How long can you keep milk that hasn’t been opened? Let’s face it: we all like to save money, and that includes when it comes to our grocery shopping. But is it saving money to buy milk that hasn’t been opened?
Studies have shown that when milk is opened and exposed to air, the shelf life is shortened by anywhere from two to four days. One study found that milk that had been opened for three days already had signs of spoilage.
So if you’re worried about Waste Management costs, then buying milk that has been opened might not be the best idea after all.
How Long Can You Keep Milk That Hasn’t Been Opened?
While unopened milk has a longer shelf life than opened milk, it still doesn’t last forever. Unopened milk can last anywhere from 5-7 days past its sell-by date, while opened milk only lasts 2-3 days past its sell-by date. So if you’re wondering how long you can keep that gallon of milk in your fridge, the answer is not very long. Once you open it, you should finish it within a few days.
Of course, these are just general guidelines. Milk may last longer if it is stored properly and kept at a consistent temperature. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consume milk as soon as possible after opening it.
Does Milk Go Bad If It’s Not Refrigerated?
No, milk does not go bad if it’s not refrigerated. Milk is a highly perishable food and needs to be kept cool to prevent bacteria from growing. However, if milk is left out of the fridge for an extended period, it will start to spoil. Spoiled milk will have a sour smell and a lumpy texture. It’s important to note that milk that has been left out of the fridge will not make you sick, but it will not taste good.
If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not your milk has gone bad, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Milk is a perishable food and should be treated as such.
What Are The Signs That Milk Has Gone Bad?
The signs that milk has gone bad are usually pretty easy to spot. The milk will have an off-colour, it will smell sour, and the texture will be thick and clumpy. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to just throw the milk away.
One of the easiest ways to tell if milk has gone bad is by checking the colour. Fresh milk is a beautiful white colour, but when it starts to go bad, it will start to get an off-white or yellowish tint. If you see this happening, it’s time to toss the milk.
Another sign that milk has gone bad is the smell. Fresh milk shouldn’t have much of a smell, but when it starts to spoil, it will develop a sour smell. If you notice this happening, don’t drink the milk!
The last sign that milk has gone bad is the texture. When the milk starts to spoil, it will get thick and clumpy. This is because the bacteria in the milk are starting to break down the proteins. If you see this happening, don’t even think about drinking the milk – just throw it away!
Can You Freeze Milk To Make It Last Longer?
It’s a common misconception that freezing milk will make it last longer. Freezing milk can shorten its shelf life. Milk is composed of water, fat, and protein. The water in milk expands when frozen, which can cause the fat and protein molecules to separate. This change in composition alters the flavour, texture, and appearance of the milk. While frozen milk is still safe to consume, it should be used within 3-4 months for the best quality.
If you find yourself with more milk than you can drink before it expires, consider other ways to use it up. Make homemade yoghurt, cheese, or buttermilk. Cook with it instead of water for a richer flavour. Or freeze it in ice cube trays and use it as needed for cooking or baking. Whatever you do, don’t let that milk go to waste!
What Are Some Other Ways To Extend The Shelf Life Of Milk?
There are a few ways to extend the shelf life of milk. One way is to purchase ultra-pasteurized milk. This type of milk has been heated to a higher temperature than regular milk, which kills more bacteria. Ultra-pasteurized milk typically has a shelf life of 2-3 weeks.
Another way to extend the shelf life of milk is to store it in the fridge. Milk should be stored at 40°F or below. If stored properly, milk can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Finally, you can also freeze milk to extend its shelf life. Frozen milk will last for 3-6 months. When thawing frozen milk, make sure to do so in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.
Conclusion
We have discussed the shelf life of milk and how to tell if milk has gone bad. Milk can last longer if it is unopened and stored in the fridge. However, milk will go bad quickly if it is opened and not refrigerated. There are some signs that milk has gone bad, such as a change in smell or taste, and milk should be thrown out if these signs are present. Milk can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. There are some other ways to extend the shelf life of milk, such as using milk powder or condensed milk.
