We’ve all been in this situation: You grab the milk to pour in your coffee or bowl of cereal, only to notice the date on the package has already passed. But instead of automatically pouring it down the drain, you may ask, “How long is milk good for after the expiration date? And how can I tell if milk is bad?” We’ll break down everything you need to know about cow’s milk, from expiration dates to signs of spoiled milk, so your next breakfast isn’t ruined.
What Do the Dates on Milk Mean?
According to the FSIS, there are four types of dates you may see:
While a Best if Used By/Before or Use-By date will indicate a product’s best quality before it starts to decline, that doesn’t mean you should toss your milk the day after that date passes if there aren’t signs of spoilage (more on that below).
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So, How Long Is Milk Good for After the Expiration Date?
There are no official recommendations, but the general rule of thumb is as follows:
Milk may still be good after these timelines, so it’s always best to check for signs of spoilage before consuming. Also, be aware that these timelines apply to pasteurized milk, which is what you’ll find in the grocery store. Unpasteurized milk, also known as raw milk, is milk that has not been treated to kill harmful bacteria. As a result, raw milk has a shorter shelf life and carriesa high risk of causing foodborne illness.
How to Tell If Milk is Bad
While it is safe to drink milk past the expiration date, you’ll want to check for signs of potential spoilage before consuming. Here’s how to tell if milk is bad:
If your milk has any of these indicators of spoilage, it’s best to dump it. Consuming spoiled milk may lead tovomiting, stomach cramping or diarrhea.
How to Make Milk Last Longer
Store Milk Properly
One easy way to ensure your gallon of milk doesn’t spoil before its time is to store it properly. While it may seem convenient,milk is one of the foods you should never store in the refrigerator door. That’s because every time you open the door, you expose the contents to warmer temperatures. Milk needs consistent cold temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. Instead, it’s best to store milk on the shelf toward the back where the temperatures are coldest.
Freeze Milk
Another way to make your milk last longer is to freeze it. Learnhow to freeze milk, which is a convenient way to prevent food waste when you know you won’t be able to use it up before it spoils. We recommend portioning it out beforehand, so you only thaw what you need when the time comes.
The Bottom Line
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