Buttermilk powder is a versatile ingredient used in many recipes like pancakes, biscuits, and ranch dressing. Like other dairy products, buttermilk powder does expire and go bad eventually. However, its powdered form allows it to last much longer than fresh buttermilk. Here are some signs to check if your buttermilk powder has gone bad and is no longer safe to use.
Check the Expiration Date
The first thing to look at is the expiration date printed on the buttermilk powder packaging. This will give you an idea of how long the powder should stay fresh and retain its quality. An unopened package of buttermilk powder typically lasts 6-12 months past its printed expiration date when stored properly.
Once opened, the powder will start to lose potency more quickly. You can generally use opened buttermilk powder for 4-6 months past its expiration date if it has been stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If your powder is past both its unopened and opened expiration dates, it’s a good idea to check it carefully for other signs of spoilage.
Check the Color
Fresh buttermilk powder should be a light creamy white color. As it starts to go bad, the color will become more yellow or tan. Off-white powder that looks slightly yellowish is a sign that the quality is deteriorating. If the powder has developed dark yellow, orange, or brown spots, that is a clear indication it has gone rancid and should be discarded.
Smell the Powder
A fresh powder will have a mild creamy aroma, similar to dried milk powder. If the buttermilk powder smells sour, bitter, or unpleasant in any way, it has likely gone bad. Rancid powder will have an especially distinct stale, sour odor. Even a slightly “off” smell means you shouldn’t use it for cooking or baking.
Check the Texture
Buttermilk powder should have a very fine, smooth texture. If it has become clumpy, rocky, or hardened into solid pieces, that’s a sign of moisture exposure. Discard any buttermilk powder that is noticeably clumpy or hard compared to its original consistency.
Taste the Powder
If you’re still unsure after looking, smelling, and feeling the powder, you can taste a tiny bit to check the flavor. Fresh buttermilk powder should taste mildly tangy and creamy. Rancid powder will immediately taste bitter, sour, or unpleasantly strong if you taste it. Even a slightly “off” flavor means it should be discarded.
Look for Mold Growth
Check the buttermilk powder carefully to make sure there is no mold growth, especially if the package has been opened. Mold will appear as fuzzy or stringy whitish, greenish, or black spots or patches. Buttermilk powder with any mold growth should always be thrown away.
How to Store Buttermilk Powder Properly
To get the longest shelf life out of buttermilk powder after opening, be sure to store it properly in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry spot in your pantry or cupboard away from heat, light, and moisture. Avoid warm kitchen areas near the oven or refrigerator. Humidity can cause buttermilk powder to clump or harden faster. If stored properly in a sealed container, opened buttermilk powder will stay fresh for 4-6 months past its printed expiration date.
Can Expired Buttermilk Powder Make You Sick?
Consuming rancid or spoiled buttermilk powder could potentially make you sick. As powdered dairy products deteriorate, harmful bacteria and molds can start to grow, producing toxic substances. Stomach issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are commonly reported after eating rancid powdered dairy products.
Out of date buttermilk powder may also just lose its potency and flavor, without necessarily making you ill. However, it’s difficult to tell if harmful bacteria is present just by smelling or tasting powder. You should err on the side of caution and throw away buttermilk powder once it’s past its safe storage timeframe to avoid potential foodborne illness.
Signs Buttermilk Powder Has Gone Bad
- Expired date printed on packaging
- Yellowish, tan, or brown color
- Clumpy texture instead of fine and powdery
- Off or rancid smell
- Sour, bitter, or unpleasant flavor
- Any mold growth
Tips for Storing Buttermilk Powder
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place after opening
- Keep powder away from moisture, humidity, and heat
- Use within 4-6 months of opening for best quality
- Freeze for longer storage, up to 1 year past printed expiration date
- Don’t use if smell, color, texture, or taste is off
Bottom Line
Checking the expiration date is the first indicator of whether buttermilk powder may be past its prime. However, you also need to rely on your senses of sight, smell, and taste to truly determine if buttermilk powder has gone bad. Clumping, yellowing, rancid odors, bitter taste, or mold growth are all signs buttermilk powder should be discarded. With proper dry storage, you can generally use unopened buttermilk powder up to a year past its printed date. Once opened, use within 4-6 months and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
| Signs of Fresh Buttermilk Powder | Signs of Spoiled Buttermilk Powder |
|---|---|
| Creamy white color | Yellow, tan, brown color |
| Fine, smooth texture | Clumpy texture |
| Mild dairy aroma | Sour, rancid, or bitter smell |
| Tangy, creamy flavor | Unpleasant, bitter taste |
| No mold growth | Fuzzy or stringy mold spots |
| Within expiration date | Past expiration date |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does buttermilk powder last unopened?
Unopened buttermilk powder will generally last 6-12 months past the printed expiration date if stored properly in a cool, dry place.
Does buttermilk powder go bad if not refrigerated?
No, buttermilk powder is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration. It will last longer if stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity.
Can you use buttermilk powder after expiration date?
It’s generally not recommended to use buttermilk powder more than 1 year past its printed expiration date, even if unopened. opened buttermilk powder should be used within 4-6 months. Always inspect powder that is past its date carefully before use.
What happens if you eat expired buttermilk powder?
Consuming expired or spoiled buttermilk powder could potentially cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Rancid powder may grow harmful bacteria or mold. Don’t taste test powder if the smell or appearance is off.
Does buttermilk powder need to be refrigerated after opening?
No, buttermilk powder is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration. Store opened powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place like the pantry. Refrigeration can introduce unwanted moisture.
Can you freeze buttermilk powder to extend shelf life?
Yes, freezing is a good option for extending the shelf life of buttermilk powder. It can typically be frozen up to 1 year past the printed expiration date.
How can you tell if opened buttermilk powder has gone bad?
Check opened buttermilk powder for clumping, yellowing, musty odors, bitterness, and mold growth. Any changes in appearance, texture, smell or taste likely mean it has spoiled and should be discarded.
Does degraded buttermilk powder taste sour or bitter?
Yes, degraded buttermilk powder will typically taste sour, bitter, or unpleasant instead of having a tangy creamy flavor when it has gone rancid. An off taste means it should not be consumed.
What happens if you bake with expired buttermilk powder?
Baked goods made with expired, rancid buttermilk powder may taste unpleasant or bitter. Using spoiled powder could also potentially cause foodborne illness if harmful bacteria is present.
Conclusion
Checking for signs of spoilage is important for determining if your buttermilk powder has gone bad. While the expiration date is a helpful guide, your senses are the best tools for identifying deteriorated powder. Clumping, color changes, rancid odors, bitter tastes, and mold growth all indicate buttermilk powder has spoiled and should be discarded. With proper cool, dry storage, buttermilk powder can stay fresh for use in recipes for months past its printed date.
