Yes

by Karon Brandt

Created on: April 22, 2010

We have often drunk milk from a carton after the expiration date, and none of us has ever had a negative effect from it.

Thoughts on this topic:

1. Smell and taste should be considered before dumping a carton of milk down the sink.

2. Many dates are “sell by” dates, and the milk doesn’t actually “expire” then.

3. Most manufacturers - to play it safe - allow a few days of use beyond the actual “expiration” date of a product.

4. Refrigeration temperatures vary according to the refrigerator and how often the door is opened. Although the suggested temperature inside the fridge should run 37 degrees (milk should be stored between 34 and 38 degrees), the colder the better, and a lower temp will keep the product fresher longer than the stamped expiration date.  

In addition, an unopened container will last longer than an opened one. Milk should be placed back into the fridge ASAP after use, and it should not be left out at room temperatures any longer than necessary.

5. Actually, according to the U. of Missouri State Extension, even if the milk has clotted or it smells a bit off, it should be as safe as yogurt or buttermilk to drink. (http://thegreenists.com)

If you have any second thoughts about it, you could use the milk for baking or cooking. In fact, some recipes call for “soured milk.” You often use relatively small quantities in recipes; it should be safe - and the taste should not be noticeable.

6. Even if the milk has soured, no human should get sick enough to need medical attention over it. You might spit it out or find it unpleasant to taste or smell, but you should not really have a bad reaction.

On the other hand, if you are giving the milk to a small child or cat, the quantity becomes more important. They might vomit, and the side effects would not be worth taking the risk.

Most people can tell by smell or taste if a product is really “bad,” and if you can’t detect an “off odor,” it is probably safe to drink a glass.

If you have a finicky eater who might get sick over the thoughts of drinking “bad milk,” it is not worth taking the chance.

If you realize the expiration date is coming up before you think you can finish the carton, you can place the milk into smaller containers for freezing. Thaw and use as needed.

You should drink milk within a week after opening the container so judge your usage accordingly.

If you are one of the finicky people, you might prefer to go to the store and buy fresh milk. The whole “What if” situation hardly seems worthwhile over a dollar or two of “spilled milk.”

Learn more about this author, Karon Brandt.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.