Milk
Quick answer: Pasteurized milk lasts about 1 week in the fridge after opening or past the sell-by date, and up to 3 months in the freezer. Unopened shelf-stable (UHT) milk can stay in the pantry until opened, then needs to be refrigerated and used within 7 days.
A gallon of milk is one of the most-bought, most-wasted items in the fridge, and it goes fast once you're past the sell-by date. The good news: a week is actually enough time to use it up if you know what you're working with. Here's exactly how long it lasts, where to keep it, and what to do when the clock is ticking.
Pantry
Refrigerator
Freezer
How to store milk
Keep pasteurized milk in its original container at the coldest part of the fridge, that's the back, not the door, at 40°F or below. Return it promptly after every pour. If you're freezing it, transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container with a little headspace (milk expands), and thaw it in the fridge when you're ready to use it.
How to spot spoilage
Sour or off smell is the clearest sign. Also watch for a curdled, lumpy, or separated texture, any noticeable change in flavor, or discoloration. If it smells wrong, trust your nose, it's done.
Use it up before it spoils
- Whisk it into a quick béchamel and pour over anything that needs saving in the fridge
- Blend it with frozen fruit for a fast smoothie before it gets any closer to the edge
- Make a pot of rice pudding, it uses a full cup or two and keeps in the fridge for days
- Freeze it in an airtight container now if you know you won't finish it this week
- Make a batch of pancakes for the freezer, they reheat in 90 seconds and the milk gets used up
Recipes to try
Homemade Mac and Cheese
simplyrecipes.com
Creamy stovetop mac that uses milk as the base of the sauce, a solid way to burn through half a carton.
Best Homemade Vanilla Milkshake
allrecipes.com
Three ingredients, two minutes, and a cup of milk gone before it has a chance to turn.
Milk Bread
bonappetit.com
Pillowy, slightly sweet bread that uses milk as a core ingredient, worth the effort, and the loaf disappears fast.
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Best ways to preserve
- freeze
- ferment
Nutrition at a glance
Per 244 g (1 cup)
| Calories | 149 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11.7 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 12.3 g |
| Fat | 7.9 g |
| Saturated fat | 4.6 g |
| Sodium | 105 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central. Milk, whole, 3.25% milkfat, with added vitamin D (SR Legacy)
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Frequently asked questions
How long does milk last after opening?
Pasteurized milk lasts about 1 week after opening or past the sell-by date when stored in the fridge at 40u00b0F or below. UHT (shelf-stable) milk, once opened, should also be refrigerated and used within 7 days.
Can you freeze milk?
Yes, milk freezes well for up to 3 months. Use an airtight freezer-safe container with a little headspace since milk expands, and thaw it in the fridge. The texture may change slightly after freezing, so it's best used in cooking or baking.
Does milk need to be refrigerated?
Standard pasteurized milk must be refrigerated at all times, it's not safe at room temperature after purchase. The exception is unopened UHT (shelf-stable) milk, which can be stored in the pantry until opened, then refrigerated immediately.
How can you tell if milk has gone bad?
Sour or off smell is the most reliable sign. You may also notice a curdled, lumpy, or separated texture, a change in flavor, or discoloration. If it smells sour, discard it, there's no way to revive spoiled milk.
Does milk last longer in the back of the fridge?
Yes. The back of the fridge is consistently colder than the door, which fluctuates in temperature every time you open it. Storing milk at the back keeps it at a steadier 40u00b0F or below, which extends its life.