Milk is nutritious and the first choice for everyone's breakfast. Many families keep milk at home, but sometimes it's inevitable to buy too much and not finish it. So, can you drink expired milk? Let's find out together.
Can you drink milk that is expired but not spoiled?
To this question that many people struggle with, experts say: "First, make a judgment based on your senses. If the sensory judgment is fine, the milk is still drinkable." Why is it still drinkable after the expiration date? Experts further explain: "Generally, the expiration dates of milk sold on the market are set with a buffer for consumers. If you buy a milk with a 7-day expiration date, its actual shelf life might be 10 days. Milk cannot suddenly spoil on the exact day it expires. Therefore, if the milk has reached its expiration date, but shows no signs of spoilage from a sensory perspective, it can still be consumed with confidence. However, if it's been four or five days past the date, even if it hasn't spoiled, its nutritional value is almost gone. In this case, it's best not to drink it."
What are the dangers of drinking expired milk?
1. It can produce harmful substances
Expired milk will grow bacteria. If you've accidentally drunk some and feel fine, there's no major issue. However, if you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
2. It can cause an upset stomach
Drinking expired pure milk can lead to an upset stomach because the protein in it has been broken down, which is harmful to the human body. In severe cases, a hospital visit is required for treatment.
3. It may cause diarrhea or poisoning
Regardless of whether it has spoiled or not, expired milk should not be drunk. Milk is pasteurized and sterilized before being packaged, but it may still contain a small amount of harmless or beneficial, heat-resistant bacteria or spores. Once the expiration date passes, the number of bacteria can exceed the physicochemical and hygiene standards, leading to discomfort symptoms like diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause poisoning.
Tip: Milk Incompatibilities
Sugar should not be added while milk is being heated. Many people like to add sugar to milk to improve its taste. However, adding sugar to hot milk can cause a reaction between lysine in the milk and fructose, creating a toxic substance called fructoselysine, which is harmful to human health. If you must add sugar, be sure to do so after the milk has been cooked and cooled, so as not to endanger our health.
Milk should not be consumed with chocolate. The protein and calcium in milk can combine with the oxalic acid in chocolate to form insoluble calcium oxalate, which affects the body's absorption of calcium. In severe cases, it can lead to diarrhea, slow growth, and dry hair.
Milk should not be consumed with acidic fruits or juices. When drinking milk, or right after, do not eat acidic fruits like oranges or drink acidic juices. The protein in milk and the citric acid in acidic fruits can easily cause a coagulation reaction, which affects the body's digestion and absorption of milk. After drinking milk, wait at least an hour before consuming acidic fruits or juices.