Storage & Handling: Milk & Yogurt

Milk (whole, 1%, 2%, skim, flavored, buttermilk)

How to Store	refrigerate immediately after purchasing store on refrigerator shelves; the door shelves are not cold enough store in original container until serving keep sealed to protect from strong odors return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly after use if served in another container do not place unused portion back in the original container
Refrigerator (2-4°C)	check the best before date for freshness
Freezer (-18°C or below)	may be frozen for periods up to 3 weeks skim & 2% freeze better than whole milk frozen milk should always be thawed in the refrigerator buttermilk should not be frozen because the flavor and consistency may change

Sweetened condensed milk,  evaporated milk

How to Store	store cans in a cool dry place invert cans every 2 months canned milk will keep for about 1 year at room temperature once opened in a tightly covered, opaque container in refrigerator
Refrigerator (2-4°C)	1 week
Freezer (-18°C or below)	do not freeze

Skim Milk Powder

How to Store	does not need refrigeration keeps up to one year unopened; use within 1-2 months once opened close package tightly after use to prevent powder from absorbing moisture and caking
Refrigerator (2-4°C)	refrigerate once reconstituted same storage as fresh milk chill 24 hours after mixing will keep up to 1 week in a tightly sealed container
Freezer (-18°C or below)	do not freeze

UHT milk

How to Store	does not need refrigeration until opened check the best before date for freshness may keep for about 10 months unopened
Refrigerator (2-4°C)	same storage as fresh milk once opened will keep up to 1 week in a tightly sealed container
Freezer (-18°C or below)	do not freeze

Yogurt

How to Store	refrigerate immediately after purchasing store on refrigerator shelves; the door shelves are not cold enough store in original container until serving keep sealed to protect from strong odors return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly after use if served in another container do not place unused portion back in the original container
Refrigerator (2-4°C)	check the best before date for freshness will keep 7-10 days
Freezer (-18°C or below)	do not freeze

Source: Alberta Milk, 1988