Can milk be used after its expiration date?

How long does milk last? One of the most frustrating things in the kitchen is discovering that the milk you're using in a recipe has passed its expiration date. But before throwing away the carton, you might want to know a few things about milk's shelf life.

There's a big difference between milk labels that say, "use before", "best before", or "use by [date]".

The "best before" label is used to indicate quality only; even after this date, the milk is safe to eat.

The "use before" label, according to Lindsay Paseka, an investigator with “ConsumerSafety”, indicates the day the milk starts to change in texture, taste, and quality, after which it may become unsafe to consume.

The phrase "use by [date]" means that milk is sold to the consumer or disposed of and is not allowed to be sold. This allows milk producers to inform consumers when the product is of its peak quality. The phrase "best before [date]" doesn't necessarily mean the milk will spoil by that date, but rather that its quality may decrease.

However, it's important to note that expiration dates vary depending on the type of milk you buy, how it's stored, and how it's packaged. For example, raw or unpasteurized milk has a higher rate of spoilage, as does milk made without preservatives. Contamination can also promote bacterial growth, causing the milk to curdle.