When Does Condensed Milk Go Bad? (2024)

If you see milk in a can, it’s either evaporated or condensed milk. If it’s the latter, it’s the sweet version used in baked goods, desserts, and many other foods and drinks! When does condensed milk go bad?

Condensed milk doesn’t go bad for a long time – at least a year past its best-by or expiration date when it’s sealed. Once opened, it’ll last up to a couple of weeks in the fridge.

We’ll offer the best storage tips for condensed milk to help it retain its quality (and more!), so let’s begin!

What is condensed milk?

Also called sweetened condensed milk, condensed milk is cow’s milk with 60% of the water removed. The main difference between condensed milk and evaporated milk is that condensed milk has water added to it and evaporated milk doesn’t!

What’s the point of condensed milk? It’s great for adding creaminess and sweetness without adding a lot of moisture. Caramel, fudge, creamy pies, and other sweet treats can be made with condensed milk, but you can also add it to ice cream, coffee, or anything that you want to add sweet creaminess to!

Unlike regular cow’s milk, condensed milk is canned and shelf-stable.

What is the shelf life of condensed milk?

Condensed milk will likely have a best-by date printed on the can. If you find a can that’s past its best-by date, there’s good news – it usually is good for at least one more year past that date as long as the can is sealed without signs of damage.

Why is the shelf life of condensed milk so long? Fun scientific fact – the sugar in condensed milk helps thwart the growth of bacteria by limiting the amount of water the bacteria would need to grow!

How long does condensed milk last after opening?

Once you open a can of condensed milk, plan to use it within a week for optimal freshness. However, it’ll likely stay good for 2-3 weeks in the fridge.

Can you use condensed milk after its expiration date?

You can use condensed milk after its expiration date as long as it’s been sealed! Condensed milk is known for its long shelf life, which is at least a year past its printed use-by or best-by date.

How to tell if condensed milk went bad

Condensed milk isn’t prone to going bad quickly, but there are some signs to watch out for to see if it’s gone bad.

Color: Condensed milk should be a pale cream color. 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. If there is any scent besides sweet, it’s a no-go.

Taste: This one is easy! Condensed milk tastes sweet thanks to the added sugar. If it tastes sour, bitter, or just plain bad, it’s definitely past its prime.

What’s the danger in using condensed milk after it’s gone bad?

Using condensed milk after it’s gone bad will make your sweet treats not taste as sweet (and maybe even outright bad), which is the most likely outcome. You probably wouldn’t get seriously sick from using bad condensed milk; it would taste “off”, which can protect you from eating spoiled food).

If you did use condensed milk after it’s gone bad, you might get a bit of an upset stomach and other GI symptoms.

Best storage practices for condensed milk

• Store canned goods like condensed milk in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing condensed milk in hot areas (above 95 degrees Fahrenheit), next to sources of heat, or near direct sunlight.
• Throw away any cans of condensed milk that are damaged, such as severely dented.
• Once opened, store condensed milk in a covered container. You can store it in the can in the fridge, but it’s best to transfer it to a glass or plastic container so it doesn’t take on a taste from being stored in the tin.
• You can transfer the condensed milk into another container and freeze it, but it can change the texture of the milk when it’s thawed.

Condensed milk shelf life summary

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