What Happens If U Drink Expired Milk

Ever found milk in your fridge past its expiration date and wondered if it’s safe? Drinking expired milk can cause health issues and stomach problems because of bacteria and contamination¹. We’ll look at the differences between “sell-by” and “use-by” labels, milk shelf life, and how to spot spoiled milk to keep food safe.

Most milk sold today has been pasteurized since the late 1800s. This process kills harmful bacteria like E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella¹. But, even pasteurized milk can go bad over time. This depends on bacteria count, storage temperature, and light exposure¹. Studies show unopened milk stays good for 5–7 days after its date, and opened milk for 2–3 days².

The shelf life of milk changes based on its type. Lactose-free and non-fat milk lasts 7-10 days past the “sell-by” date. Reduced-fat milk is safe for 7 days, and whole milk for 5-7 days³. Keeping milk in the fridge is key to making it last longer. The FDA says milk should not be out of the fridge for more than two hours, or one hour if it’s over 90°F³.

Drinking bad milk can upset your stomach, causing pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most symptoms go away in 12-24 hours³. Even though 78% of people throw away milk after its date, confusion about labels leads to nearly 20% of food waste in the U.S².. Knowing how to spot spoiled milk and storing it right can help reduce waste and keep your milk safe and tasty. Learn more about food safety and expiration to make better choices.

Key Takeaways

• Drinking expired milk can lead to health risks due to bacteria growth and contamination.
• Shelf life varies by milk type, with lactose-free and non-fat lasting longer than whole milk.
• Proper storage is crucial, with milk not left out of the fridge for more than 2 hours.
• Spoiled milk can cause digestive distress, but symptoms usually alleviate within 24 hours.
• Understanding signs of spoilage and date labels can reduce food waste and ensure safety.

Understanding Milk Expiration Dates

Knowing when milk expires is key to keeping it fresh and safe. But, milk labels can be tricky, making people throw it away too soon. In fact, 78% of people toss milk and other dairy when the label date passes⁴.

The USDA doesn’t require expiration dates on most foods, except for infant formula⁴. But, most makers put dates on to help you know when it’s best to use the food⁴. Still, the USDA says there’s no standard way to label these dates⁴.

Sell-by vs. Use-by Labels

Labels use different terms like “Best if Used By/Before,” “Sell-By,” “Use-By,” and “Freeze-By” to show when food is at its best⁴. Knowing these terms helps cut down on food waste. Milk can often be good to drink even after the date if it looks and smells fine⁵.

Sell-by dates tell when to take a product off the shelves. Use-by dates mark when quality starts to drop. When buying milk, check the sell-by date for freshness. Then, refrigerate it quickly to keep it good⁵.

Shelf Life of Different Types of Milk

The shelf life of milk changes with its type:

• Lactose-free and non-fat milk can last 7-10 days after the sell-by date.
• Reduced-fat milk usually stays good for up to 7 days after the sell-by date.
• Whole milk generally lasts 5-7 days after the sell-by date.

Keeping milk cold is vital for safety. Aim for a fridge temperature of 38°F to 40°F⁴. Store milk in the fridge’s coldest spot, usually the back⁴.

New milk products with longer shelf lives are now available. They don’t need to be refrigerated until opened⁵. Using up milk before it expires can help reduce food waste. In the U.S., about 30 percent of food is lost or wasted at retail and consumer levels⁵.

How Long Can Milk Be Left Unrefrigerated?

Leaving milk out can be risky for food safety. The FDA says milk should not stay at room temperature for more than two hours. If it’s hotter than 90°F, it’s just one hour⁶. This is because bacteria grow best between 40°F and 140°F⁶⁷.

Harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria can grow fast in milk left out. This can cause serious foodborne illnesses⁶⁸. The FDA says over 48 million people get sick from food each year, with 128,000 needing hospital care⁶.

The type of milk also affects how fast it spoils. Raw milk, being unpasteurized, spoils quicker because of more bacteria⁷. Milks like almond and oat can spoil fast too, because of enzymes⁷.

