Milk ingredient

All About Milk

dairy

Your complete guide to milk - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.

5 storage methods
33 substitutes

How Long Does Milk Last?

Storage times and freshness tips for milk in different conditions.

Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.

Opened Pasteurized Milk (Fridge)
4-7 days after opening, regardless of the 'best-by' date on the carton.

Signs of Spoilage

Sour, pungent, or 'off' smell; visible curdling, lumps, or stringiness; a yellowish or discolored tint; separation of solids and liquids.

How to Check

  1. Smell Test: Pour a small amount into a clear glass and sniff. A distinct sour or rancid odor is the most reliable indicator.

  2. Visual Inspection: Observe the milk in a clear glass. Look for any unusual color, lumps, or thick, stringy texture.

  3. Pour Test: If it pours out chunky or doesn't flow smoothly, it's likely spoiled. Never taste if spoilage signs are present.

Storage Tips

Always reseal the container tightly after each use. Avoid drinking directly from the carton, as this can introduce bacteria and shorten shelf life. Return to the refrigerator immediately after use.

Unopened Shelf-Stable (UHT) Milk (Pantry)
6-9 months (sometimes up to 1 year) past the 'best-by' date, if stored properly.

Signs of Spoilage

Swollen or bulging carton/container (indicates gas production from spoilage); foul, rancid, or extremely 'off' smell upon opening; unusual color or consistency (e.g., very thick, separated).

How to Check

  1. Visual Inspection (Carton): Check for any swelling or bulging of the carton, which indicates bacterial activity.

  2. Smell Test (After Opening): Open the carton carefully and sniff. It should smell neutral or slightly sweet. Any off, sour, or rancid smell means it's spoiled.

  3. Pour Test: If it pours out chunky or has an unusual viscosity, discard it.

Storage Tips

Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong odors. Once opened, UHT milk must be refrigerated and treated like regular pasteurized milk.

Unopened Pasteurized Milk (Fridge)
5-7 days past the 'sell-by' or 'best-by' date, if kept consistently cold.

Signs of Spoilage

Sour, pungent, or 'off' smell; visible curdling, lumps, or stringiness; a yellowish or discolored tint; separation of solids and liquids (beyond normal fat separation in whole milk).

How to Check

  1. Smell Test: Pour a small amount into a clear glass and sniff. A distinct sour or rancid odor is the most reliable indicator.

  2. Visual Inspection: Observe the milk in a clear glass. Look for any unusual color, lumps, or thick, stringy texture.

  3. Pour Test: If it pours out chunky or doesn't flow smoothly, it's likely spoiled. Never taste if spoilage signs are present.

Storage Tips

Store milk in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically on a lower shelf, not in the door, which is prone to temperature fluctuations. Keep the container tightly sealed. Do not leave milk at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Opened Shelf-Stable (UHT) Milk (Fridge)
7-10 days after opening.

Signs of Spoilage

Sour, pungent, or 'off' smell; visible curdling, lumps, or stringiness; a yellowish or discolored tint; separation of solids and liquids.

How to Check

  1. Smell Test: Pour a small amount into a clear glass and sniff. A distinct sour or rancid odor is the most reliable indicator.

  2. Visual Inspection: Observe the milk in a clear glass. Look for any unusual color, lumps, or thick, stringy texture.

  3. Pour Test: If it pours out chunky or doesn't flow smoothly, it's likely spoiled. Never taste if spoilage signs are present.

Storage Tips

Treat opened UHT milk exactly like opened regular pasteurized milk. Keep tightly sealed and refrigerate promptly after each use.

Frozen Milk (Freezer)
3-6 months (quality may degrade past this, but it remains safe).

Signs of Spoilage

While technically safe within the duration, thawed milk may show significant separation of fat and water, a grainy or chalky texture, or a slightly altered flavor. It won't typically 'spoil' in the freezer, but quality issues arise.

How to Check

  1. Visual Inspection (After Thawing): Look for excessive separation or a noticeably grainy/chalky texture.

  2. Smell Test (After Thawing): It should still smell like fresh milk; any sour or off smell indicates it was already spoiled before freezing or thawed incorrectly.

  3. Stir/Shake Test: After thawing, vigorously stir or shake to try and re-emulsify the fat and water.

Storage Tips

Freeze milk in airtight, freezer-safe containers, leaving at least one inch of headspace as milk expands when frozen. Thaw milk slowly in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. Stir or shake well after thawing to help recombine separated components. Frozen and thawed milk is best used for cooking, baking, or smoothies, as its texture may not be ideal for drinking plain.