Shelf Life Tips
- How long does a package of opened powdered milk last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of opened powdered milk store in a cool, dry area and keep tightly closed.
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How long does opened powdered milk last at room temperature? Properly stored, a package of opened powdered milk will generally stay at best quality for about 3 months at room temperature.
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Is powdered milk safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided it is properly stored and the package is undamaged - commercially packaged powdered milk will typically carry a " Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the powdered milk will remain at peak quality.
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Can you keep opened powdered milk in the freezer? Yes, to further extend the shelf life of opened powdered milk, freeze it; place the opened powdered milk inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long does opened powdered milk last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 years, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only — powdered milk that has been kept constantly frozen at 0° F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How can you tell if powdered milk is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the opened powdered milk: if the opened powdered milk develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold or insects appear, it should be discarded.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