“Bacteria in food can double in number every 20 minutes when in the danger zone, emphasizing the importance of following the two-hour rule for refrigerated food items.”⁶

To keep milk fresh and safe, store it in the fridge’s main part, not the door. Check the fridge’s temperature, clean containers, and keep the spout clean⁷. By doing these things and not leaving milk out too long, you can lower the risk of getting sick from bad milk.

Signs of Spoiled Milk

Knowing when milk has gone bad is key to keeping it safe and fresh. Expiration dates are a guide, but they don’t always tell the whole story. In fact, sticking to these dates can lead to up to 20% of food waste in America⁹. By recognizing the physical and sensory signs of spoilage, you can decide if milk is still good to drink.

Texture and Color Changes

Fresh milk is smooth and thin, with a bright white color⁹. But when it spoils, it can become lumpy and yellow. These changes happen because of bacteria and the breakdown of milk proteins. Milk in clear containers spoils faster than in cardboard or colored plastic¹⁰.

Sour Odor

A sour smell is a clear sign of spoiled milk. Bacteria make lactic acid, causing a strong odor⁹. This smell gets worse as the milk spoils. If you’re unsure, ask someone else to check the smell¹⁰. Milk exposed to light or air spoils quicker, even if stored right¹⁰.

Unpleasant Taste

The taste is the best way to tell if milk is bad. Spoiled milk tastes sour and unpleasant. Drinking a little might just taste bad, but more can cause stomach problems⁹. Severe symptoms or dehydration after drinking bad milk need medical help⁹.

The shelf life of milk changes based on storage and processing. Milk kept cold lasts longer than room temperature milk¹⁰¹¹. Ultra-filtered milk stays good for 7 to 14 days if unopened¹¹. Powdered milk, however, can last 12 to 24 months if it looks and smells right¹¹.

Risks of Consuming Spoiled Milk

Milk is a common item in many homes, but it can pose health risks if not stored properly. When milk is left out or stored wrong, harmful bacteria grow. This can lead to serious health problems.

Bacterial Overgrowth

Milk has lactose, a sugar that bacteria feed on, causing it to spoil¹². Even pasteurized milk in the U.S. still has some bacteria¹³. Spoiled milk can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting if you drink a whole cup¹³.

Digestive Discomfort

Drinking spoiled milk can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually go away in 12 to 24 hours¹³¹². But, sometimes, symptoms can show up hours or days later¹².

While a little spoiled milk might not hurt, too much is risky. Kids under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems face bigger risks¹⁴.

To avoid the dangers of spoiled milk, always keep it cold. Milk spoils faster at room temperature and shouldn’t sit out for more than two hours¹². By storing milk right and watching for signs of spoilage, you can keep your family safe from expired milk’s risks.

Differences Between Spoiled and Sour Milk

Expired milk can be spoiled or sour. Spoiled milk is pasteurized and has gone bad due to bacteria. Sour milk, on the other hand, is raw and has fermented naturally¹⁵. But, it’s not safe to drink raw milk, whether it’s fresh or sour, because of the risk of getting sick¹⁵.

Pasteurized milk is safe from serious diseases like tuberculosis and brucellosis¹⁵. If it spoils, it can make you feel sick with nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea¹⁵. Even if it’s past the sell-by date, it can still be good for a week if kept cold¹⁵.

Soured milk is made by adding bacteria to pasteurized milk and heating it¹⁵. This is similar to making buttermilk¹⁵. You can also make it by adding an acid to the milk to thicken it and give it a tangy taste¹⁵.

Spoiled milk is usually thrown away, but sour milk is good for baking. You can use it in scones, biscuits, pancakes, cakes, and muffins¹⁶¹⁵. Back in the Depression, people used sour milk to avoid wasting food¹⁵. Today, we still try to use up expired milk to reduce waste¹⁶.

Even though sour milk has uses, people often don’t want to use expired milk because of taste¹⁶. Whole milk is a favorite in many homes, showing a trend towards richer milk types¹⁶.

Myths and Misunderstandings About Milk Expiration Dates

Many people throw away milk that’s still good because of confusion about expiration dates. This mistake leads to a lot of milk being wasted every year¹⁷. By learning the truth about these dates and using our senses, we can cut down on waste and enjoy milk better.

