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Your Guide to The Shelf Life of Milk: How Long Does Milk Last Once Opened?

Milk is a household staple but keeping it tasting fresh and delicious can sometimes be a challenge - don’t worry, we’ve got the tips to help! From pasteurised milk to dairy-free and long-life milk, each dairy delicacy has a unique shelf-life and storage requirements.

So, how do you make the most of your fresh or long-life milk? We’ve put together a simple guide to walk you through the different shelf lives of various kinds of milk, how to store them properly and what to look out for when milk is off.
 

Understanding the Shelf Life of Different Types of Milk


Nowadays, most fridges are stocked with a wide array of milk to keep everyone in the family happy. Let’s break down each milk and its varying shelf life.

 

Fresh Milk


Fresh milk, whether whole, semi-skimmed or skimmed, is a go-to for many households. Fresh milk is typically pasteurised which means it has been heated to kill off harmful bacteria. However, this process doesn’t eliminate all bacteria so be sure to keep it refrigerated and enjoy it within three days of opening for that crisp, fresh taste. Always check the ‘Use By’ date on the bottle or carton.

 

Pasteurised Milk


Pasteurised milk has been heat-treated to extend its shelf life, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need refrigerating. Once opened, use within three days and ensure the container is sealed properly to avoid contamination or spoilage.

 

UHT Milk


If you’ve ever seen it in the supermarket but always wondered, ‘what is UHT milk’ and ‘how long does long-life milk last when opened?’ We’re here to help!

UHT milk stands for Ultra-high temperature processed milk and is sometimes called long life milk. It is heated to a higher temperature than pasteurised milk, which is why UHT has a longer shelf life before it's opened and isn’t stored in the fridge in the shops. Long life milk typically has a shelf life of 6-9 months at room temperature, making it a good choice for anyone looking to stock up the pantry. However, once opened, UHT milk also needs to be kept in the fridge and consumed within 7 days.

 

Non-Dairy Alternatives


Plant-based or dairy-free milk alternatives such as oat, almond or soya tend to have varying shelf lives depending on whether they are fresh or UHT. Fresh versions such as our Oato Fresh Oat Drink should typically be consumed within 3 days of opening, whilst UHT dairy-free options can sometimes last for more than a week in the fridge. Don’t forget to check the instructions on the bottle or carton whenever you try out a new brand and give the milk a good shake before you use it, as separation can occur.

 

How to Properly Store Milk for Maximum Freshness


Want to make sure your milk stays fresher for longer? Making the most of your groceries and reducing food waste wherever possible often comes down to proper storage. Here are our top tips for keeping it delicious and ready to use!

 

Refrigeration Tips for Dairy and Non-Dairy Milk


Temperature is key when it comes to milk storage. Always keep your fridge below 5°C and rather than keeping your milk in the door, it’s best to store it in the coldest part of your fridge where the temperature fluctuates less. It’s also important to ensure containers are properly sealed to avoid contamination.
For plant-based milks, give the container a good shake each time you use it as non-dairy milks are prone to (harmless) separation.

 

Can You Store Milk in the Freezer?


Yes, you can! Freezing milk is a great way of reducing waste or storing leftover milk for when you’re in a pinch. To freeze, pour the milk into a freezer-safe container, leaving a few inches for expansion. Thaw it in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 days for the best taste. If you need a little more information, head to our handy guide on freezing milk.

 

Does Packaging Affect Shelf Life?: Cartons vs Bottles


Packaging can impact how long milk stays fresh as the mild liquid is susceptible to flavour change and light oxidation. Researchers have found that glass bottles protect the flavour of milk the best, but plastic or cardboard cartons provide better protection from light oxidisation.

 

How to Spot Spoiled Milk: Key Signs to Look Out For


There’s nothing worse than spoiling a good cup of tea by accidentally adding a splash of spoiled milk to it. Luckily, there are a few signs you can look out for to avoid this mishap:

 

Changes in Smell, Texture and Appearance


Smell: Spoiled milk has a sour odour. If it smells bad, it’s best to bin it.
Texture: If the milk is lumpy or curdled, it’s spoiled.
Appearance: Discolouration or separation in cow’s milk is a sign it’s gone bad. However, separation in plant-based milk is natural.

 

How Plant-Based Milk Spoils Differently


It can be trickier to spot when non-dairy milk has gone off. Look out for a bloated container, off-smell or taste or a slimy texture as an indication that the milk has passed its best.

 

Does Re-sealing Affect Freshness?


Yes! Proper sealing is essential. If you can’t reseal the original milk packaging, transfer it to an airtight container to extend freshness.

 

Want More Tips on Preserving Your Groceries? Check Out Our Other Guides…


Looking to save more and waste less? Whether you’re looking to save some pennies or get the most out of your groceries, safe food storage is really important. For more tips on food preservation, giveaways and delicious dairy recipes, head to our blog. If you’re looking to stock up on milk, browse our full range of milk.