How long does milk last after the best-before date? Many people wonder whether milk can still be safely consumed after the best-before date has passed . The good news: milk is often edible for much longer than the date suggests. With a little knowledge about shelf life and storage, you can easily use milk even after the best-before date – and thus save valuable food from being thrown away.
The most important information at a glance
-
The best-before date guarantees the quality until a certain date; after that date, milk is not automatically inedible.
-
Fresh milk keeps for about a week, ESL milk (a mixture of fresh and UHT milk) for several weeks, and UHT milk even for months after the best-before date.
-
Proper storage in the refrigerator under optimal conditions is crucial for shelf life.
-
Those who prioritize sustainable consumption can even order milk after its best-before date from SIRPLUS, thus actively avoiding food waste .
What does the best before date (BBD) mean?
The "best before" date indicates the date until which milk retains its best quality under optimal conditions. It is not an expiration date, but rather a guideline. Many types of milk are still perfectly edible even after this date has passed, provided they have been stored correctly. A simple sensory check can often determine whether the milk is still good – saving you money and protecting the environment.
The actual shelf life after the best-before date can vary depending on the manufacturer and type of milk, but milk generally lasts longer than you might think.
How long after the best-before date is milk still edible?
The shelf life depends on the type of milk:
-
Fresh milk: approximately 7 days
-
ESL milk: several weeks
-
UHT milk (ultra-high temperature treated): due to special processing, it has a longer shelf life, usually several months.
-
Plant-based milk: several weeks and sometimes even several months
Opened packages should be consumed within a few days to maintain quality.
Signs of spoiled milk
You can recognize spoiled milk by:
-
sour smell
-
flaky or yogurt-like consistency
-
bitter taste
A bulging package or damage to the packaging are also warning signs. However, as long as milk looks, smells, and tastes fresh, there's nothing wrong with drinking it – even after the best-before date.
Storage tips to extend shelf life
-
Proper storage of milk is crucial: The optimal storage location in the refrigerator is the middle compartment, as constant temperatures prevail there.
-
Fresh milk should be stored at 5 to a maximum of 8 degrees Celsius to ensure freshness and shelf life.
-
Store unopened UHT milk in a cool, dark place; after opening, also store it in the refrigerator.
-
Always close the milk carton tightly to prevent foreign odors.
-
Raw milk ( completely untreated milk) is particularly sensitive and must always be stored at a maximum of 8 degrees Celsius, as it has a separate use-by date.
-
Excessively high temperatures can significantly shorten the shelf life.
Freezing milk
Milk can easily be frozen for up to a year. Small portions, for example in ice cube trays, make it easier to measure out the amount needed when thawing. Thawing should be done slowly in the refrigerator. The consistency may change slightly, but the milk will still be perfectly safe to drink.
Methods for preserving milk
-
Various processes such as pasteurization, ultra-high temperature processing (UHT), high-temperature processing and microfiltration ensure a longer shelf life .
-
Heating kills germs and significantly improves shelf life.
-
The ESL process combines microfiltration and short-time heating.
-
Homogenization ensures an even distribution of fat and a pleasant consistency.
Dairy products: Shelf life and storage
Popular dairy products like yogurt, butter, and cream also last longer when stored properly. They are indispensable in German cuisine and offer a wide range of uses in cooking and baking.
Tips for avoiding food waste
-
Use milk in time and note the opening date.
-
Use excess milk not only for drinking, but also for cooking and baking.
-
Conscious handling and knowledge of shelf life help to reduce food waste.
-
Those who want to do even more can order milk from SIRPLUS after the best-before date and thus actively contribute to resource conservation.
Summary
Milk is a food that often stays edible longer than the best-before date suggests. With the right knowledge about storage and shelf life, you can safely consume milk even after the best-before date – good for you and the environment.
