Condensed milk is a shelf-stable canned milk product that has had about 60% of its water content removed. This concentrates the milk and adds sugar, allowing it to be stored without refrigeration. Condensed milk is commonly used in desserts, baked goods, and as a rich coffee creamer. But what should you do if you open a can of condensed milk and only use part of it? Can you save the leftovers?
Quick Answer
Yes, you can save leftover condensed milk if stored properly. Once opened, condensed milk should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. It will keep for about 5-7 days refrigerated before going bad.
Storing Opened Condensed Milk
When you first open a can of condensed milk, it is important to transfer any unused portion to a clean, airtight container. An opened can is not air tight, which allows bacteria to enter and contaminate the milk. Once contaminated, condensed milk can go bad very quickly at room temperature.
Some examples of airtight containers that work well for storing condensed milk are:
- Plastic containers with tight fitting lids
- Glass jars with airtight lids
- Squeeze bottles with screw-on caps
- Resealable plastic bags, with air pressed out before sealing
Be sure the container you select is very clean and dry before filling with the condensed milk. Any bacteria present could lead to early spoilage. Pour the leftover condensed milk from the can into the storage container. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the milk before sealing the container, as this helps block oxygen from making contact.
Refrigerate Immediately
Once repackaged into an airtight container, leftover condensed milk must be refrigerated immediately. The high sugar content of condensed milk makes it prone to bacterial growth at room temperature. Refrigeration is critical for keeping condensed milk safe and extending its shelf life.
Store the sealed condensed milk on a refrigerator shelf, not in the door. The temperature fluctuates more in the door, which can shorten the milk’s shelf life. Keeping it cold at a stable refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below will help it last.
Use Within 5-7 Days
Properly stored, leftover condensed milk will generally stay fresh in the fridge for 5 to 7 days after opening. Make sure to label the storage container with the date opened. Discard any condensed milk if it exceeds 7 days refrigerated.
Signs that condensed milk has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Milk looks curdled or has lumps
- Liquid is thin and watery
- Milk has sour odor
- Mold visible on surface
If the condensed milk develops any of these signs of spoilage, it is no longer safe to consume.
Freeze for Long Term Storage
For storage beyond 5-7 days, condensed milk can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Frozen, condensed milk will keep for 2-3 months before quality begins to decline.
To freeze condensed milk:
- Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container, allowing headspace for expansion.
- Press plastic wrap directly on surface of milk.
- Seal container.
- Label container with date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen condensed milk in the refrigerator overnight before using. Gently mix any separation before using.
Can You Refrigerate Condensed Milk After Opening Can?
Yes, you can refrigerate an opened can of condensed milk. However, keeping the milk in the can is not ideal for long term storage. An opened can will not be airtight, allowing air and bacteria to contaminate the milk. For storage longer than 24 hours, the condensed milk should be transferred to an airtight container before refrigerating.
Short Term Storage in Can
If you will be using the condensed milk within 1-2 days, it can be refrigerated right in the opened can. Be sure to cover the opening with plastic wrap or foil pressed directly onto the milk’s surface. This will help prevent air exposure.
Store the can on a refrigerated shelf and use within 24-48 hours. Do not store for more than 2 days as quality will quickly decline.
Long Term Storage – Transfer to Airtight Container
For storage beyond a couple days, opened condensed milk should be transferred to an airtight container like a mason jar or plasticware with a tight fitting lid. Press plastic wrap directly on the milk before sealing the container.
Properly repackaged, condensed milk will keep 5-7 days refrigerated. Always refrigerate after opening.
How Long Does Opened Condensed Milk Last?
Here is a summary of how long leftover condensed milk will last refrigerated:
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator in airtight container | 5-7 days |
| Refrigerator in opened can | 2 days max |
| Freezer in airtight container | 2-3 months |
Properly stored, condensed milk can last 5-7 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. For optimal freshness and food safety, discard any condensed milk that is past 7 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.
How to Tell if Opened Condensed Milk Has Gone Bad
Here are the signs that indicate opened condensed milk has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Appearance: Milk is lumpy, grainy, or watery. Liquid looks separated and thinner than normal. Mold visible.
- Smell: Sour, buttery, or spoiled odor.
- Taste: Sour, bitter, or unpleasant flavor.
- Texture: Condensed milk is no longer smooth, instead curdled with lumps.
- Expired: Condensed milk exceeds recommended storage times of 7 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.
When in doubt, throw it out. Rancid condensed milk can make you sick and is not worth the risk.
How to Store an Unopened Can of Condensed Milk
Unopened condensed milk has an impressively long shelf life of 12-18 months. Follow these tips for getting the longest storage out of cans of condensed milk:
- Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid warm areas like near the oven.
- Avoid freezing unopened cans, as this can cause the can to swell or burst.
- Store cans on their sides instead of upright to prevent milk from sticking to the can.
- Check the “best by” date on the can before use.
- Store at 50-70°F for up to 18 months.
An unopened can of condensed milk that has been continuously stored in a cool, dry place will stay fresh for 12-18 months. Once opened, use within 5-7 days.
Can You Freeze Opened Condensed Milk?
Yes, condensed milk that has been opened can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Properly frozen, condensed milk will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
To freeze leftover condensed milk:
- Transfer milk to a clean freezer-safe container, leaving headspace.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing.
- Label container with date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen condensed milk overnight in the refrigerator before using. Mix gently before use as some separation may have occurred during freezing.
Tips for Freezing Condensed Milk
- Only freeze opened condensed milk that has been continuously refrigerated.
- Use plastic containers or bags designed for freezing.
- Divide into smaller portions to thaw only what you need.
- Avoid freezing and thawing more than 1-2 times as quality declines.
Freezing is a great way to save that last 1⁄4 can of condensed milk – just thaw overnight when ready to use.
How Long Does Condensed Milk Last at Room Temperature?
Condensed milk should never be left at room temperature. The high sugar content makes it prone to rapid bacterial growth when not refrigerated. Once opened, condensed milk will only last:
- 2 hours at temperatures above 85°F
- 6 hours between 65-85°F
- 8-12 hours below 65°F
An opened can of condensed milk left on the counter overnight would certainly not be safe to consume by morning. Always refrigerate opened condensed milk immediately in an airtight container.
Can You Substitute Evaporated Milk for Condensed Milk?
Evaporated milk and condensed milk are two distinct products and not directly interchangeable in recipes. However, you can substitute evaporated milk for condensed milk in a 1:1 ratio, with some adjustments.
The main differences between evaporated and condensed milk:
- Condensed milk – Heated to remove 60% water then sweetened.
- Evaporated milk – Heated to remove 60% water with no added sugar.
To substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk:
- Use equal amount of evaporated milk as the condensed milk called for.
- For each cup of evaporated milk, add 1⁄3 cup sugar.
- Heat gently to dissolve and thicken slightly.
- Adjust sweetness as needed.
- Reduce baking temperature 25°F to prevent over browning.
This substitution works well for recipes like fudge, caramel, and no-bake desserts. The final texture may be slightly thinner.
Common Uses for Condensed Milk
Here are some of the most popular ways to use condensed milk:
- Ice cream toppings – Hot fudge, caramel sauce, strawberry sauce
- Candy making – Fudge, toffee, truffles
- Frostings and fillings – Buttercream, caramel, creamy fillings
- Fruit desserts – Banana pudding, Key lime pie, tres leches cake
- Holiday recipes – Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cheesecake
- Coffee drinks – Add to coffee, teas, milkshakes
Condensed milk adds rich, creamy sweetness to all types of recipes both baked and no-bake. It has an exceptionally long shelf life, making it easy to keep on hand.
Conclusion
Leftover condensed milk can easily be saved for later use if stored properly. Always transfer opened condensed milk from the can to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. Kept at 40°F or below, it will stay fresh for 5-7 days refrigerated.
For longer term storage, condensed milk can be frozen for 2-3 months. Remember to label the storage container with the date opened or frozen. Look for signs of spoilage before consuming like lumpy texture or sour odor. Discard expired condensed milk.
With proper refrigeration and freezing, condensed milk will retain optimal flavor and texture well past the first use. Follow these condensed milk storage guidelines, and you can enjoy leftover condensed milk for homemade desserts or coffee cocktails before it goes to waste.