Does Buttermilk Go Bad?
This post will answer your question and help you understand the signs to look out for. We’ll talk about how long buttermilk typically lasts, how to tell if it’s still good, and what to do if you’re unsure.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when it’s time to keep or toss that carton in your fridge.
Contents
What Is Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a cultured dairy milk product made by adding lactic acid bacteria to cow’s milk. The bacteria feed on the lactose in the milk, causing it to thicken and become sour – a result of lactic acid production.
In its traditional form, buttermilk was a byproduct of butter-making, obtained by skimming the cream off of whole milk. The modern-day version is made with either low-fat or non-fat milk.
Cultured Buttermilk vs. Cultured Style Buttermilk
Two distinct types of buttermilk are sold in stores: cultured and cultured-style (or “clabbered”).
Cultured buttermilk has added citric acid or lactic acid bacteria, while cultured-style buttermilk is an imitation product made with skim milk, cream, and enzymes.
The main difference is that cultured buttermilk has live active cultures, making it tart and thicker than the regular version. It also has a longer shelf life, so many cooks and bakers prefer it.
What Does Buttermilk Taste Like?
Buttermilk has a distinct tangy flavor, similar to sour cream or yogurt. It’s slightly salty and creamy in texture with a mild sweetness. The acidity of buttermilk makes it perfect for baking – it helps activate baking soda, resulting in lighter cakes and fluffier pancakes.
Is Buttermilk Healthy?
Yes, buttermilk is quite nutritious and a great source of Protein, Vitamins, And Minerals. It’s also low in fat, with only 5 grams per cup, compared to whole milk, which contains 8 grams.
In addition, buttermilk contains Beneficial Bacteria (probiotics) that can help promote healthy digestion and boost your immune system.
Does Buttermilk Go Bad?
Yes! Buttermilk is a dairy product that can spoil if not properly stored. The high-fat content of buttermilk makes it susceptible to bad bacteria growth.
How Long Does Buttermilk Last?
When it comes to shelf life, unopened buttermilk generally has a longer shelf life than opened buttermilk.
Unopened buttermilk usually lasts for a week beyond the expiry date on the package and can last up to three weeks if stored in cold conditions. However, it is recommended that you check the butter milk’s smell and consistency before using it.
If you’ve already opened buttermilk, it’ll be good in the fridge for a week! For food safety, note how long does buttermilk last and check this shelf life info with other dairy products too!
Can You Use Expired Buttermilk?
Even if it looks and smells normal, it should be discarded when past its expiration date.
Consuming expired buttermilk can lead to severe food poisoning symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, so avoiding the risk and using fresh buttermilk is best.
Signs If Buttermilk Has Gone Bad
Here are the signs to tell if buttermilk has gone bad and is past its shelf life.
Buttermilk Color
Look for a change in the color of the liquid. If it has started turning yellow or grayish, your buttermilk is no longer good and should be discarded.
Buttermilk Taste
If buttermilk is bad the tangy taste will become far too sour to be enjoyable. In this case, discarding the expired buttermilk and purchasing a fresh carton for your favorite recipes is best.
Buttermilk Smell
A strong aroma of sourness or an obvious sour smell strongly suggests that the buttermilk has gone bad. You should not risk consuming buttermilk past its use-by date and when the odor does not match the usual buttermilk smell.
Buttermilk Texture
Good buttermilk should have a smooth, creamy consistency, while bad buttermilk will have a lumpy or granular texture due to curdled milk proteins.
Best Way To Store Buttermilk
To store buttermilk safely, keep it in an airtight container or jar in your refrigerator.
Keeping it at the proper temperature will prevent harmful bacteria from growing and help maintain the shelf life of buttermilk – up to two weeks if you store it this way.
Best Containers for Storing Buttermilk
Regarding storing buttermilk, certain containers are better suited than others. Here are some of the best containers for storing buttermilk:
- Glass Mason Jars: Mason jars are perfect for storing buttermilk due to their airtight seal. It will help keep the buttermilk fresh for longer.
- Plastic Storage Containers with Airtight Lids: Plastic storage containers with airtight lids can also be used to store buttermilk, as they provide an effective seal that helps keep the contents fresh.
- Refrigerator-safe Containers: If you need to store your buttermilk in a refrigerator, look for specialized containers explicitly designed for this purpose. These containers often come with airtight seals, making them ideal for keeping your buttermilk fresh longer.
How Long To Refrigerate Buttermilk?
If opened, buttermilk should be refrigerated immediately after purchase, kept in its original container, or transferred to a buttermilk container.
A great rule of thumb is always to keep buttermilk refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, depending on your preference. You can use the refrigerated buttermilk until the ‘use-by’ date indicated on the product label.
Can You Freeze Buttermilk?
Yes! You can freeze buttermilk. Freezing buttermilk is an excellent way to preserve the flavor and shelf-life, extending it longer than the expiration date. When taking out frozen buttermilk, allow time to thaw before use completely.
Tips for Freezing Buttermilk
It’s important to remember that freezing can affect the physical consistency and flavor of buttermilk – if you follow the instructions, however, you’ll still be able to make amazing recipes with your defrosted buttermilk.
Before adding it to your freezer, pour it into smaller containers for easier thawing later. Then please make sure that your freezer is set at 0°F. Once frozen, use it as soon as possible – aim for within three months.
Finally, when using the frozen buttermilk after it has been defrosted, stir well before adding it to whatever dish you are making, and make sure the dish is used right away.
FAQ’S
What Is Powdered Buttermilk?
Powdered buttermilk is a lactose-free powdered ingredient made from real buttermilk. It is used as a substitute for conventional liquid buttermilk or as an ingredient in baked goods, dressings, and even ice cream recipes.
While powdered buttermilk has the same great benefits as liquid buttermilk (such as its ability to boost flavor and added nutrition), it also has the added benefit of not needing refrigerated.
Is Buttermilk Lumpy?
Buttermilk is a cultured milk product known for its thickness and tangy flavor. Generally, it should not be lumpy—typically, it should have an essentially smooth texture that complements many of the recipes for which buttermilk is used.
Depending on many factors, like how long the buttermilk has been sitting before opening or how it was treated during production, there could be some lumps in the buttermilk.
Can You Drink Buttermilk?
Buttermilk may seem like an unlikely choice for a beverage, but drinking it can be a great way to incorporate some healthy nutrients into your diet. Contrary to what its name suggests, buttermilk is not made of butter. It is the liquid that remains after churning butter or a low-fat cultured dairy product.
Can You Use Milk Instead of Buttermilk?
Substituting milk for traditional buttermilk used in baking is a common practice. However, it can pose a challenge to achieving the desired results. Milk is much thinner than traditional buttermilk and lacks the same acidity. As a result, your baked goods may not rise as expected, and their texture might be affected.
Wrapping Up
Thus, buttermilk lasts anywhere from a few days to two weeks in the refrigerator. However, it can last up to three months in the freezer when stored correctly.
With these tips in mind, you can make the most of your buttermilk and enjoy all its delicious baked goods and dishes!
