European baby formula powder comes vacuum-sealed to ensure that it stays contamination free and all ingredients remain fresh. As long as you use the container by the expiration date all nutrients will remain at the highest quality.
For most babies using a box by the expiration date will not be a challenge however, if you do find yourself with baby formula nearing the expiration date - freezing the powder or prepared baby formula is not the answer. The freezer can have a negative effect on the individual components and over all nutritive value of all European baby formula.
Powder
High humidity, like what is found in a freezer, can cause powdered baby formula to clump. Clumpy formula can alter the scoop-able amount that goes into your baby's bottle.
Babies' bodies and digestive systems are developing very fast. If there is an imbalance of minerals, proteins, or fats, it will lead to nutritional problems that can have lasting effects.
Too much or not enough of the necessary vitamins, minerals over an extended period of time can damage your baby's kidneys or stunt the growth and development cycles of your infant.
Prepared
Freezing prepared European baby formula causes the fat to separate from the proteins. When separated, the temperatures in the freezer are so low that it can cause the loss of some important nutrients.
As the frozen baby formula thaws these nutrients will not mix to a consistent state and the texture and taste of the European baby formula will be undesirable to infants and the quality will be compromised.