smoother, sweeter, and more indulgent cup of coffee.
The creamer adds a creamy mouthfeel and luscious consistency.
For many, coffee creamer is an essential element in the makeup of the perfect cup of joe.
Creamer is definitely an extra that can make your coffee taste more delicious!
What Is Coffee Creamer Made From?
Originally invented as a milk substitute, commercial creamers are usually made up of a highly processed combination of elements:
- oil
- sugar
- flavors
- stabilizers
- thickeners
Coffee creamer is available in both powdered and liquid forms. The use of either one depends on personal preference and practicality.
Generally speaking, powdered creamers are non-dairy, and commercial liquid creamers are dairy-based. There are, however, several exceptions.
Plant-based dairy creamer options are increasingly more commonplace and popular. Coconut cream, as well as nut-based creamers such as hazelnut or almond, are fabulous.
Plant-based creamers have made a name for themselves in the market in recent years.
Oat milk is particularly trendy at the moment, a real win for sustainability. Soy has been a staple creamer for years.
Gone are the days when tiny little plastic tubs of unidentifiable white liquid were the only option available.
Coffee Creamer Flavors
Flavor varieties abound. Choose from natural plant-based kinds of milk that lend their unique flavor profiles to the coffee, to specialty blends.
These blends are now created by many brands to appeal to a wider range of consumers.
Flavored coffee creamer options range from classic vanilla to chic creme-brûlée. From rich chocolate to caramel toffee and even Oreo-flavored creamers.
How Long Does Coffee Creamer Last?
Some coffee creamers, especially the more natural varieties, have a short shelf life and need to be used within days of opening. They will also need to be stored in the refrigerator.
It is for this reason that a popular question people ask is “Can I freeze coffee creamer?”
It goes without saying that any creamer that was refrigerated upon purchasing should be kept cold and in the refrigerator both before and after opening.
Other non-dairy creamers that are found on unrefrigerated supermarket shelves are more shelf-stable. Most contain several preservatives.
This means they can last unopened for months, if not years, with no need for refrigeration. Once opened, refrigerate and use ideally within two weeks – or according to packaging instructions.
Keep in mind that, in all cases, creamer should be tightly sealed in its container to avoid spoiling.
Powdered Creamers
Powdered creamers tend to last longer than liquid creamers, as long as they are stored in a cool, dry place.
Most powdered creamers can be kept for months, if not years. They are a reliable option to have on hand in case of emergencies or to take on camping trips.
Once open, use within six months.
Liquid Creamers
On the other hand, it is recommended to only store liquid creamers for around a month unopened, and up to two weeks once open.
Liquid creamers should always be kept in the fridge in an airtight container. It is always a good idea to double-check the storage instructions on the original packaging, as well as the expiry date.
So now the all important question – can I freeze coffee creamer to preserve it beyond its normal shelf life – even if it has been opened?
How To Freeze Powdered Coffee Creamer
While it certainly is possible, freezing powdered creamer is not necessary at all. Powdered creamers have a very long shelf life.
In most cases, they would simply be taking up valuable freezer space.
However, powdered creamers can be frozen in their original container. They do not need to be decanted.
Simply place the unopened, or well-sealed, bottle in the freezer.
Disadvantages Of Freezing Powdered Creamer
While freezing creamer will extend its shelf life by up to 6 months, which is a plus, it is not without its disadvantages.
Freezing powdered creamer may cause it to clump if too much moisture is absorbed. This means that it will not dissolve as well in coffee!
It is also much harder to measure out if it is lumpy.
This can be easily resolved though by sieving the coffee creamer before use. Alternatively, vigorously stir it into the coffee – using a spoon to break up any clumps.
Can You Freeze Liquid Creamer To Make It Last Longer?
Coffee creamer liquid can definitely be frozen, although many brands don’t recommend it.
Less processed options that naturally contain fewer additives may have a tendency to separate when frozen. This can be remedied by vigorously shaking the creamer.
Can You Freeze Coffee Creamer Liquid?
It is perfectly safe to freeze liquid creamer. Just stick to the general safety standards and use the original container – or other freezer-safe material.
Liquid creamers will not expand when frozen, causing the container to explode. It is, however, important that the bottle be very well sealed.
