10 Ways to Use Your Milk

Most people have experienced pulling milk out of the fridge, seeing the date code is tomorrow and wanting to use that milk now! But what does the date code really mean? If the milk smells okay past the date code can you still use it? Does milk really freeze well?

We’ve got the answers to all these questions, plus creative tips and recipes to use that milk before it goes bad!

Keep Your Milk Fresh

Here’s our top tips for keeping your milk fresh so you can enjoy it.

Time it Right – The sell-by date or the date code is typically the last day the grocery store plans to sell the product. The milk is usually good 7-10 days past this date if it has been properly refrigerated.

Proper Placement – Store milk on the bottom shelf to keep it as cold as possible. Keep your fridge at 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit to maximize freshness.¹

The Nose Knows – Discard milk products that develop an off flavor, odor or appearance.

Freeze It – Freeze milk in an airtight container with a half-inch gap at the top – it will stay good for up to three months. Milk often separates when frozen, so thawed milk works best for cooking and baking versus drinking. Stir well before using it.²

Make the Most of Your Milk

Still have milk that you want to use up? Try these ideas and recipes to get every last drop.

1. Freeze milk into ice cubes to add to smoothies, sauces or soups.
2. Marinate and tenderize chicken: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to whole milk. Let sit 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper and favorite seasonings. Pour over chicken and refrigerate overnight.
3. Prep homemade popsicles by blending milk with yogurt and fruit, then freezing in a popsicle mold. Our Creamy Mixed Berry Pops are a tasty version of this.
4. Use milk instead of water when making things like oatmeal, hot cocoa, mac and cheese, etc.
5. Make overnight oats with milk. Try our Overnight Oats with Apple and Peanut Butter.
6. Make a homemade latte. They are easier than you might think! We are partial to our Salted Caramel Apple Latte – delicious any time of year!
7. Have cookies and milk. But, not just any cookies and milk. Take it up a notch with our Sweet Potato Cookies with Warm Cinnamon Milk.
8. Whip up a batch of smoothies with your favorite frozen fruit, yogurt and milk.
9. Make your own yogurt! If you have a programmable pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot, it will do the work for you. Follow our Homemade Yogurt
10. Make a batch or two of our Herb Biscuits. You can eat them now or freeze for later.

Thanks to our colleagues at Dairy Max for some of these tips and ideas. You can get more of their tips for using milk here.

References

1. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. “Danger Zone” (40 °F – 140 °F). https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/danger-zone-40-f-140-f/ct_index
2. Save the Food. Food Storage Directory – Dairy, Eggs. http://www.savethefood.com/food-storage/dairy