All About Whole milk
Your complete guide to whole milk - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Whole milk Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for whole 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.
freezer3-6 months for best quality; safe indefinitely at 0°F (-18°C) but quality degrades.
Signs of Spoilage
While not 'spoiled' in the safety sense, quality degradation includes separation of fat and water (looks grainy or lumpy after thawing), a slightly chalky texture, or a minor change in color (can become slightly yellowish).
How to Check
After thawing, the milk will likely have separated. Stir or shake vigorously to try and reincorporate. Smell it – it should still smell like fresh milk, not sour. Taste a small amount if the smell is fine; it might be less palatable for drinking but fine for cooking. Discard if it smells sour or looks significantly off even after stirring.
Storage Tips
Freeze milk in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving about an inch of headspace as milk expands when frozen. Thaw milk slowly in the refrigerator overnight. While safe to consume, frozen and thawed milk may have a slightly altered texture, making it best suited for cooking, baking, or smoothies rather than drinking straight.
unopened_refrigerator1-2 weeks from purchase or up to 7 days past 'best by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Container appears bloated or swollen. Unpleasant 'off' or sour smell, even before opening (though less common).
How to Check
Check the 'best by' or 'sell by' date on the carton. Gently squeeze the carton; if it feels unusually firm or bloated, it might be fermenting. For an abundance of caution, open and perform a smell test before consumption.
Storage Tips
Store milk in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically towards the back, not in the door, which is prone to temperature fluctuations. Do not purchase if the container is already bloated or damaged.
opened_refrigerator5-7 days after opening
Signs of Spoilage
Distinct sour, tangy, or 'off' smell (often the first sign). Thickened consistency, clumping, or visible curdling/lumps when poured. Yellowish discoloration. Slimy texture.
How to Check
-
Smell Test: The most reliable indicator. Sniff the opening of the carton. If it smells sour, rancid, or unpleasant, it's gone bad.
-
Visual Inspection: Pour a small amount into a clear glass. Look for lumps, stringiness, or a separated/curdled appearance. Check for any discoloration (should be opaque white).
-
Texture Test: If it looks okay, feel a small amount between your fingers. If it feels slimy or unusually thick, discard it. Never taste test if there's any doubt about freshness.
Storage Tips
Always recap the container tightly immediately after use. Return to the refrigerator as quickly as possible; avoid leaving milk out at room temperature for more than an hour. Do not mix old milk with new milk. When in doubt, throw it out – consuming spoiled milk can cause foodborne illness.