How Long Does Powdered Milk Last?

Powdered milk, also called dried milk, is added to many dessert items such as cakes, pies, creams, or sauces. It tends to replace milk in most culinary applications.

So it is customary to buy packets of powdered milk at home and store it indefinitely. Have we ever considered how long it would still stay fresh?

Of course, there is a date labeled on it. However, is it possible we can prolong its usage beyond that date? These are questions that need to be addressed and immediately answered as well.

The answer is quite tentative and varies with the type and brands associated with the product. Powdered milk comes with a best-by date of 12 to 24 months beyond the production date. 

However, you can consume powdered milk for 20 years with a slight compromise on taste. The taste would slightly be a little off, but if the powder has not lost its quality, it can still be used without any issues.

In this article, we will clearly describe powdered milk’s durability and explain how to store it perfectly. 

How Long Does Powdered Milk Last?

Powdered milk lasts for 12 to 24 months from the production date. The best-by date mentioned in the package would be 24 months past the production date.

As we already know, the best-by date is no expiration date. It is a date promised by the manufacturers as to how long the powdered milk retains its best quality. Some powdered milk comes with a shelf life of 20+ years.

Dry milk, although it lasts for many years, its taste would be compromised. It would not lose its potency like baking powder.

So in totality, you can make milk with powdered milk even 20 years after the production date. The milk would be safe to drink, but the taste will not be as good as initially.

Sometimes the makers fortify the powdered milk with vitamin D and vitamin A. However, those vitamins and minerals would be eliminated if extended for a long time.

Full-Fat Powdered Milk

Full-fat powdered milk is bound to go bad sooner since the fat stored for a long time could turn rancid. Rancid-smelling milk should be avoided as the smell will be off, and the taste will be bad. 

Opened powdered milk should be stored properly in order to extend its shelf life. Full-fat powdered milk, either unopened or opened, would last 1 or 2 years.

Fat-less powdered milk, irrespective of whether it is opened or unopened, will last for 2 to 4 years without a doubt.

Mixed powdered milk should be stored in the fridge, and it can last there for 2 to 3 days.

How To Tell If Powdered Milk Is Bad?

The powdered milk has to be thrown out if the below indications start showing up.

1. If there is any discoloration to yellowish color.
2. If the smell is off or rancid
3. If there are wet molds or clumps in the package.
4. If insects or bugs are breeding on the surface.

If there are no obvious signs, then mix the powder and make milk. Check if it is smooth and milky in texture and flavor; the powder is good to go.

Powdered milk should be tossed out if the texture is spoiled or the flavor is lost.

How To Store Powdered Milk?

Powdered milk should be stored in a cool, dry place and kept away from heat.

The powdered milk should be kept away from moisture, and hence any dry spot in the pantry is fine. A kitchen cabinet should be ok as well.

If you have opened the package, you have to make sure to transfer the contents into an airtight container that is sealed properly. A sealing clip would also help keep away any bugs or insects.

Any kind of pantry bag or freezer bag which will keep away from moisture should be fine enough for the powdered milk.

Once you have nixed the powdered milk into liquid, keeping it in the fridge right away is the correct way to preserve it.

Can You Freeze The Powdered Milk?

Freezing powdered milk is not going to make sense if you are going to use it daily. If the dry milk is going to sit in the pantry forever, then it is better to be frozen.

If you need to freeze it, just make sure you have a sealed container or a sealed bag where all the contents are safely locked by keeping away any air or moisture.

Remember that frozen powdered milk need not be thawed or defrosted before consumption. It can be used directly from the freezer without any problem.

How Long Can The Powdered Milk Be Stored After Being Mixed?

The powdered milk that is mixed should be immediately placed in the fridge. It can remain there for 3 to 4 days without any ado. You will follow the same procedure as you do with regular milk.

How Does Vacuum Sealing Help Shield Powdered Milk?

Vacuum-sealing powdered milk is as good as freezing powdered milk. Again this can be done if you really wish to prolong its shelf life without actually putting it into usage, so as long as you are going to keep it stationed for a long time in a vacuum-sealed bag.

Conclusion

Powdered milk is famous as dried milk for people who do not have access to pasteurized liquid milk. It is important to preserve it correctly so you can take a swoon and make a mix whenever you want.

Sometimes you may also need to store the mixed powdered milk for a long time. You need to know the admissible time to preserve it. You cannot have it forever and expect the milk to be good enough to be consumed.

This article will give you a clear picture of how long powdered milk lasts and what needs to be done to store it right and extend its shelf life. 

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