2 Effective Methods To Freeze Liquid Coffee Creamer
Freeze The Bottle Of Creamer
The quickest and simplest method to freeze liquid coffee creamer is to freeze the whole bottle.
Ideally, freeze the creamer unopened and in its original packaging. Just go ahead and pop it in the freezer, it will not expand and explode!
Make sure to label the date clearly. You can then make sure that the product is used within the recommended period.
Labeling the product is also useful if you are freezing several containers of creamer. This will ensure adequate product rotation – using the oldest product first.
Freeze Small Portions Of Creamer
If you prefer being able to defrost individual portions, this can be done.
A lot of people ask, “Can I freeze coffee creamer in ice cube trays”?
Yes – in fact, this is one of the most convenient methods to use for preserving small, conveniently useable portions. In this way, the coffee creamer can be divided or separated into single portions.
Small jars, freezer bags, or any other freezer-safe alternative are other options.
This option is very convenient if you use creamer infrequently and want to defrost a single serving at a time.
Make sure to measure your preferred amount of creamer before pouring the creamer into smaller containers. This way you can freeze the perfect proportions.
Different liquid creamers react differently to being frozen. In some cases, despite having been in the freezer for several hours, your creamer cubes may not set.
It may stay in a state of frozen slush. But there is no need for despair!
Simply mix equal parts of the creamer with black coffee, milk – or in a pinch – water, and it should freeze totally solid. Once frozen, the iced creamer blocks can be removed from the tray and stored in a Ziploc freezer bag.
How Do You Defrost Liquid Coffee Creamers?
When you are ready to defrost your liquid coffee creamer, here are a few simple steps to follow:
Thaw the frozen coffee creamer in the fridge, allowing it to come to temperature slowly and avoid excessive separation.
Shake very well before use. Liquids and solids often separate a little in the process of freezing and defrosting. Liquids with different densities (think of the natural fats in the creamer) contribute to this process too.
It is totally normal and does not mean that the creamer has turned bad! Make sure the coffee cream container is sealed and shaken vigorously to reconstitute a more homogeneous creamer solution.
It is important to note that once thawed, the creamer should not be refrozen. Ideally, the thawed creamer should be used within 7 days.
When defrosting the iced creamer cubes, you may want to avoid cooling down your piping hot cup of morning coffee. Do this by either defrosting the creamer in the microwave or allowing it to thaw overnight in the fridge.
An alternative would be to use the frozen creamer cubes in a tall glass of iced coffee!
How Long Does A Liquid Coffee Creamer Last?
Can I freeze coffee creamer for several months?
Liquid coffee creamers can be frozen for up to 6 months, making for a considerably longer shelf life.
After this initial period, the creamer may be kept frozen, but the quality may deteriorate. Remember to keep the original use-by date in mind, too.
How Do You Know If Your Liquid Coffee Creamer Has Turned Bad?
Do you suspect that your liquid coffee creamer has gone bad?
If the use-by date is ok, there are a few telltale signs that are hard to miss!
If it looks like it has:
- curdled or split
- has a strange texture
- has changed color
- has an unpleasant or sour smell
then it is likely that your creamer is past its prime.
If you are unsure, pour a serving of creamer into your cup of coffee and see how it reacts. If there is an unusual separation or lumps floating in your cup – do not risk it!
Can You Freeze Coconut or Hazelnut Creamers?
Can freeze creamer made from coconut. However, due to its naturally high-fat content, the consistency may be slightly altered after freezing.
This will not affect its use as a coffee creamer, though.
Hazelnut and other natural, dairy-free plant-based creamers can also be frozen. Defrost them by following the steps covered previously.
Flavored creamers manufactured by commercial brands can be treated in the same way as unflavored varieties. Flavors include things such as mocha or mint, or even seasonal pumpkin pie or egg nog.
Nowadays, there is a wide variety of coffee creamers available on the market. Also totally doable are DIY creamers for differing tastes and dietary preferences.
In Summary
So… can I freeze coffee creamer successfully?
Yes – you can!
You can freeze both powdered creamer (although you don’t really need to) and liquid creamers in order to make them last longer if you have excess.
Being able to freeze the creamer makes it all the more convenient and practical to store.
This makes our morning cup of joe that much more budget-friendly too.