Trusting Dates Over Sensory Cues

One big myth is that milk is bad to drink right after the expiration date. But, unopened milk can stay fresh for 5-7 days after the date¹⁷. Pasteurized milk, for example, is safe to drink 2-5 days after its sell-by date, and can last up to 21 days¹⁸. The best way to check if milk is still good is by smelling and tasting it¹⁷.

Use-by vs. Best Before Dates

Many people get confused between “use-by” and “best before” dates. A use-by date means the product should be eaten before it’s unsafe¹⁷. But, a best before date means the food might start to lose quality but is still safe to eat¹⁷. The FDA wants to make “best if used by” dates standard to avoid throwing away safe food¹⁸.

The shelf life of milk changes based on how it’s processed:

By learning about these differences and trusting our senses, we can make better choices about milk. This helps reduce the 20% of food waste in the U.S. caused by label confusion, saving around $161 billion a year¹⁸.

Tips for Storing Milk Properly

Storing milk right is key to keeping it fresh and stopping bacteria from growing. With 128 million U.S. homes drinking milk often, knowing how to store it is crucial. This helps cut down on the 1.8 billion gallons wasted each year because it’s past its expiration date¹⁹.

The best fridge temperature for milk is about 37°F. This stops harmful bacteria and keeps milk fresh longer²⁰²¹. Place milk on lower fridge shelves where it’s colder to keep it fresh²¹.

Refrigeration Immediately After Purchase

To avoid warm air, buy milk late in your shopping trip²¹. Once home, put it in the fridge right away. This keeps its quality and stops bacteria from growing.

Maintaining Optimal Fridge Temperature

Keep your fridge between 33-39°F (1-4°C) for the best milk storage. Don’t store milk in the door. These spots get too warm when the door opens, making milk spoil faster²¹.

Minimizing Time Out of the Fridge

Keep milk cold to stop bacteria growth. Bacteria grow fast when food gets close to 40°F. So, keep milk cool to prevent spoilage²¹.

Resealing the Container

After using milk, seal the container tightly. This stops contamination and keeps it fresh. A simple step that can make milk last longer and cut down on waste.

Avoiding Drinking Directly from the Container

Don’t drink milk from the bottle or carton. Bacteria from your mouth can get into the milk. This can make it spoil faster and change its taste.

By following these tips, you can cut down on the 36% of people who throw away milk just because it’s past the expiration date¹⁹. Proper storage is key to keeping milk fresh and preventing contamination. This helps reduce waste and ensures you have the best milk for your family.

Can You Freeze Milk to Extend Its Shelf Life?

Freezing milk is a great way to keep it fresh longer and cut down on waste. Most milk types, like cow’s, goat’s, soy, and even breast milk, can stay in the freezer for up to 6 months. But, it’s best to use them within a month for the best taste²². The Dairy Council of California says freezing milk before it expires can make it last longer²³.

Dairy milk like skim, reduced-fat, and whole freezes better than plant-based milks. Milks like almond, coconut, oat, flax, and cashew might get grainy when frozen²³. Still, most milk can be frozen for 3 months without losing much quality or nutrients²⁴.

• Put the milk in a freezer-safe container, leaving room for it to expand.
• Mark the container with the freezing date to track its freshness.
• Freeze it in smaller amounts for easier thawing and less waste.

When you’re ready to thaw the milk, do it slowly in the fridge. Or, thaw it faster by placing it in cold water, changing the water as it warms up²³. After thawing, the milk might be a bit grainy. But, shaking it well or blending it can fix this.

Freezing milk can save you money and reduce waste. But, some milks might taste or feel different after freezing²⁴. For example, sheep’s milk might lose sweetness, and goat’s milk could lose fat, protein, and lactose²⁴. Sweetened condensed milk can’t be frozen in cans because of its sugar content²².

After thawing, use the milk within three to four days for the best taste²³. By freezing and thawing milk correctly, you can save money and reduce waste at home.

