How To Tell If Your Canned Evaporated Milk Has Spoiled (2024)
allen foster
·2 min read
The difference between milk and evaporated milk is that the latter has been heated until the majority of its water — about 60% — has, fittingly enough, evaporated. While the term might make you think it's some kind of powdery substance, evaporated milk is a decadently rich and creamy ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of recipes. You can add it to restaurant-worthydips, sauces, soups, custards, desserts, and more. 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.
Two years is a long time, so if you can't remember how long you've had your evaporated milk, be extra cautious so you can avoid using an expired can. Don't just open it and add it to a recipe without thinking about how long it's been on the shelf; if you do, you may ruin your entire mixture and have to start over.
Other Was To Tell If Your Evaporated Milk Has Gone Bad
The first and best way to determine the state of your evaporated milk is to check the bottom of the can prior to opening — that's where the "Best if used by" information is usually stamped. However, this shouldn't be your sole criterion, as evaporated milk doesn't just turn bad within a 24-hour window. Once you open the can, use your senses to determine if the milk is safe for consumption.
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.
One last tip: Remember that evaporated milk and condensed milk are not the same. 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.
Smell: Spoiled evaporated milk emits an off, sour, or even putrid odor. A fresh can should have a mild, sweet smell typical of dairy. Taste: Should the milk pass the smell test, a small sip must be taken to assess its flavor. Any sourness or an unpleasant aftertaste means the milk should be discarded.
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.
Both evaporated and condensed milk are shelf-stable for more than a year, as long as the cans are unopened and stored in a cool, dark place. If the milk is yellow or dark brown, has a putrid smell, or has a curdled texture, the milk has soured and should not be used.
Don't stress too much if you end up using evaporated milk after it's gone bad – you're not likely to get seriously sick, but if any symptoms become more serious you should always check in with your healthcare provider!
Fat separation is a continuous problem in the production, handling, and storage of evaporated milk. This defect becomes most objectionable during pro- longed quiescent storage at high temperatures.
In short, by looking at it. If your milk has turned dark yellow or brown, don't use it. Two years is a long time, so if you can't remember how long you've had your evaporated milk, be extra cautious so you can avoid using an expired can.
An off odor is a clear sign of spoilage; evaporated milk should have a mildly sweet smell, not a sour or unpleasant one. The taste should not be altered; if the milk tastes sour or distinctly different from its original flavor, it should not be used.
Evaporated milk comes in three varieties based on the amount of fat: whole milk, low-fat and skim. 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.
Can the color of the sweetened condensed milk vary? Yes, it should have an off-white color. However, as the product ages it may darken in color and thicken. As long as the Best If Used By date is still current, the product can still be used.
Spoiled milk will produce a sour smell as the bacteria produce lactic acid. The smell will intensify after the milk becomes unsafe for consumption. A yellowy color, crusts around the edges, and lumps in the milk also indicate that it is off.
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 ).
In most cases, symptoms caused by drinking spoiled milk resolve within 12-24 hours. The key is to prevent dehydration by sipping small amounts of fluid that contain sugar or electrolytes, such as popsicles and oral rehydration fluids (Pedialyte® for children).
With enough time, the texture and color of milk that has spoiled will change as well. It may begin to develop a slimy, chunky texture and dingy, yellow color.
One should inspect the milk for: Discoloration: Any deviation from the milk's uniform creamy color, such as yellowing or browning, suggests spoilage. Texture Changes: Evaporated milk should be fluid and smooth. The presence of lumps or a gelatinous consistency indicates it has gone bad.
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. Read the original article on Mashed.
As for whether you can drink evaporated milk right out of the can, it's safe to do so. Because the only real difference is the water content, evaporated milk is pretty similar when it comes to nutritional value. However, the taste and texture of evaporated milk can be somewhat off-putting to many people.
Condensed milk follows the same slow-cook process, but there's also sugar in the mix, so it becomes thick and caramelized. That means the difference between evaporated and condensed milk all boils down to condensed milk's added sugar.
If the color is dark or obviously yellow, it can be a sign it's gone bad. Texture: Condensed milk is thicker than regular milk, but should still be pourable. If the condensed milk is so solid that you can't pour it, it's time to replace it. Smell: Condensed milk should smell pleasantly sweet.
Introduction: My name is Corie Satterfield, I am a fancy, perfect, spotless, quaint, fantastic, funny, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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