Powdered milk can last a long time when stored properly, with extended shelf life achieved through avoiding extremes in heat and humidity.
Mylar bags or #10 cans are ideal for storing products. Other containers, such as jars, may also be used but will reduce shelf-life due to their open structure.
1. Freeze it
Prep and storage techniques that extend the shelf life of dry milk can significantly increase its longevity, providing protection from oxidation, heat degradation, moisture and more. An airtight container will prevent oxygen from entering and hastening its degradation; best kept cool and dark for best results.
To extend the shelf life of powdered milk, you can use a vacuum sealer to remove air, add oxygen absorbers, and desiccants, then store in an airtight jar or can – then when you need some, just scoop out of a can or glass jar and reconstitute with water!
Mylar bags offer another long-term storage option. When sealed properly, these metallic-looking pouches become completely impervious to air and moisture penetration. You can add desiccants at the bottom and oxygen absorbers at the top before sealing – this combination can keep milk fresh for 15 years!
If you don’t own a vacuum sealer, one-gallon freezer bags with oxygen absorbers may still work to preserve milk for storage purposes. When using this method, be sure to transfer it into either metal or glass airtight containers as plastic can pick up flavors that affect its taste and smell.
Not only can you utilize the methods described above, but you can also purchase canned dry milk that has been processed to prolong its storage. Such cans typically bear labels indicating nitrogen or carbon dioxide content to replace oxygen in the air; as a result, these will likely outlive traditional milk. Furthermore, their vitamin and mineral content exceed that of standard products.
2. Vacuum seal it
Some individuals use vacuum sealers to repackage milk powder they purchase in bulk, increasing its shelf life by eliminating oxygen and reducing moisture. This method also preserves taste. It is best stored in a cool area to prevent spoilage.
Dry powdered milk has an indefinite shelf life when stored in an ideal climate, providing emergency and long-term survival food storage options. To extend its longevity and maintain flavor consistency it’s essential that expiration dates be checked regularly – rotate it every six months as this prevents off flavors developing due to oxidation; label all containers accordingly so you know exactly which contents they contain.
Mylar bags, metallic-looking pouches that are completely impervious to air and moisture, make an excellent long-term storage container for milk. Metal cans or plastic jars may be suitable for short term storage; however, their shelf lives will be shorter. Furthermore, adding desiccant and oxygen absorber may reduce moisture accumulation that causes rapid spoilage of milk.
#10 cans are another safe and cost-effective way of storing milk for extended periods, as they offer protection from water, heat and light exposure as well as pressure from vacuum sealers – providing a convenient method of long-term storage of milk.
3. Place it in food grade buckets
If you don’t have access to a vacuum sealer, food grade buckets or Mylar bags offer an effective alternative way of storing powdered milk for long term storage. Mylar bags feature metallic-looking pouches which seal tightly against air and moisture penetration when sealed shut and provide effective long-term storage solutions. However, for even longer term storage solutions add oxygen absorbers and desiccants for added peace of mind.
Powdered milk shelf life depends heavily on its environment of storage – temperature and humidity fluctuations as well as cross-contamination risks are key components. If left in its original 25 pound bag for too long it will quickly succumb to high levels of humidity and temperature fluctuation which will reduce its longevity considerably.
Powdered milk’s shelf life is further determined by how much sunlight it’s exposed to. As powdered milk contains Vitamin A and D which are light sensitive, exposing them to sunlight can accelerate their breakdown more rapidly than storing in an environment such as basement or pantry. To maximize shelf life for powdered milk, avoid placing it directly under direct sunlight as much as possible.
Making sure that you have an emergency food supply in place is always wise, and powdered milk should be included as part of that supply. Not only is powdered milk an economical food option that can be used in various recipes and beverages, but storing it correctly will ensure its long-term survival. If you have any inquiries or require help regarding emergency powdered milk storage please reach out – we are more than happy to assist!
4. Place it in #10 cans
Powdered milk’s shelf life depends heavily on how it’s packaged and stored, with vacuum sealing in Mylar bag placed inside a food grade bucket with oxygen absorbers being the ideal long-term method. Proper storage should extend its life up to 15 years. When storing powdered milk it must remain out of direct sunlight as any UV rays could damage it irreparably, leading to yellow discoloration or off odors being telltale signs that something has gone bad with its nutritional value.
Online retailers also sell nonfat dried milk that has been specially prepared for long term storage, available in 25-pound bags or food grade buckets. Canned products may provide another viable solution; they’re easier to open and close, however. You could place these cans into the freezer but will not protect against freeze burn as effectively as a vacuum sealed product would.
Milk can also be stored effectively by placing it in a gallon-sized glass jar fitted with desiccant and oxygen absorber to protect it from moisture absorption but won’t stop its spoilage; this approach may prove more cost-effective than purchasing cans, though you won’t gain as much storage time.
Given the high nutrient levels present in powdered milk, it’s vital that you stockpile enough for your family in an emergency situation. Use our food storage calculator to estimate how much should be stored away for future needs.
5. Place it in an airtight container
Dry milk can last indefinitely when stored in an airtight container. By contrast, when kept open or cardboard packaging shortens its shelf life. Therefore, investing in food storage containers that allow vacuum sealing of powdered milk will extend its shelf life significantly.
As this will prevent moisture and oxygen from infiltrating the product and prolong its shelf life, as well as ensure you store powdered milk in an ideal location away from light or heat (factors which could potentially hasten spoilage of milk), it’s also crucial that it remains at room temperature when storing.
When purchasing nonfat powdered milk from a food storage provider, it will typically come packaged in either a 25# bag or an #10 can. Unfortunately these containers aren’t ideal for long-term storage; to do this properly you will need to repackage it using Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers – the best method is likely to be Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers.
Oxygen is one of the leading contributors to dried milk’s decomposition. Exposure to oxygen can speed up its spoilage; moisture also hastens this process. Storing it in an airtight container will help preserve its quality and extend its shelf life.
Storage of milk in the freezer will increase its shelf life, but for easier use and reduced space usage it should be frozen in smaller batches. Furthermore, powdered milk should also be stored in a cool and dark area so as not to absorb odors or nutrients from its environment.
