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Milk

Freeze? Yes
In season All year
Store In the fridge
Excellent source of calcium & potassium
Two glasses full of milk

Milk is a dairy product that is high in protein and rich in minerals such as calcium. You can buy milk whole, semi-skimmed or skimmed. It is popular as a drink on its own and it’s used in many different recipes from savoury to sweet.

How to store

How to store fresh milk

Store your milk in the fridge. Long life milk should be stored in the fridge once it is opened.

Freezing milk

You can freeze milk for up to one month.

Milk top tips

How to freeze and defrost

To freeze: You can freeze milk in its container if it is plastic, glass bottles will expand and crack. Ideal for smaller quantities - big bottles take time to defrost and use up lots of space in the freezer.  Alternatively, freeze milk in ice cube trays for popping straight into your hot drink!

To defrost: When you take food/ drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Don’t defrost at room temperature. Ideally, defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Or, use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before use. Shake. You don’t need to defrost milk frozen in ice cube trays if using in your cuppa or adding to sauces.

Be fabulous with leftovers

Use by dates: Some milk has a Use By date which is about safety. Use or freeze milk with a Use By date before the Use By date. If milk has passed the Use By date, do not use or freeze it.

Best before dates: Some milk now has a Best Before date which is about quality. If milk has passed the Best Before date, it will be safe to use or freeze, but may not be at its best.

Sauces, puddings, scones and custard are great ways to use up leftover milk. Add leftover milk to a smoothie with strawberries, mango, bananas … or any fruit you like

Buying tips

Buy the right size bottle/ container for your needs. Think about whether you’ll get through it all before the Use By date - if it has a Use By date. How long do you have to use the milk once the container has been opened? If you’re not going to use it all in time, freeze some for later.

Valuing your Milk beyond the price tag

Goodness in food

Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.

  • Milk is high in calcium which helps to regulate muscle contractions, including your heartbeat
  • It is a good source of protein which is used to build and repair muscles and bones.
  • It also contains potassium, a mineral that helps the heart muscle work properly.

Food story

By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it is made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket. 

So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin! 

Why not try these delicious recipes to use up Milk

If you want another idea for using up leftover cream, this one's quick and simple. If you don't have quite enough cream, then crème fraiche or whole milk can be used to top up to what you need.

A rich dish of cauliflower covered in a creamy cheese sauce

A great way to use up extra bread, and easier than you might think!

Bowl of creamy bread sauce with garnish

A warming sweet treat and a great way to use up sliced white bread that's slightly stale.

Baked bread and butter sandwiched with thick chocolate spread