What to do with expired milk powder
You may wonder whether to use the powdered milk you found at the back of your cupboard. That may be months past the “best by” date on the packaging, but you may not have to throw it away. Milk powder can be stored indefinitely. An unopened package is still usable for 2 to 10 years after the printed “best by” date.
The shelf life depends on the type of powdered milk. Nonfat powdered milk lasts longer than powdered whole milk or buttermilk, as fat is less stable. Nonfat dried milk is for long-term food storage. Proper handling of expired milk powder extends its storage life.
However, there is a common misconception that when your milk powder reaches its “expiration date,” it is no longer safe to eat. That is not a date to indicate spoilage, nor does it signal that the food is no longer safe to eat. Repurposing expired milk powder helps you not waste money and food. This article gives alternative uses of milk powder.
Understanding Expiration Dates
Different types of expiration dates on milk powder products
Powdered milk known as dried milk expires within 18 months, but take that as a “best by” date. According to the USDA, it can be stored indefinitely. An unopened package is still usable for 2 to 10 years after the printed “best by” date. Some nonfat dry powdered milk is labeled with a 25-year shelf life.
The shelf life depends on the type of powdered milk. Nonfat powdered milk lasts longer than powdered whole milk or buttermilk, as fat is less stable. Nonfat dried milk is for long-term food storage. The label of dried whole milk makes you use it up soon after the “best by” date.
How expiration dates are determined
Powdered milk comes with a best-by date that is 12 to 24 months from the production date. That period informs how long the manufacturer guarantees the best quality. It is not an expiration date, and that powdered milk is still ok for an extra year or two.
Factors affecting the shelf life of milk powder
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Moisture
Evaluating Expired Milk Powder
Signs of spoilage in milk powder
- Souring
- Gas production
- Ropiness/ sliminess
- Alkali production
- Flavor defect
- Color defect
Safety considerations when dealing with expired milk powder
As long as milk has been refrigerated, it is drinkable up to a week past the date label — and maybe up to two weeks, depending on the temperature of your refrigerator. The milk should still smell and look OK. Even accidentally consuming milk that has gone a little sour may not cause an illness, since the pasteurization process kills most disease-causing pathogens. You might not have to throw away milk that makes noses crinkle. You may have to draw the line when the milk gets chunky. At that point, your milk is on its way to becoming rancid.
Determining if expired milk powder is still usable
Discard any powdered milk that develops an off-odor or yellow coloration. That is a sign that the milk has finally gone bad. If the package has had moisture, you may have mold and bacteria growth. Toss it if you have any doubts.
Repurposing Expired Milk Powder for Cooking
Enhancing flavors in baked goods with expired milk powder
The added protein and sugar from milk powder improve the structure and texture of breads, making them loftier and more tender. It also intensifies the color of the crust, making your bread bronzed. Milk powder has a rich, creamy flavor that enhances the taste of baked goods. Adding powdered milk to your baked goods can improve the texture and taste of your desserts.
Using expired milk powder as a flavoring agent in recipes
Milk powder is known for its unique composition. It adds flavor to biscuits and enhances the color and texture of home-baked cakes, prolonging their freshness. When added to ice cream, it also enriches the flavor and gives a smooth, creamy consistency. It heightens flavors when added to baked goods. There is an intense creamy flavor when used in baking recipes.
Making homemade dairy products using expired milk powder
You can make endless homemade dairy products using expired milk powder, from smoothies, and milkshakes to creamer.
Expired Milk Powder in Beverages
Creating milk-based beverages with expired milk powder
Milk-based beverages contain most of the nutritious elements contained in milk. Combine the different milk elements into liquid products of different looks and tastes that can be stored without refrigeration. These products could be supplemented with probiotic components that can be activated upon consumption, allowing storage for extended periods without refrigeration. They encapsulate different therapeutics and vitamin supplements, such as immunosuppressants, high-level antibiotics, and chemotherapy. Their balance of carbohydrates, protein, and lipids, is for individuals suffering from diabetes or lactose intolerance. Expired Milk powder can make hot chocolate and tea.
Incorporating expired milk powder into smoothies and shakes
Powdered yogurt is from dried and powdered yogurt cultures. It is a source of protein, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Protein shakes combine protein powder or natural protein with fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options that elevate this simple, filling drink.
DIY coffee creamer using expired milk powder
Powdered milk may not be everyone’s first choice, but you can use it in your coffee. It makes a good substitute for non-dairy creamer. Using expired powdered coffee creamer will not cause any harm unless there are visible signs of spoilage, such as mold growth or a rancid.
Expired Milk Powder in Skincare and Beauty
Homemade face masks and scrubs with expired milk powder
It keeps your face feeling fresh and rejuvenated, mixing 1/4 cup powdered milk with enough water to form a thick paste. Coat your face with the mixture, let dry, then rinse with warm water.
Nourishing hair treatments using expired milk powder
Milk powder is a rich source of calcium that promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss. It contains Vitamin D, which helps new hair follicles grow, and provides other nutrients like Vitamins A, B6, biotin, and potassium that make the hair soft and shiny.
Exfoliating foot soaks and baths with expired milk powder
For a milk bath, add milk in liquid or powdered form to warm water. Add spoiled milk to homemade face masks or a bath to soften your skin. Mix it with essential oils or other fragrant ingredients if the smell is overbearing. Spoiled milk can replace buttermilk or sour cream in baked goods.
