There are many bases you can use for your smoothies, from water to juice, to milk and even protein powder.
However, one of the more popular ones is yogurt. Yogurt is especially good to include in smoothie bowls to help thicken them, as well as to thicken up smoothies that are a bit too loose.
If you want your smoothies or smoothie bowls extra thick, you can always freeze yogurt for even more thickness and texture!
If you want to know how, or if it really works, you’re in the right place! Read on, and I will tell you everything you need to know about frozen yogurt and smoothies!
Can You Freeze Yogurt For Smoothies?
Yes, you can freeze yogurt, even Greek yogurt. You can save some money and make your smoothies extra creamy and indulgent this way.
It is a cheaper option than buying frozen yogurt, and if your local store has a sale on yogurt it can also be a great way to store yogurt for your smoothies and buy in bulk!
Even if you want chilled yogurt in your smoothies, freezing them can be a great way to prevent your yogurt from going to waste!
That being said, how you freeze your yogurt can be especially significant in this regard. You will want to portion your yogurt so none of it is ever going to waste.
Freezing Yogurt For Smoothies: Step-By-Step
Knowing how to freeze yogurt the right way can help ensure none goes to waste and you make the most out of every penny you spend on the yogurt.
Here is the best way to freeze yogurt, I tried and tested many methods and found this to be the best.
The best method for freezing yogurt is by making use of an ice cube tray.
1. Prepare your tray and yogurt
Get your yogurt, whichever is your favorite to use for smoothies, and a clean ice cube tray. The more slots it has the better as this will ensure all of your yogurt gets used and none goes to waste.
Ensure that the ice cube tray is clean, and get a spoon. Ice cube trays are usually quite small, so I would recommend using a teaspoon rather than a tablespoon for this.
2. Fill the Tray And Freeze.
Using your teaspoon, scoop up the yogurt and fill the cubes with your yogurt. Try to fill each cube completely without any spillover.
Once you have filled the tray, put it into the freezer, flat. Allow the yogurt to freeze for 4 hours or even overnight.
Repeat this process as many times as needed to freeze all the yogurt you intend on using for smoothies.
Once the yogurt has frozen, transfer your yogurt cubes from the tray into a freezer-safe bag.
You can store them in this bag for the long term. Alternatively, you could also use a freezer-safe container with a lid.
3. Use As Needed
You can now use the cubes as and when you need to. It can be as simple as just adding the frozen cubes of yogurt right into the blender with your other ingredients.
It can result in a creamy and thick smoothie.
Alternatively, you can defrost the cubes as needed, overnight to have unfrozen, chilled yogurt in your smoothies or as a snack.
How To Thaw Yogurt:
If you would rather use chilled than frozen yogurt in your smoothies, you can defrost your yogurt cubes overnight and in the fridge.
Do not thaw the yogurt out at room temperature!
Much like any dairy product, it is possible that your yogurt may separate slightly when it is frozen.
This can result in a grainy or watery yogurt after thawing. For this reason, after you have thawed your yogurt you should always stir it thoroughly.
5 Ways To Use Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt can be used in many ways. It is used in ice cream, cake, smoothies, and other tasty desserts.
You can also enjoy frozen yogurt as a refreshing breakfast too! Let’s check out some of the ways it can be used!
1. Smoothies & Smoothie Bowls
Frozen yogurt can be used in smoothies and smoothie bowls to thicken the smoothie and add in extra nutrients and minerals.
Yogurt is high in protein and healthy fats and can therefore add extra nutrients to your smoothie as verywellfit.com states.
This is especially true if you are using it for meal replacement or around a workout routine!
2. Frozen Yogurt Cake
Mixing frozen yogurt with biscuits and fruit can create a delicious and cooling pudding. It is seen as a cheesecake alternative, and you could even use homemade or vegan yogurt for this.
It is an option that broadens the horizons for those with dietary restrictions.
3. Ice Cream
This is more of an ice cream replacement. It is a healthier option, considering how much sugar is traditionally in ice cream, all you need is your favorite yogurt, a freezer, and some tasty toppings.
You can make your own very easily.
4. Breakfast
Freeze some yogurt overnight and mix in some fruits, blend it all together and in the morning you can have yourself a delicious, healthy, and filling breakfast as healthline.com suggests.
This is especially refreshing in the hot summer months!
5. Yogurt Pops
Instead of an ice cream or ice pop, why not freeze some yogurt on an ice pop stick and make a fulfilling but chilling ice pop with your favorite yogurt? These are great in the summer!
Is Frozen Yogurt Healthy?
Frozen yogurt typically has fewer calories than standard yogurt. It also contains some healthy bacteria making it a healthy snack.
However, if you buy frozen yogurt there is a lot of variation. Always look at the nutrition information and read the labels as the FDA advises.
It is usually best to freeze the yogurt yourself and choose a yogurt you are familiar with ideally with no added sugars.
How To Make a Frozen Yogurt Smoothie
Now that you are here, and you know how to freeze your own yogurt for smoothies, I have the perfect recipe for you!
Once your frozen yogurt is ready to use, make this frozen yogurt smoothie! It’s delicious and so good for you.
Print
Frozen Yogurt Smoothie [Easy & Healthy]
Boost your digestive health with a frozen yogurt smoothie. It's rich in antioxidants, protein, and vitamins. It's a delicious blend of health!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 5–6 cubes ( or 2 scoops of frozen yogurt)
- 1/2 cup/75g – 1 cup150g frozen berries of choice (the amount of berries you use depends on how thick you like your smoothies)
- 1 scoop of protein powder (unsweetened)
- 200 ml almond milk (unsweetened)
- 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Measure the ingredients carefully.
- Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender starting with the frozen fruit and yogurt. Blitz until smooth. For about 4-5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Best consumed straight away, otherwise it will melt and not taste as pleasant.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Smoothie
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 304
- Sugar: 29
- Fat: 5.5
- Carbohydrates: 41
- Fiber: 6.5
- Protein: 28.7
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can You Freeze Greek Yogurt?
Yes, you can freeze Greek Yogurt. The best way is to freeze in an ice cube tray and then convert the cubes to a freezer bag for easy portioning and storage!
Can You Freeze Yogurt Then Blend It?
You can freeze yogurt and then blend it. That being said, it is recommended that you have a strong blender that can properly blend frozen goods, otherwise it may damage your blender.
Why Does Greek Yogurt Say Do Not Freeze?
When you freeze Greek Yogurt it collapses the proteins. This process releases water which separates from the milk solids when frozen. This means that the texture is not super smooth, but does not mean you cannot freeze it.
Is Frozen Yogurt Healthy In Smoothies?
Frozen yogurt can be healthy in smoothies if it is unsweetened. Always pay attention to the nutritional information before you assume any yogurt is healthy!