It often goes sour too quickly and ends up in the trash

It Often Goes Sour Too Quickly and Ends Up in the Trash

If you’re talking about milk, the good news is that a few simple storage habits can help it stay fresh longer.

🥛 6 Ways to Keep Milk Fresh Longer

1. Keep it cold
   Store milk at 40°F (4°C) or below. Don’t leave it sitting out on the counter.
2. Store it toward the back of the refrigerator
   The refrigerator door experiences more temperature changes. The back or middle shelf is generally colder and more stable.
3. Put it away immediately
   Return milk to the refrigerator as soon as you’re finished using it.
4. Keep the container closed
   This helps prevent the milk from absorbing odors and reduces contamination.
5. Don’t drink directly from the carton
   Bacteria from your mouth can contaminate the milk and potentially shorten its shelf life.
6. Check before using it
   A sour smell, unusual lumps, or an unpleasant taste are signs that the milk should be discarded.

One Important Tip

The “sell by” or “best by” date isn’t necessarily the exact day milk becomes unsafe. Proper refrigeration is much more important. However, when in doubt—especially if the milk has been stored improperly—it’s safer to throw it away.