No matter what your dietary preference, milks are a staple in most refrigerators. Some of us rely on expiration dates and others the "sniff test" is good enough.
We put together a quick guide for you on all of the favorites so whether you're tracking from memory or using our LightTags to track, you can get a little smarter on what to expect from your cookie's favorite sidekick.
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Recommended time to save some of your favorites:
🥛 Dairy Milks 🐄
Whole, low-fat & skim: 5-7 days
Cream (light or heavy): 7-14 days
Buttermilk: 7-14 days
Evaporated or condensed: 5 to 7 days
Cream (light or heavy): 7-14 days
Buttermilk: 7-14 days
Evaporated or condensed: 5 to 7 days
Goat milk: 5 to 7 days
🥥 Non-Dairy Milks 🌰
Oat milk: 14-21 days
Nut milk: 7-10 days
Coconut milk (carton): 7-10 days
Coconut milk (canned): 4 to 7 days
Nut milk: 7-10 days
Coconut milk (carton): 7-10 days
Coconut milk (canned): 4 to 7 days
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Store milk safely
Giving yourself the best shot at using everything in the fridge can come down to making sure you're storing it in the best possible way. Always remember these guidelines:
1- Check your fridge temp: 40 degrees F is recommended
2- Keep it sealed: Always store in air-tight containers
3- Smell test: Always double check your milks before consuming, even if storing safely. If it smells off, don't risk it-- toss it!
2- Keep it sealed: Always store in air-tight containers
3- Smell test: Always double check your milks before consuming, even if storing safely. If it smells off, don't risk it-- toss it!
❄️ Can't use it? Freeze! ❄️
When your LightTag goes to yellow (meaning there's only one day remaining), you're heading out of town, or maybe just got a great deal on milk at the store (winning!), it's great to know there's an alternative to letting your milk go bad.
Most milks can be frozen for up to 6 months, so if you're getting close to the expiration date, freeze it to use later!
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Best to
Portion your milks according to what you know you'll use.
Portion your milks according to what you know you'll use.
TRY: Freezing in ice cube trays and transferring to a freezer container or storing in air-tight freezer bags in 1-cup increments. If you freeze in ice cube trays, pop them out and keep them sealed in a durable, resealable bag like this Stasher one:
https://www.stasherbag.com/products/reusable-silicone-half-gallon-bag?variant=19694101299286
Always
Label your milk with type of milk and date frozen.
Label your milk with type of milk and date frozen.
TRY: Dedicating a section of your freezer and organizing with the oldest at the front. We love these freezer organizers:
https://youcopia.com/collections/fridge-organizers/products/freezeup-freezer-rack-12
Avoid
Storing in cartons since milk expands when frozen and lose the seal.
Storing in cartons since milk expands when frozen and lose the seal.
Remember that all milks can separate after they're frozen, so thaw in the fridge and you may have to give them a good shake before drinking.