Freeze Dried Milk (Homemade Powdered Milk)

Finished powdered milk after freeze drying in a mason jar with the lid off, bed berries in the background

Freeze Dried Milk (Homemade Powdered Milk)

If you're looking for a way to preserve milk for long-term storage, homemade freeze-dried milk is the way to go! This easy process turns fresh milk into a shelf-stable powder that can last for up to 25 years when stored properly. It's perfect for cooking, baking, or just mixing up a glass of milk whenever you need it!

Course food preservation, food storage, Freeze-dried

Cuisine American

Keyword Freeze Dried Milk, Freeze Drying Milk, Powdered Milk

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 1 12

Total Time 1 12 5

Servings servings

Calories 142kcal

Cost $7

Ingredients

1 gallon milk any type

Instructions

Start by pouring your chosen milk into the freeze-dryer trays. If you're using pre-frozen milk cubes, simply place the cubes on the trays. Remember not to overfill the trays.
Place the trays into your freeze dryer and start the machine. Depending on the amount of milk and the fat content, the freeze-drying process will take about 24-36 hours.
Once the milk is completely freeze-dried, remove it from the trays and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until the milk is a fine powder.
Transfer the powdered milk to an airtight container. For long-term storage, use a mylar bag with an oxygen absorber. If you plan to use the milk within a few months, a mason jar with an airtight lid and a moisture absorber will do.

Notes

Cooking with Freeze-Dried Milk

Using freeze-dried milk is incredibly easy. For every cup of milk you need simply use the following ratio:

Mix 1/4 cup of powdered milk with 1 cup of warm water.
Stir until fully dissolved, and you're ready to go!

FOR DRINKING - If you're going to be drinking this powdered milk, it's best if you mix it up the night before and chill it until the next day. Lukewarm milk is not all that great! By chilling it, you get the best experience, and the powder has time to fully rehydrate.

Storing for Daily Use

Just like with our freeze-dried eggs, we keep a small mason jar of freeze-dried milk in the pantry for daily use. The bulk of our freeze-dried milk stays sealed in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers for long-term storage. This way, we always have a quick and easy source of milk without compromising the shelf life of the rest.

Nutrition