Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely!
As long as your breast milk has been properly stored and is still within the recommended storage timeframe, it can be safely freeze-dried.
Breast milk must remain completely frozen from the time you first store it until the freeze-drying process is complete. It’s important to note that frozen breast milk is considered safe for up to 12 months from the date it was first frozen. Milk stored longer than that is considered expired and unfortunately cannot be used for freeze drying.
If you’re unsure about the age of your milk or need help with storage or transport, feel free to reach out — we’re here to help
- Extended Shelf Life – Unlike frozen milk, freeze-dried milk lasts for years when stored correctly.
- Convenience – No need for refrigeration or thawing; just mix with water when needed, Pour over solids or mix with other fluids your baby is taking.
- Preserves Nutrients – Retains the essential nutrients and antibodies in your breast milk.
- Travel-Friendly – Lightweight and easy to carry anywhere.
Yes. Use individual package instruction at Room Temperature (≤25°C/77°F): Use within 1-2 hours. In the Refrigerator (≤4°C/39°F): Use within 24 hours. Mix with cold water until ready to use (not advised)
- Only mix what you need – Since breastmilk lacks preservatives, it’s best to prepare fresh servings.
- Keep it covered – If storing in the fridge, use a sealed container.
- Do not reheat multiple times – Warm only once and discard leftovers.
Yes! As long as it has been properly stored and is still within recommended storage guidelines, we can freeze-dry it. Your breastmilk has to stay frozen from the first freeze until it is done with the cycle of Freeze drying. Thus it is very important to take care when sending your milk to us. We have courier services available in Cape Town, PE, Durban and Gauteng. We are still working on getting more cold chain couriers on-board. However it is a challenging, specialised and expensive process in South Africa. Cold chain couriers focus mainly on “bigger deliveries”. If you request pick up of your breastmilk please contact us for possibilities in getting your frozen breastmilk to our facility.
We currently offer courier services in the following locations:
- Cape Town and the Peninsula
- Stellenbosch
- Paarl
- The Garden Route (from Stillbaai to Plettenberg Bay)
- Gauteng
- Port Elizabeth (drop-off point only)
- Bloemfontein
If you’re based outside these areas or need assistance with transporting your milk, please get in touch with us. We’re happy to work with you to find the best possible solution.
Please note: Cold chain couriering in South Africa is a specialised service and can be challenging and costly, especially for small personal deliveries like breast milk. That said, we’re constantly exploring new transport options to make our service more accessible and convenient for families across the country.
Our pricing is based on the volume of milk processed.
The amount of freeze-dried milk you receive varies depending on the natural composition of your milk—such as fat and water content.
On average, 5–6 liters of breastmilk yields around 700g of freeze-dried powder.
Each batch is unique, just like your milk.
Absolutely! Your milk is processed individually, ensuring that your baby receives the exact milk you provided, just in a dry form.
Yes, freeze-drying breastmilk is a safe and gentle preservation method when handled correctly. At Milkset, we follow strict hygiene and safety protocols throughout every stage of the process to ensure your milk retains its nutritional and immunological properties.
We provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how to properly and safely freeze, package, and ship your breastmilk to us. Keeping your milk completely frozen until we begin the freeze-drying cycle is essential for maintaining its safety and quality.
Once we receive your shipment, your milk is handled in a sterile environment and freeze-dried using specialised equipment designed for food safety and nutritional preservation.
To learn more, visit our How To Page for detailed guidance on preparing and sending your milk
Currently, our service is designed for personal use. However, we encourage mothers interested in donating to contact local milk banks for guidance.
Once freeze-dried breastmilk has been reconstituted with water, it should be treated like fresh or thawed breastmilk.
According to guidelines from the CDC and other health authorities:
- Use within 2 hours if your baby has started drinking from the bottle.
- If unused and kept at room temperature, it should be used within 2 hours.
- If refrigerated immediately after reconstitution and not touched, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Always discard any leftover milk after a feed to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination. Never refreeze or re-dry reconstituted milk.
We’ll guide you through every step, from milk collection to safe delivery. Follow our instructions on the how to page or simply contact us.
Freezing your breastmilk now opens up valuable options for the future — even if you’re currently breastfeeding or using freshly expressed milk.
Here’s why it’s a smart step:
Long-Term Use Through Freeze-Drying
By freezing and then freeze-drying your milk, you can preserve its nutritional and immune-boosting properties for years. This allows you to continue offering the benefits of breastmilk even after your breastfeeding journey ends.
Convenience for Travel
Freeze-dried breastmilk is lightweight, shelf-stable, and doesn’t require refrigeration — perfect for travel, daycare, or times when access to fresh milk isn’t possible.
Supports Weaning and Solid Foods
You can sprinkle freeze-dried breastmilk powder over your baby’s solid foods or mix it into purees and porridge, adding familiar taste and valuable nutrients during the weaning stage.
Use in Skincare or Keepsakes
Many mothers choose to incorporate their breastmilk into personal care items like lotions, balms, or soaps, especially when their child has outgrown milk feeds but they still want to honour their breastfeeding journey.
Shared Feeding
Freeze-dried milk can be rehydrated and given in a bottle, making it easier for partners or caregivers to participate in feeding — especially if you’re transitioning from breastfeeding or just need a break.
Freezing and freeze-drying now gives you flexibility and peace of mind later. It’s about preserving the nourishment and connection you’ve worked so hard to give — in a way that works for your future, too.
