Stop milk going sour for 3 weeks with 1 amazing 40p food storage tip

Milk is a staple in most households, but keeping it fresh for long enough can be a challenge. However, food storage experts have revealed a simple trick that could prevent milk from souring for up to three weeks, all with an ingredient already in your kitchen.

Typically, once opened, milk lasts between four and seven days when refrigerated, depending on the type. Whole milk tends to spoil faster than skim or lactose-free varieties, which can last up to ten days past the printed date. Despite these timeframes, many people find their milk going bad sooner than expected, leading to unnecessary waste.

Experts at Wheeldon Brothers have shared a series of steps to extend the shelf life of milk. Choosing the freshest carton with the longest expiry date is a good start, but proper storage is just as crucial.

“Always add milk to your trolley last,” they advised, “so it spends the least amount of time outside of refrigeration.” Once home, it should be placed in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally on a shelf rather than in the door, where temperatures fluctuate more.

The real game-changer, however, is a simple hack involving salt. “Adding a pinch of salt to the milk and shaking it gently helps slow the souring process,” said the experts.

Salt absorbs excess moisture and inhibits bacterial growth, preventing milk from spoiling too quickly. This natural preservative method works by drawing out water molecules, reducing the conditions bacteria need to thrive.

A small tub of salt costs as little as 40p at M&S.

If properly stored and treated with this trick, milk can last up to a week longer than usual, meaning a bottle purchased a week before its use-by date could stay fresh for nearly three weeks.

For those still worried about milk going bad, freezing is another effective option. Milk can be frozen for up to three months, though its texture may change slightly.

To avoid waste, sour milk can also be repurposed in baking, serving as a substitute for buttermilk in pancakes, scones, or homemade bread.

By following these storage tips and using the salt trick, you can extend the life of your milk, reduce food waste, and save money in the process.