How Long Does Unopened Evaporated Milk Last? (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does Unopened Evaporated Milk Last? ›

Unopened containers of evaporated milk generally last for 12 to 18 months past the date of manufacture when stored in a cool, dry pantry. The best-by date stamped on the can is a helpful indicator of peak quality but is not an absolute expiration date.

And while milk might only last a week in the refrigerator, unopened evaporated milk that is properly stored can last up to two years.

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.

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.

How long can I keep Eagle Brand^® Sweetened Condensed Milk on my pantry shelf? Unopened and stored in a cool, dry area, our milk will last for about two years. Please refer to the Best If Used By date on the bottom of the can.

As long as there aren't any major dents or signs of damage to the can, you can generally use evaporated milk even past its expiration date or best-by date. A couple of weeks to a few months is likely feasible, but if it's past its best-by date with signs that it's gone bad, then toss it.

Evaporated milk is simply regular milk that has been heated so that over half of its water content has evaporated. You end up with a condensed version of the dairy product (not to be confused with condensed milk, which is sweetened). Evaporated milk is sterilized and canned so it can last a long time on the shelf.

Evaporated milk, condensed milk, and other shelf-stable milk should be used within a year of their expiration date. This applies to powdered milk as well.

The benefit of evaporated milk is shelf-life: canned milk can remain stable for up to two years for peak flavor, and maybe longer. If you open a can of evaporated milk and it is dark yellow or brown, don't use it. Same goes for milk that smells bad or is curdled.

How do you know if evaporated milk is bad? Check the color and smell of the evaporated milk. If it has an off-putting odor or a strange color, it may be spoiled. Additionally, if there are any signs of mold or an unusual texture, it's best to discard it.

What are the cons of evaporated milk? ›

Potential downsides

Evaporated milk may be problematic for people with lactose intolerance or cow's milk allergy (CMA), as it contains more lactose and milk proteins per volume, compared with regular milk. Lactose is the main type of carb found in milk and dairy products ( 20 ).

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.

Evaporated milk, known in some countries as "unsweetened condensed milk", is a shelf-stable canned cow's milk product for which approximately 60% of the water has been removed from fresh milk.

If you open an UNopened can, you will find that the milk may become a little more dark in colour after a year or two, but this is completely safe, and the product can be used for as long as you like.

While evaporated milk is white and smooth, condensed milk is yellow and thick. If you don't keep this in mind, you may throw away a can of perfectly good condensed milk because of its golden color.

If stored properly, in fact, canned milk can last up to six months before you need to worry about it declining in quality. To store unopened canned milk for as long as possible, be sure to place it in a cool, dry location like a kitchen cabinet, a basem*nt, or a temperature-regulated garage.

Store in a cool, dark place away from heat. Since the milk solids can settle to the bottom, you must be sure to turn stored cans upside down every few weeks. While canned milk will keep far longer than uncondensed milk, you will still need to use it within six months.

Throw out cans that are: leaking, rusted, dented, cracked or have bulging lids. Put any unused evaporated milk into an air tight container. Store in the fridge. Use within 5 to 7 days.

Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling).