Making milk from powdered milk is a simple process that allows you to produce an exact portion of fresh milk anytime. All you need is powdered milk, water, and a few basic kitchen tools. With powdered milk on hand, you can avoid wasting fresh milk that goes bad before you can use it. You can also easily make just the right amount of milk for recipes or to accompany baked goods. Follow this guide to learn how to mix up powdered milk and make 1 cup of milk from powdered milk.
What You Need
Ingredients
– 1/3 cup powdered milk
– 1 cup water
Equipment
– Measuring cups
– Mixing container (pitcher, bowl, blender, etc.)
– Whisk or spoon for mixing
Types of Powdered Milk
There are a few different kinds of powdered milk you can buy:
Nonfat Dry Milk
This is made by removing the fat from fresh milk. It has a more powdery, less creamy texture when reconstituted. Use nonfat dry milk when you want to reduce the fat and calories in recipes.
Whole Milk Powder
Whole milk powder contains all the fat from the original fresh milk. It makes a creamier, richer milk when mixed with water. Use it for drinking, on cereal, or in recipes when you want the full taste and texture of whole milk.
Buttermilk Powder
This provides the tangy flavor of buttermilk. Use it anytime a recipe calls for liquid buttermilk. Simply mix the powder with water as directed on the package.
Flavored Powdered Milk
Some powdered milk comes preflavored with chocolate, strawberry or other flavors. These can make a good option for kids.
How to Make 1 Cup of Milk from Powdered Milk
Making milk from powdered milk is very quick and easy:
1. Measure out 1/3 cup of powdered milk. Scoop it from the container with a measuring cup and level it off.
2. Pour the powdered milk into your mixing container. This can be a pitcher, bowl, blender, or anything else that allows you to mix up the milk.
3. Add 1 cup of water to the powdered milk. The water should be cool or lukewarm, not hot.
4. Whisk or stir the powdered milk and water together until fully combined. Mix vigorously until any clumps of powder dissolve.
5. Let the reconstituted milk sit for 2-3 minutes so the powder fully hydrates. Then stir again before use or consumption.
That’s all there is to it! Once the powder dissolves, you’ll have 1 cup of fresh, fluid milk.
Tips
– Make sure your measurements are exact. Too much or too little powder for the amount of water will throw off the consistency.
– Mix thoroughly to fully incorporate the powder. Small clumps may remain but will dissolve over time.
– Chill the milk for a colder, more refreshing beverage.
– Store any unused reconstituted milk in the refrigerator as you would regular milk. Use within 5-7 days.
Uses for Homemade Powdered Milk
Once you learn how easy it is to make fresh milk from powder, you’ll find all kinds of uses for it! Here are some ideas:
Drinking Milk
– Make a glass of cold milk to drink with cookies or other treats
– Warm it up for a cozy drink before bed
– Fill a sippy cup for toddlers and kids
Cereal and Oatmeal
– Pour milk over dry cereal or oatmeal for breakfast or a snack
– Make overnight oats with powdered milk
Baking and Cooking
– Use powdered milk when a recipe calls for milk
– Make pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and other baked goods
– Use it in cream soups, puddings, sauces, mashed potatoes, etc.
Coffee and Tea
– Add hot or cold milk to coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
Powdered Milk Nutrition
Powdered milk has a very similar nutrition profile to fresh milk when it is reconstituted. Here is the nutrition breakdown for 1 cup of milk made from powdered milk:
Nonfat Dry Milk Nutrition Facts
– Calories: 100
– Protein: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 12g
– Calcium: 300mg
– Vitamin D: 115IU
– Vitamin A: 500IU
– Fat: 0g
– Cholesterol: 4mg
– Sodium: 130mg
Whole Milk Powder Nutrition Facts
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 11g
– Calcium: 300mg
– Vitamin D: 115IU
– Vitamin A: 500IU
– Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Cholesterol: 20mg
– Sodium: 130mg
So you get the same milk nutrients, just in powdered form. Nonfat milk has fewer calories and no fat, while whole milk powder contains naturally occurring fats from the milk.
