Storing Evaporated and Sweetened Condensed Milk (2024)

FAQs

Storing Evaporated and Sweetened Condensed Milk? ›

Both should always be refrigerated after opening. Due to its high sugar content, condensed milk will last longer after opening than evaporated milk but use both optimally within five to seven days after opening. Freezing of evaporated milk is not recommended.

Refrigerating unopened cans doesn't notably enhance milk quality. For opened evaporated milk, make sure it is sealed tightly and refrigerated. Since tin cans are challenging to firmly seal, transferring the milk to an airtight plastic container is ideal.

First off, condensed milk stores like a dream. It will keep in the fridge for about a month, or even longer in the freezer. Just be sure to transfer the leftover liquid out of the can and into a jar or other sealed container first.

Sweetened condensed milk has a longer shelf time due to its high level of sugar. Canned condensed milk can be shelved for up to a year even without refrigeration. However, after being exposed to air, canned condensed milk must be stored in the refrigerator, decreasing its shelf time significantly.

Evaporated milk:

It is possible to freeze evaporated milk, and it is kept in the freezer for three to six months. You should never freeze it in a can because this may damage the container.

Evaporated milk gives body to smoothies, thickens up and sweetens coffee, and adds nuance and richness to creamy soups and chowders, not to mention savory sauces and even oatmeal. If you don't have much of a sweet tooth, you can also use it in place of sweetened condensed milk in plenty of desserts.

Once opened, the shelf life diminishes significantly, and it should be used within a few days. While it can endure past the expiration date when unopened, it's not recommended to use sweetened condensed milk if it shows signs of spoilage such as an off smell, color change, or the presence of mold.

Both are concentrated, shelf-stable milk products that have been heated until at least 60 percent of their water content has evaporated. The main difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk is that evaporated milk is unsweetened while condensed milk is sweetened.

And while milk might only last a week in the refrigerator, unopened evaporated milk that is properly stored can last up to two years. But how can you tell when it's gone bad? In short, by looking at it. If your milk has turned dark yellow or brown, don't use it.

Can evaporated milk be stored at room temperature? ›

Evaporated Skim Milk

The resulting product is canned and sterilized. This product should be stored at a temperature of less than 60°F (16°C).

The high sugar content in sweetened condensed milk acts as a natural preservative, allowing unopened cans to be stored in a cool, dry place without refrigeration. Once a can of condensed milk is opened, proper storage becomes crucial to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage.

Obviously, since these are usually packaged in cans, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk can last for a long time on your pantry shelves. But if your recipe calls for only a portion of a can and you won't be using it soon for something else, you can freeze your leftovers as you would regular milk.

Put any unused evaporated milk into an air tight container. Store in the fridge. Use within 5 to 7 days. Do not freeze evaporated milk because it will become watery.

Non-fat Dry Milk/Dairy Products

Dry milk may be stored at 70oF for 12 - 24 months. If purchased in nitrogen packed cans, storage time for best quality will be 24 months. Other dairy products for long term storage may include canned evaporated milk, pasteurized cheese spreads and powdered cheese.

Evaporated milk is recognized for being shelf-stable, which means it can safely be stored unopened at room temperature for a significant period. Key factors that contribute to its shelf life include: Packaging in cans: Provides an airtight and light-resistant environment.

Yes, NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk should be refrigerated after opening. As with any fresh milk, use within a few days. Clean can top after each use and keep covered or transfer to an airtight glass or plastic container.

Food Safety Tips

Storage: To minimize the risks of spoilage and bacterial growth, an opened can of evaporated milk should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated immediately.

Besides looking inside the can to evaluate the milk's color, you can also give it a quick sniff test. If the smell is off, that's yet another sign the can has spoiled. Also, short of tasting it, you can stir the contents to make sure the milk is still smooth. If it's lumpy, it's time to toss.