Powdered milk or dried milk is made by heating and evaporating the pasteurized raw milk and, in the end, is spray dried.
Powdered milk is an excellent addition to your stockpile because they are highly versatile. You can use powdered milk in desserts, baking, cream sauces, etc.
It is also a good and inexpensive alternative to fresh milk; therefore, though we use it frequently or not since it is a useful kitchen supply, we love to stock them up.
But what happens if you have had the same old bag of powdered milk sitting in your pantry for a long time?
You check the label, and it is way past its date, what would you do with it? How long does powdered milk last?
To find answers to these questions and to learn more on the shelf life and storage, read on.
Does Powdered Milk Go Bad? How Long Does Powdered Milk Last?
Since the milk is in a powdered form, it tends to last for a long time, even longer than that of condensed milk and evaporated milk.
An unopened bag of powdered milk will generally last for about 2 years to 10 years. Even if the date on the label suggests to use it up within 2 years, it is safe for consumption even past the time.
Experts that shelf life also largely depends on the type of powdered milk. Since fat is less stable in a nonfat kind of powdered milk, it lasts longer than the buttermilk or whole milk type of powder.
However, if you store the powdered milk bag in poor condition, it will definitely cut down its shelf life.
As thespruceeats says that once the bag of powdered milk is opened, it is best to transfer the powder to an opaque container like a can with a tight lid.
Because the powdered milk will last longer in a dark place with no light, storing it in a transparent jar might look attractive and in fashion, but it will not help to prolong the shelf life.
They further mentions that based on the study by Utah State University, the storage is another central part of the shelf life of powdered milk.
When the powdered milk is stored at 50F, it retains its freshness and flavor for a more extended period.
But when stored at 90F, the powder’s taste degrades just in 6 months. That being said, under proper storage conditions, it will be at its best quality for an extended period.
Most importantly, study shows that to extend the quality and shelf life of opened powdered milk, you can freeze it.
Before freezing it, you should transfer the powder to an airtight container; doing this will help the milk retain the best quality for up to 3 years.
How To Tell If Powdered Milk is Bad? Powdered Milk Shelf Life!
Spotting bad powdered milk is pretty straightforward. If moisture has seeped inside the container, then you will see wet clumps or mold forming in the powdered milk, and when this happens, it is best to discard it.
Also, if the milk has been exposed to heat, then its color will change to a yellowish shade. You will even notice an odd smell and degrading quality in the flavor.
Conclusion
Although powdered milk comes with an extra-long shelf life, if not carefully stored, then like every other milk, its quality will degrade and go bad.
And if it is well reserved, even when the powder has passed its labeled date, it is still considered safe for consumption.
Does Powdered Milk Go Bad? How Long Does Powdered Milk Last?
Ingredients
- Powdered milk
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Check the u0022Best-by-dateu0022 to know when it expires.
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
- Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
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