Using Slightly Spoiled Milk in Cooking

Don’t throw away that slightly sour milk yet! It might not be good for drinking, but it’s great for cooking. You can make tasty baked goods or use it to marinate meats. This way, you reduce waste and add flavor to your meals.

Milk turns sour when bacteria eat the sugars and make lactic acid²⁵. This is like how buttermilk is made, says Sandor Katz²⁵. Even though some people worry about using it, many cooks and bloggers use slightly sour milk in their recipes²⁶.

Baked Goods Recipes

Sour milk makes baked goods like cornbread, muffins, and pancakes extra tasty²⁵²⁶. It makes them tender and fluffy. For richer treats like panna cotta and ricotta, use whole milk that’s starting to sour²⁵.

Marinating Meats

The acid in sour milk tenderizes meat, making it perfect for marinating²⁵. It breaks down tough fibers, making the meat tender and flavorful. Mix it with herbs, spices, and sweeteners for a balanced taste.

Using slightly spoiled milk in cooking helps reduce food waste and introduces new flavors. But, always check if the milk smells or looks okay. If it’s questionable, it’s safer to throw it away.

When to Discard Expired Milk

Knowing when milk has gone bad is key. Many people throw away food because they don’t understand date labels²⁷. It’s important to look for signs of spoilage, not just the date.

Milk can stay good for a week or even two after the date on the label²⁷. But if it smells sour, has lumps, or mold, it’s time to throw it away. About 40% of people toss milk on the expiration date without checking if it’s still good²⁸.

Young adults are the biggest contributors to food waste²⁷. A family of four can lose up to $1,500 a year²⁷. Many people think sour milk is bad, but it can still be used in recipes²⁸.

When milk is really bad, we can dispose of it in an eco-friendly way. We can mix it with water for plants or add it to compost²⁹. Some places even let us put spoiled milk in food waste bins²⁹. By being aware of spoilage and finding new uses for milk, we can cut down on waste.

Reducing Food Waste with Expired Milk

In the United States, about 133 billion pounds of food is wasted each year. The average family throws away around $1,500 worth of food annually³⁰. A big part of this waste is from expired milk that people throw away because they think it’s not fresh³¹. But, before you toss that milk, think about these ways to use it to cut down on waste and make the most of it.

Just like sourdough, milk changes in a way that’s useful in cooking³¹. Sour milk is great for baked goods. It adds a tangy taste and makes them soft:

• Pancakes
• Waffles
• Biscuits
• Cornbread

Expired milk is also good in savory dishes like soups, stews, and salad dressings. Its slight acidity tenderizes meat and balances flavors:

Expired milk can also be used for beauty treatments. The lactic acid in sour milk softens and exfoliates skin. It’s perfect for:

• Face masks
• Bath soaks
• Foot soaks

When life gives you sour milk, make pancakes!

By getting creative with expired milk, we can greatly reduce waste at home. This not only saves money but also helps the environment by reducing methane emissions from landfills³². So, next time you have expired milk, use it to make something tasty or to pamper yourself.

Conclusion

Knowing when milk expires, spotting spoilage, and storing it right are key to keeping milk safe and cutting down on waste. Spoiled milk can upset your stomach, but the bigger issue is that about 40% of food in the US goes to waste each year. This includes dairy like milk, which makes up about 17% of that waste, costing up to $161.6 billion³³.

Many people throw away milk and other dairy products because they don’t understand the labels. This confusion leads to nearly 20% of food waste in the US. About 78% of consumers toss milk and other dairy items once the labeled date has passed³³.

Studies show that whole and 2% skim milk might be okay to drink for 5-6 days after the expiration date. Fat-free milk could last up to 10 days or more³³. But, it’s important to trust your senses. Look for changes in texture, color, smell, and taste. Improving milk shelf life is possible by focusing on the supply chain and using new technologies³⁴.

To cut down on waste and keep milk safe, store it correctly. Refrigerate it right after buying, keep the fridge at the right temperature, and don’t let it sit out too long. Also, reseal the container and don’t drink from it. While a bit of spoiled milk is okay for cooking or marinating meats, throw away milk that’s clearly spoiled. Being aware of expiration dates, storage, and spoilage signs helps make milk safer and reduces waste.