In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does lactose-free milk last” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of lactose-free milk. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled lactose-free milk.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does lactose-free milk last in the fridge?
Unopened lactose-free milk lasts in the fridge for about 60-90 days (2-3 months) days. On the other hand, open lactose-free milk lasts for about 7-10 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in an air-tight bottle on one of the refrigerator’s shelves, but it is recommended to use it within the first 7 days to enjoy its optimum quality and taste.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for the lactose-free milk’s expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep lactose-free milk at?
The lactose-free milk should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your lactose-free milk at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does lactose-free milk last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, open lactose-free milk lasts for around 4 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, open lactose-free milk left out for more than 4 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and open lactose-free milk left out in the open for more than an hour or two at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does lactose-free milk last in the freezer?
Lactose-free milk lasts for 3-4 months in the freezer if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the lactose-free milk extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the lactose-free milk.
How to defrost frozen lactose-free milk?
You can quickly defrost the frozen lactose-free milk by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, and a thawed lactose-free milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 7 days before consuming it.
If you’re defrosting frozen lactose-free milk in a bowl of cold water, or on the counter, you should utilize it right away.
What are different ways to spot spoiled lactose-free milk?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your lactose-free milk has gone bad. To determine if lactose-free milk has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, taste, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your lactose-free milk or if it is discolored, it’s time to throw it out.
Texture
If the lactose-free milk has curdled or has lumps in it, it’s time to throw it out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or foul while sniffing your lactose-free milk, it’s time to throw it out.
Taste
You can taste the lactose-free milk when it has passed the visual and smell tests. If you notice a sour or bitter taste after taking a little sip of lactose-free milk, it is a sign that the creamer has gone bad.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your lactose-free milk and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store lactose-free milk?
- Lactose-free milk should be stored on one of the refrigerator shelves rather than the door, as there is a lot of temperature variation at the fridge door, which might affect its quality.
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the lactose-free milk, within 2 hours it is opened, in an airtight container to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of the lactose-free milk, store it in an air-tight bottle or plastic zipper bag in the freezer. Lactose-free milk that has been frozen at 0°C is safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Lactose-free milk should also be kept away from strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions.
You can read the difference between lactose-free milk and regular milk here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does lactose-free milk last” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of lactose-free milk. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled lactose-free milk.
Citations
http://shelflifeadvice.com/content/once-opened-how-long-will-milk-lactose-free-milk-remain-usable