How long does unopened powdered milk last at room temperature? Properly stored, a package of unopened powdered milk will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months at room temperature. How long does a package of unopened powdered milk last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of unopened powdered milk store in a cool, dry area.When in doubt, it is best to discard the milk.

Both indicate that moisture has entered the package, and there is a chance mold and/or bacteria are present in these circumstances. How can you tell if powdered milk is not fresh? Telltale signs are a yellow discoloration and a bad odor. Once you reconstitute nonfat dry milk, place it in the refrigerator and plan to use it all within five days. Label any container with the date you have opened it, and use its contents within three months. Seal the package well – vacuum sealing is best - to prevent freezer burn, and then you can keep the milk frozen indefinitely. Other nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates and minerals, however, remain unchanged for years.įreezing powdered milk is a good option for long-term storage. The study also determined that the vitamin content of powdered milk declines slowly over time. Stored at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, dried milk tasted bad after four years. By contrast, study samples stored at 90 degrees Fahrenheit lost their flavor after only six months and were unusable after two years. Temperature also factors greatly into successful long-term storage of powdered milk.Ī study by Utah State University found that storage at 50 degrees Fahrenheit preserves the milk’s flavor the best. Powdered milk lasts longer when it is stored away from light in a dark cupboard or in an opaque can or Mylar bag. If you do not have a vacuum sealer, you can use one-gallon zippered freezer bags along with oxygen absorbers. If you have a vacuum sealer, you can repackage the milk in smaller portions in Mylar bags, which you then place into a food-grade bucket. These containers are not suitable for long-term storage, so you must repackage the milk. Just 30 Grams Of This Superfood Provides More Nutrition Than An Entire Meal!Īn exception to this rule would be if you have purchased powdered milk from a warehouse store like Costco or Sam’s Club in bulk, such as in a 25-pound bag or food grade bucket. For long-term storage, it is best to keep powdered milk unopened in its original container. In addition, dried milk lasts longer when it is stored in a container that keeps it protected from moisture and oxygen. Nonfat powdered milk lasts much longer than powdered whole milk or powdered buttermilk, since milk fat is not stable. What accounts for this wide difference? The type of powdered milk is a big factor. Some stores market nonfat dry powdered milk labeled with a 25-year shelf life. Some manufacturers suggest using powdered milk within 18 months, but the USDA states that an unopened container of powdered milk can be stored anywhere from two to 10 years after a “best by” date. The answer depends on the type of powdered milk, the container and the storage details. However, you may be curious how long powdered milk stays fresh.

Powdered milk is also an important item to include in your preparedness stockpile. It is useful as an inexpensive alternative to milk in recipes and is handy to have around when you run out of fresh milk. Powdered milk, a dairy product made by evaporating milk to a dried form, is a great addition to your pantry.

Powdered milk shelf life