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If you have read my post about super foods that you should be eating more of, then it is likely that you are familiar with Greek yogurt and how nutritious it is. And I won’t be surprised if you’ve developed a liking for this yogurt. It’s not only nutritious but very delicious, too.
Perhaps you’ve started to stock up on Greek yogurt in the fridge, but you wonder if it is alright to freeze it. Will freezing have any effect on its taste or texture? Should you just refrigerate Greek yogurt?
Continue reading as I delve into the specifics of freezing Greek yogurt.
What is Greek yogurt?
jars of Greek Yogurt with fruit on the table
Here’s one interesting trivia about this food— it is actually unheard of in Greece.
The yogurt is called straggisto or strained yogurt in the said country. The Greek yogurt label was used by a Turkish entrepreneur named Hamdi Ulukaya. His company, Chobani, exports the yogurt labeled as “Greek” to many countries like the US where it takes up to one-thirds of the yogurt market.
Anyway, there’s no surprise why Greek yogurt is so popular. Like all yogurt types, it is a great source of calcium, vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, protein, and calcium.
However, what sets it apart from other types of yogurt is its thicker and creamier texture. It also has low lactose content but has double the protein content of regular yogurt.
Simply put, it is one of the foods you should be eating more of.
Can you freeze Greek yogurt?
bowls of Greek Yogurt and spoons
Like regular yogurt, you can freeze Greek yogurt. As I have mentioned in this post, Greek yogurt can stay fresh for up to two months when properly stored in the freezer. In comparison, refrigerating it will only extend its shelf life to 10 days.
Moreover, there will be no change in the nutritional value of Greek yogurt when you freeze it. Simply put, thawed Greek yogurt will still be packed with nutrients just like any other yogurt that has been sitting in the fridge.
But freezing will affect the appearance and consistency of the yogurt. Greek yogurt will separate a bit when it is thawed.
For some people, it just doesn’t look as inviting as fresh Greek yogurt. I know a person who swears he can’t eat defrosted Greek yogurt because it doesn’t look good at all. Others say that the change in texture also translates to the lack of smoothness and a slight change in flavor.
However, you can stir the yogurt after thawing so that it won’t be watery. Then taste it—see for yourself if the change in texture will also affect the way you enjoy this superfood.
You can try it for yourself. Freeze a cup of yogurt for a few days then thaw it in the refrigerate it. After stirring, eat a spoonful or so. If you don’t feel any change in the flavor of the yogurt, then you can start stocking up!
How to freeze Greek yogurt?
bottles of Greek Yogurt and a spoon on the table
Freezing yogurt is rather simple to do. You can wrap the container in a plastic cover. It’s also good to use freezer bags so that the dairy product won’t be able to absorb any odors coming from other foods stored in the freezer. Then place the container or freezer bag in the freezer.
You can also transfer the yogurt to two to three small cups before wrapping each cup in a plastic bag. This way, you can defrost only as little as you need at a time.
When it is time to use or consume the yogurt, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge. Let it thaw overnight. And as I mentioned earlier, stir or mix the yogurt first before eating.
What to do with leftover Greek yogurt?
I guess you’ll agree with me when I say that the problem with stocking up on Greek yogurt, or any food for that matter, is that there’s a high chance you would end up sick and tired of eating the food.
However, you can still use Greek yogurt in other ways. Take for instance this chocolate chip cookie with Greek yogurt recipe.
This is a great snack or dessert. It only takes about 20 minutes to bake it. This makes 3-4 servings.
Ingredients
Greek yogurt, flour, salt, eggs, baking powder, powdered sugar, chocolate chips and vanilla powder
- Three-fourths cup of Greek yogurt
- Two and a half cups of flour
- One teaspoon of salt
- Two eggs
- One teaspoon of baking powder
- One and a half cups of powdered sugar
- One and a half cup of chocolate chips
- Two teaspoons of vanilla powder
Step by step guide
Combine the baking powder, flour, and salt in a bowl
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine the baking powder, flour, and salt in a bowl.
Whisk the sugar and eggs in the bowl
- Whisk the sugar and eggs in another bowl.
- Add in the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Stir constantly.
- Add vanilla and yogurt and stir well.
Fold in the chocolate chips
- Fold in the chocolate chips then combine well.
- Drop the cookie batter on the parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Let it cool before serving.
Conclusion
Greek yogurt is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. Aside from being nutritious, it also tends to have a longer shelf life than regular yogurt, especially when frozen. Freezing Greek yogurt can extend its storage life to 2 months although there will be some changes in consistency and texture.