If it smells good, it has to be good, right?
We’ve all been in this situation: you go to pour milk into your coffee or cereal, only to realise the expiration date has passed. But, rather than automatically pouring it down the drain, you may wonder, “How long is milk good after it has passed its expiration date? And how can I tell if the milk is spoiled?” So your next breakfast isn’t ruined, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cow’s milk, from expiration dates to signs of spoiled milk.
What Do Dates on Milk Indicate?
First, it’s critical to understand what the numbers on the milk bottle actually mean. With the exception of infant formula, you may be surprised to learn that the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service doesn’t even require dating on products. As a result, milk expiration dates vary by manufacturer, and the numbers you’re seeing may not be an expiration date at all, even if they appear to be.
Best if Used By/Before indicates when a product’s flavour or quality will be at its peak.
Stores use Sell-By to manage their inventory.
The Use-By date suggests the last day to use the product for maximum quality.
When should a product be frozen in order to maintain peak quality?
While it is best if used by/before or after,
Although the by date indicates a product’s best quality before it begins to deteriorate, that doesn’t mean you should throw out your milk the day after that date if there are no signs of spoilage (more on that below).
a milk jug collage in front of a question mark background
So, how long is milk good after it has passed its expiration date?
There are no official recommendations, but the following is a good starting point:
3 days after the expiration date, open milk
Unopened milk can be kept for up to 7 days after the expiration date.
Milk may still be edible after these dates, so always check for signs of spoilage before consuming. Also, keep in mind that these timelines apply to pasteurised milk, which is what you’ll find at the supermarket. Unpasteurized milk, also known as raw milk, is milk that has not been pasteurised. As a result, raw milk has a shorter shelf life and is more likely to cause foodborne illness.
How to Tell If Your Milk Is Stale
While it is safe to consume milk past its expiration date, you should look for signs of potential spoilage before doing so. Here’s how to tell if your milk is spoiled:
Check the smell first: spoiled milk has a sour, unpleasant odour that is often detectable on the first whiff. If you can’t smell milk, there are other ways to tell if it’s spoiled.
Examine the colour next: The colour of pasteurised milk is white. If the milk spoils, mould can grow and range in colour from black to blue.
Next, consider the consistency: When milk has gone bad, its consistency can change from creamy, smooth to chunky or lumpy. This visual cue indicates that the milk is starting to curdle and is no longer safe to drink.
Finally, try it: If your milk shows no other signs of spoilage and you’re still unsure whether it’s safe to drink, take a small sip. The milk should taste fresh, and if it has any sourness or acidic flavours, toss it.
How to Make Milk Last Longer Properly Store Milk
One simple way to keep your gallon of milk from spoiling is to store it properly. While it may appear to be convenient, milk should never be stored in the refrigerator door. This is because opening the door exposes the contents to warmer temperatures. To prevent bacterial growth, milk must be kept at consistently cold temperatures. Instead, store milk in the back of the refrigerator, where the temperatures are the coldest.
Freeze the Milk
Freezing milk is another way to extend its shelf life. Learn how to freeze milk, which is an easy way to avoid food waste when you know you won’t be able to finish it before it spoils. We recommend pre-portioning it so that you only thaw what you need when the time comes.
In conclusion
Milk can usually be consumed after its expiration date, which is usually three days for opened milk and seven days for unopened milk. It’s best to check for signs of spoilage before eating. Check the smell, colour, consistency, and taste of the milk to see if it is spoiled. To ensure that your milk stays fresh, keep it on the back shelf of your refrigerator.