Expired Milk Powder for Gardening
Using expired milk powder as a fertilizer
Any milk, including fresh, expired, evaporated, and powdered, can be used in a garden. Make sure it is diluted. Stick with reduced-fat (2 percent) or low-fat (1 percent) milk, rather than skim or whole options. Mix the milk with water in a 50-50 ratio and pour it into a spray bottle.
Enhancing compost with expired milk powder
Milk can be composted, but avoid it if you are unfamiliar with the process. Composting milk and dairy products has its challenges, and abiding by its rules to effectively do it.
Natural pest repellent using expired milk powder
Spraying your plants with milk will not get rid of bugs from your garden, but the dairy product can culture Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, a well-known bacterial pesticide.
Safety Guidelines for Handling Expired Milk Powder
Proper storage and handling of expired milk powder
Powdered milk lasts longer when free of moisture and oxygen. Keep it in its original package and unopened, to last longer. If you have transferred it to a storage plastic container or bag, you will reduce its shelf life. Use opened containers within three months.
Risks and precautions to consider
A small sip of spoiled milk is unlikely to cause symptoms beyond a bad taste, but drinking larger amounts of spoiled milk can cause stomach distress resulting in abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Disposal methods for unsalvageable milk powder
Put spoiled milk into your food waste bin for collection. Check with your local council to see if this is possible. If you do not have an outdoor space or a food waste bin, make cheese, prepare pet food, and tenderize steaks.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it safe to consume expired milk powder?
Consuming expired milk powder can be safe, but consider these factors:
- Expiration Date: It marks the product’s best quality and safety period. Consuming it shortly after may not pose health risks, but taste and quality could decline.
- Quality and Taste: Over time, milk powder’s flavor and aroma may change. It’s still safe, but taste might not be optimal.
- Storage Conditions: Proper storage matters. Exposure to moisture, heat, or contamination can spoil milk powder faster.
- Health Considerations: Be cautious if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Small Amounts: Fresh products are preferable, especially for vulnerable groups. Use expired milk powder sparingly.
- Alternative Uses: Consider cooking or baking with it, where taste matters less, or in heated recipes to kill potential bacteria.
Can expired milk powder be used in baby formula?
Using expired milk powder in baby formula is not recommended due to safety concerns:
- Nutritional Value: Over time, milk powder loses its nutritional value. The expiration date signifies when it’s nutritionally optimal. Expired milk powder may lack vital nutrients essential for growing infants.
- Contamination Risk: As milk powder ages, it’s more susceptible to moisture and contaminants, fostering harmful bacteria growth like Salmonella or E. coli. This poses a severe health risk to infants, who have developing immune systems.
- Digestive Problems: Expired milk powder can cause digestive issues in infants due to taste changes, odors, and a higher likelihood of digestive discomfort, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
- Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for baby formula preparation, which often mandate using unexpired ingredients to ensure infant safety.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you’re concerned about the safety or quality of baby formula, consult a healthcare professional or pediatrician for guidance on suitable alternatives or addressing specific concerns.
How long can expired milk powder be stored?
The shelf life of expired milk powder depends on several factors:
- Original Quality: Milk powder’s initial quality affects its post-expiration shelf life. High-quality products may last longer than lower-quality ones.
- Packaging: Packaging matters. Airtight containers or vacuum-sealed packs can extend shelf life. Damaged packaging reduces it.
- Storage Conditions: Proper storage is crucial. Keep milk powder in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and contamination.
- Smell and Appearance: Check for spoilage signs, like bad odors or unusual appearance. If it smells or looks off, discard it.
- Taste Test: If milk powder seems fine but is past its expiration, do a taste test. If it tastes bad, don’t use it.
- Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Manufacturers sometimes offer post-expiration usage guidelines. Check the packaging or their website for such information.
What are the potential health risks of using expired milk powder?
Expired milk powder can present health risks, primarily:
- Digestive Issues: Bacteria in expired milk powder, like E. coli or Salmonella, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea as the body tries to eliminate them.
- Nutritional Loss: Over time, milk powder loses vitamins and minerals, especially concerning infants, children, and those with dietary needs.
- Unpleasant Taste and Smell: Expired milk powder may develop unappetizing flavors and odors.
- Allergic Reactions: Changes in protein structure can trigger allergies, particularly in dairy-allergic individuals.
- Foodborne Illness: Harmful bacteria in expired milk powder can lead to foodborne illnesses if not properly heated when used.
- Weakened Immunity: Consistently consuming expired food may weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to illnesses.
- Vulnerable Groups: Infants, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are more at risk from expired milk powder. Ensuring their food is safe is crucial.
Can expired milk powder be donated to food banks?
Donating expired milk powder to food banks is not advisable due to potential health risks. However, there are key considerations:
- Check Local Regulations: Food banks have specific product acceptance guidelines. Contact your local food bank to understand their policies on expired items.
- Expiration Dates: These indicate a product’s safety and quality. Consuming items past their expiration date can cause illness.
- Quality and Safety: Assess donated items for signs of spoilage like odor, mold, or a rancid taste. If present, do not donate.
- Alternatives: Donate non-perishable items within their expiration dates to ensure recipient safety.
- Food Rescue Programs: Some organizations redistribute surplus or near-expiry food to those in need. Explore local options for handling safe-to-eat expired products.
- Educational Outreach: Use expired items for educational purposes, stressing the importance of checking dates and food safety. Raise awareness about responsible food handling.
Summary
Expired milk powder can make smoothies, beverages, and yogurts but check molds, taste, and smell before use. Food waste is high in moisture, but what makes dairy products different from other types of food is their very high moisture and fat content. Use expired milk beyond consumption for compost or fertilizer. Before you give it away, go through a safety check.