Sweetened condensed milk can last for an extended period of time when properly stored in the refrigerator. The exact shelf life depends on several factors, including the best by date, the temperature of the refrigerator, and how frequently the container is opened and closed.
What is sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is a very thick, sweetened milk product that has had about 60% of the water content removed from it. It is made by heating regular milk to remove water, and then adding sugar while the milk is being condensed. The end result is a rich, sweet, thick milk product that has a syrupy consistency.
Sweetened condensed milk is often used in dessert recipes and other sweets to add creamy texture and sweet flavor. Some common uses for sweetened condensed milk include:
- Key lime pie
- Pumpkin pie
- Candies like fudge or toffee
- Ice cream and frozen yogurt
- Cakes, cookies, and other baked goods
- Coffee drinks like Vietnamese iced coffee
The thick, concentrated texture makes sweetened condensed milk useful for helping bind ingredients together or adding body to mixtures. The sweet flavor also balances and enhances other flavors. You can find sweetened condensed milk in the baking aisle of most grocery stores, usually near the evaporated milk.
How long does unopened sweetened condensed milk last in the pantry?
An unopened can of sweetened condensed milk will typically stay safe to consume for 9-12 months past the “best by” date printed on the can when stored properly in the pantry. The key is storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Some signs that condensed milk could be expired and spoiled beyond the best by date include:
- Bulging or dented can
- Rust or corrosion on the can
- Separation in the consistency once opened
- Mold development
- Curdled look or texture
- Sour smell
As long as the can appears normal and the milk seems unspoiled once opened, it should be safe to use for a while past the printed date. Storing unopened cans in the pantry maximizes shelf life.
Does sweetened condensed milk need to be refrigerated before opening?
Sweetened condensed milk can safely be stored at room temperature before opening the can. Leaving the can sealed and placing it in a cool, dry spot in the pantry helps extend the shelf life prior to use. Refrigeration is not required until after opening the can.
The reason sweetened condensed milk can stay shelf-stable is the combination of reduced water content and added sugar. The lack of moisture and high sugar concentration prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.
Refrigeration can extend the shelf life of an unopened can even longer, but is not essential. As long as you store it properly at room temperature, sweetened condensed milk will stay fresh in the pantry for months past the “best by” date until it is opened.
How long does opened sweetened condensed milk last in the fridge?
Once opened, sweetened condensed milk must be stored in the refrigerator. Properly stored, an opened can of sweetened condensed milk will usually stay good for 2-3 weeks in the fridge.
To maximize the shelf life of opened condensed milk:
- Transfer it to an airtight container or pour unused milk from the can into a resealable bag.
- Make sure the container is tightly sealed.
- Store it towards the back of the refrigerator where temperatures are colder.
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below.
- Use a clean utensil each time you scoop out condensed milk to avoid contamination.
Properly stored, opened condensed milk should maintain its consistency, color, and appearance for about 3 weeks after opening. It may start to darken, separate, or develop an off flavor or smell after that time.
Can you freeze condensed milk?
Yes, you can safely freeze sweetened condensed milk to extend its shelf life past the refrigerator date. Frozen condensed milk will usually last 6-8 months in the freezer before deteriorating in quality.
To freeze condensed milk:
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container leaving headspace to allow for expansion.
- Seal tightly.
- Label container with date.
- Freeze for up to 8 months.
Thaw frozen condensed milk overnight in the refrigerator before using. Gently stir or shake to reincorporate any separation after thawing. Freezing prevents bacterial growth that could spoil condensed milk over time.
How long does condensed milk last after opening?
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 2-3 weeks |
| Freezer | 6-8 months |
The shelf life of opened sweetened condensed milk depends on how it is stored. Properly stored in the refrigerator, condensed milk will usually stay fresh for 2-3 weeks after opening. You can extend the shelf life further by freezing opened condensed milk for 6-8 months.
How can you tell if opened condensed milk is bad?
Here are some signs that opened condensed milk has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Appearance: Separated liquid, curdled texture, abnormal color
- Smell: Sour, spoiled, or “off” odor
- Taste: Sour, bitter, or moldy flavor
- Mold: Any fuzzy appearance or growths
If your condensed milk exhibits any changes in appearance, smell, or texture, it is safest to throw it away. Using spoiled condensed milk can potentially cause foodborne illness.
Fresh condensed milk should have a smooth, creamy texture, light tan color, and mild dairy smell and flavor. Discard if it becomes discolored, chunky, watery, or develops unpleasant odors or tastes.
Does condensed milk curdle in the fridge?
Properly stored condensed milk should not curdle or separate in the refrigerator. Maintaining cold fridge temperatures below 40°F prevents bacteria growth that could cause curdling. Storing it in an airtight container also protects quality.
However, over time some separation may naturally occur with the milk solids rising to the top. This is not dangerous, but affects the texture. Gently stirring and mixing the separated milk can reincorporate it.
If milk appears fully curdled with lumps or whey, it is likely spoiled from improper storage. Discard any curdled condensed milk rather than trying to salvage it.
Can you make homemade condensed milk?
Yes, it is possible to make condensed milk at home by simmering regular milk to evaporate water content. Here is a simple stove top method:
- Add 2 1⁄4 cups whole milk, 1 cup white sugar, and 1⁄4 tsp salt to saucepan.
- Whisk together and heat over medium, stirring frequently.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour until thickened to about 1 1⁄4 cups.
- Let cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight container up to 2 weeks.
You can also make sweetened condensed milk in the slow cooker by cooking on low heat for 7-9 hours, and in the instant pot by cooking on high pressure for 25 minutes. Just be sure to stir the mixture regularly so the bottom does not burn.
Homemade condensed milk may not last as long as canned, but can be useful when you need condensed milk and don’t have any on hand.
Tips for homemade condensed milk:
- Use whole milk for best consistency.
- Cook over low heat and stir frequently to prevent scalding.
- Reduce heat if it begins to scorch on bottom.
- Cook until about 60% of original volume remains.
- Add sugar to taste once cooled.
Conclusion
In summary, an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk can be stored in the pantry for up to 12 months past the printed “best by” date. Once opened, it will last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator when properly stored. For even longer shelf life, you can freeze opened condensed milk for 6-8 months.
Signs that condensed milk has gone bad include curdling, separation, foul odors, mold development, or sour taste. Discard any spoiled condensed milk. With proper storage methods, sweetened condensed milk can stay fresh for use in recipes for extended periods of time.