Shelf Life of Powdered Milk
One benefit of powdered milk is its long shelf life. Here’s how long it lasts:
– Unopened – If stored properly in a cool, dry place, powdered milk can stay fresh for 6-12 months past the printed expiration date.
– Reconstituted – Once mixed with water, it should be used within 5-7 days. Store reconstituted milk in the fridge.
– Opened Package – An opened package of powdered milk will stay fresh for about 6 months in the pantry. Close it tightly after each use.
So you don’t have to worry about powdered milk expiring quickly. It has a much longer shelf life than fluid milk.
How to Store Powdered Milk
To get the longest shelf life out of powdered milk, store it properly:
– Keep bags and boxes of powdered milk sealed tight. Press out excess air and fold or roll the top of pouches.
– Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. An optimal storage temp is below 70°F.
– Once opened, transfer to an airtight container or bag. Push out extra air and keep sealed.
– Check expiration dates and use older powdered milk first. Don’t keep it for more than 6 months past the printed date.
Proper storage keeps powdered milk fresh and usable for months to come. It prevents moisture from contaminating the powder.
Cost Savings of Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is very economical compared to buying fresh milk:
– Powdered milk costs just a fraction per serving compared to milk. Nonfat dry milk can cost as little as $0.25 per quart reconstituted.
– Makes milk accessible anywhere. You don’t need refrigeration or the ability to go grocery shopping frequently.
– Allows you to buy as much as you need at one time. Stock up if milk goes on sale.
– Lets you make only what you need. There’s no waste from milk going bad if you don’t use it quickly enough.
– Is easier to store and has a longer shelf life. You can buy in bulk and keep extras on hand.
– Doesn’t require refrigerated shipping and storage. Saving energy also keeps costs down.
So for a low price, powdered milk provides flexibility, convenience, and less waste. It’s one of the most budget-friendly kitchen staples.
Common Questions
Does powdered milk taste the same as fresh milk?
Powdered milk has a slightly different taste and texture from fresh milk. It tends to taste thinner, chalkier, and not as creamy or sweet due to the dehydration process. Many people find it to be an acceptable substitute, however, especially in cooking and baking. Choose whole milk powder for a richer, closer-to-fresh taste.
Can you use hot water to make powdered milk?
It’s best to use lukewarm or cool water under 100°F. Hot water can cause the proteins in the powdered milk to denature, resulting in a grainy, lumpy texture. Make sure any hot drinks like coffee are cooled slightly before adding reconstituted powdered milk.
Is powdered milk healthy?
Yes, powdered milk has a nutritional profile similar to fresh milk, with protein, vitamins and minerals like calcium. Choose nonfat or low-fat versions if you want to limit fat and calories. Use enriched powdered milk to increase the vitamin and mineral content. Powdered milk is not a significant source of fiber, however.
Who should avoid drinking powdered milk?
Powdered milk is generally safe for most healthy people. However, infants under one year old should not drink formula made with powdered milk due to health concerns. People with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or other sensitivities may also want to avoid drinking powdered milk or carefully evaluate their tolerance first.
Can you substitute powdered milk for fresh milk in recipes?
In most recipes, you can substitute an equal amount of reconstituted powdered milk for fresh milk without adjusting the other ingredients. Be aware that the flavor and texture will be different. For best results, use whole milk powder. In baked goods, the results will still be very close to recipes using regular milk.
Conclusion
Making milk from powdered milk powder is an extremely easy and useful skill. Now that you know how to mix up powdered milk properly, you can start enjoying its many benefits. Keep a supply of powdered milk in your pantry to make nutritious, affordable milk anytime you need it. Whip up single servings for drinking, pour it over cereal, or use it measure-for-measure in place of regular milk in all your favorite recipes.
