Bought cans of sweetened condensed milk to make a recipe you wanted to try. The most used sweetened condensed milk is an ingredient in baking. It is used to make cookies, bars, brownies, cakes, and pies. It is used to make candies, fudge, puddings, frostings and toppings, and even ice cream. And left with a few cans in a cabinet that has passed the date printed on the label, wondering does sweetened condensed milk goes bad?
Although you may find a way to use your milk, ensure you are 100% safe. You will be able to use your sweetened condensed dairy milk for many years. Let’s learn more about how to store, shelf-life, and not many dangers of sweetened condensed dairy milk.
How to store sweetened condensed milk?
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Storage of sweetened condensed milk works the same way as storing evaporated Milk, which is the unsweetened version, or as any other canned food.
Keep the unopened can as long as it is not being used in a dry and free from moisture area to prevent the can from rusting. The best quality can be preserved for the long-term by being in an area where temperatures don’t fluctuate too much.
Although temperature fluctuations will not cause this dairy product to go bad, it might lessen the quality after opening.
After opening the can, it is important to keep sweetened condensed dairy milk sealed and refrigerated.
There are several options for sealing open cans.
- Place the rest in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Use a rubber band and plastic wrap to create a temporary seal and refrigerate.
While the former is the better option, the latter can be used for a few days.
Condensed milk can absorb any odors from your fridge and could smell like sausage, if not sealed properly.
Always store homemade sweetened condensed milk in the fridge. Of course, after it has been cooled down. This is true for any recipe that uses condensed milk, caramel, or other sweeteners.
Can you freeze Sweetened Condensed Milk?
You can freeze condensed milk leftovers if you don’t want to use them within a week.
Thawing can cause some separation, and texture may be slightly altered. However, this is usually not much of an alteration.
If you intend to cook it to make caramel, the slightly altered texture will be a problem.
Before freezing large quantities, try freezing small quantities first.
You can freeze condensed milk leftovers in an airtight container. You can also use the same method to freeze frozen almond milk and coconut milk.
It is not a good idea to freeze an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk. The seams can be damaged by freezing. This product is durable and can be stored for years without freezing also.
How long does sweetened condensed milk last?
Sweetened condensed milk can last years, just like other canned goods. Although has a best-by-date on the label it is just a guarantee of food safety. Can retain their quality for a longer period.
So, unopened sweetened condensed dairy milk should retain its best quality for at least a year after the date printed on the label. It can easily last another decade if it is stored correctly.
Although the quality may be a little less than expected, such as a change in texture or taste, it will still be safe to use and likely very good. Again, if you keep the can intact!
The leftovers will not last very long once you open the can. Although should be consumed within 3 to 4 days according to Eagle Brand, it can last much longer. This condensed milk with added sugar should last for at least a few more days than its non-added sugar one. It should keep its quality for at least two weeks. If you keep it in an airtight container and seal it tightly.
You can use any condensed milk left in the original tin within 3 to 4 days.
For homemade condensed milk, make sure you check the instructions for how long it can be stored according to the recipe used in the refrigerator.
In conclusion, unopened sweetened condensed milk can be stored in the pantry for best by date + 1-2 years. And an opened sweetened condensed milk stored in the fridge can last up to 2 weeks.
How to tell if sweetened condensed milk is bad?
Unopened sweetened condensed milk
Tins are almost sterile environments Which means that nothing can get in or out of the tin until it is opened. The milk won’t spoil if there are no bacteria.
Tinning involves steps to prevent bacteria from reaching the milk product. It is nearly impossible to open a can of spoiled condensed dairy milk.
This is only true if the cans were properly stored and handled. Throw away any cans that are leaking, rusted, or have holes. Condensed milk in them will almost be gone bad.
Open condensed milk
Fresh condensed milk is creamy yellowish and flows just like chocolate syrup out of a bottle.
- Spoiled sweetened condensed milk color has color changes like becoming more yellower or discoloration.
- If it has got sour smell or change in texture that is not the same as a fresh one.
Give it a shot to taste if everything looks fine and it isn’t stored for longer than 2 to 3 weeks. You can decide whether it is safe to use or not based on its taste.
Finally, can condensed milk go bad? Yes, it can. But!
- Condensed milk will not spoil if it is in an unopened container. If the can becomes puffed, rusty, or leaky, it should be thrown away.
- Condensed milk can last for up to a year after the expiration date. The leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for approximately two weeks after you open the tin.
- The product will keep its quality for approximately two weeks after being opened. After that time, the flavor and overall quality of the product will begin to degrade.
- Freezing is an alternative if you require to store for more time.
How do you store condensed dairy milk? As long as it is not opened, it will need to be stored in a dry and cool place away from heat sources. After you have opened the can, place the remaining condensed milk in an airtight container and refrigerate.
