We’ve all been there: you open the fridge and see a carton of milk that’s past its expiration date. Should you risk it and pour yourself a glass? Or play it safe and toss it in the garbage?
Most of us have probably taken a chance and had a sip of spoiled milk, only to quickly regret it.
So, what actually happens when you drink milk that’s gone bad? We take a deep dive and answer that question in details in this article.
Let’s get right into it.
What Are The Signs That Milk Has Gone Bad?
Milk is a breakfast staple for many people. From cereal to coffee, to shakes and being drunk as is, milk is super versatile.
When milk goes bad, it is generally hard to miss, as there are a couple tell-tale signs indicating that milk has spoiled and gone bad.
Here the signs you should look out for:
- Color
- Texture
- Smell
Color
One of the signs that milk has gone bad is the color. If milk is fresh, it should be white or light yellow. If the milk is starting to spoil, it will turn a deeper yellow.
Texture
The next sign that milk has gone bad is the texture. Fresh milk should be smooth, while spoiled milk will be thick and clumpy.
Smell
Finally, milk that has gone bad will have a sour smell. This is due to the growth of bacteria in the milk. So, if you see any of these signs, it’s time to throw out the milk!
What Happens to Your Body If You Drink Spoiled Milk?
If you happen to take a sip and then realize the milk has gone bad, then it shouldn’t cause much harm.
However, if you unknowingly consume a full portion or two of spoiled milk, it can an upset stomach and or vomiting. This is because the spoiled milk contains bacteria that can cause digestive issues.
In severe cases, intake of these bacteria can even cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, cramps, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking spoiled milk, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
How Can You Prevent Milk From Spoiling In The First Place?
Here are some tips to prevent milk from spoiling:
- Buy milk that is not close to expiring.
- Purhcase milk that has been refrigerated and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to use it.
- Avoid keeping milk at room temperature for extended periods of time.
- Freeze milk if you think you won’t be using it right away and it is a couple days away from it’s expiration date.
- Clean your refrigerator regularly and make sure the door seals tightly.
- Don’t store milk near foods with strong odors, as these can cause the milk to absorb those odors.
- Examine milk before using it, and discard any that is discolored or has chunks in it.
With these simple tips, you can help keep your milk fresh and delicious.
Is There Any Use for Milk That Has Gone Bad?
If you have a lot of milk that has gone bad, you more than likely will be throwing it out. Surprisingly, there are many other uses for spoiled milk.
When baking, spoiled milk can be used in biscuits, breads or even pancakes.
Soups and stews can also benefit from a splash of spoiled milk. If you like creamy salads, you can also use your milk that has gone bad to make Caesar or blue cheese dressing.
If you are super talented in the kitchen, you can take things a bit further by attempting to make your own cheese from your spoiled milk.
Additionally, spoiled milk can be incorporated into face or body masks to soften the skin.
Wrapping it up
So, next time you’re tempted to take a chance on that old carton of milk, think twice! It’s not worth risking your health for a brief moment of satisfaction. Play it safe and toss it in the trash instead.
Drinking milk that has gone bad can cause nausea and vomiting, as well as other symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, and fever. If you drink milk that has gone bad and experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
You can also use spoiled milk in many different ways, such as in baking, soups, or even salads. Spoiled milk can also be used in face or body masks to soften the skin.
