Just like a microwave, different parts of the refrigerator may have different temperatures, which can affect the quality and shelf life of food. Placing milk with a shorter shelf life on the warmer refrigerator door can make it spoil more easily and even go bad prematurely. So, where should milk be stored in the fridge?
According to a report from the American magazine “Real Simple,” the refrigerator door is the warmest and most temperature-fluctuating area in the fridge, due to frequent opening and closing. Storing food in this location poses a risk of spoilage, especially for milk or cream.
While milk bottles are suitable for the door shelf, the higher temperature there may cause the milk to curdle or spoil before you consume it, or foster harmful bacteria.
If you want your milk to last longer, you should place it at the back, near the middle or bottom shelf of the fridge. The temperature here is the lowest as hot air rises, so the top shelf may be a few degrees warmer than the bottom.
As for the refrigerator door, it should be reserved for foods that are least likely to spoil, such as ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, salad dressings, jams, and bottled beverages. Although these items may taste better or have longer shelf lives when refrigerated, they are less likely to spoil quickly.
Apart from milk, other foods like eggs, fruits, vegetables, and cheese are also not suitable for storing on the refrigerator door, as doing so can promote bacterial growth. Each of these foods actually has specific designated spots for storage. (For more details, click on “The Refrigerator is not a storage room – 4 types of foods that should not be placed on the fridge door.”)
To prevent milk from being exposed to higher temperatures, you can extend its shelf life by:
– Refrigerating milk at the ideal temperature: It is best to refrigerate milk in the fridge at a temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 degrees Celsius). Higher temperatures near 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) increase the likelihood of harmful bacteria growth.
– Returning the milk bottle to the fridge immediately after use: When having breakfast, avoid leaving the milk bottle on the kitchen counter or dining table. Pour milk into each person’s cup first, then promptly place the milk bottle back in the fridge.
– Limiting how often the fridge door is opened: Avoid repeatedly opening the fridge door to browse for food or dinner inspirations, as this is not beneficial for the overall temperature and safety of the fridge. Only open the door as needed and promptly close it to maintain stable and safe temperature conditions.
– Applying the same guidelines for non-dairy milk: Non-dairy milk (e.g., soy milk) – even if unopened, should be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the refrigerator to prevent harmful bacteria growth. Before opening, these non-dairy milk products can be stored on the fridge door until the seal is broken.
– Prioritizing milk as the last item during shopping: When shopping at supermarkets, finish selecting other items before picking up milk last before proceeding to the cashier. By doing so, the exposure of milk to warm air is minimized, reducing the likelihood of harmful bacteria growth.
Freezing milk is a convenient way to extend its shelf life, saving you multiple trips to the supermarket. However, the correct preparation and storage methods are crucial for the safety and quality of milk after thawing.
When freezing milk, ensure to use freezer-safe containers with enough room for expansion at the top. It is advisable to label the container with the date to track how long the milk has been stored.
Generally, milk can be frozen in the fridge for up to 6 months, but for optimal freshness and taste, it is best consumed within 3 months after freezing.
When thawing, place the milk in the refrigerator’s coldest section to safely thaw it. Thawing milk at room temperature can lead to spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria. After thawing, vigorously shake the milk to separate any remaining solidified parts.
Although slight changes in texture or taste may be noticeable after thawing, such thawed milk is still safe for consumption or cooking and can save you time and money in the long run.
Furthermore, the UK-based food delivery company Milk & More points out that milk packaging can affect its freshness, as it is prone to flavor changes and slight oxidation. Research has shown that glass bottles best preserve the flavor of milk, while plastic or paper containers are more effective at preventing mild oxidation.