Milk will stay fresh for three weeks by adding this 65p item (Image: Getty)
Food storage experts have shared a wonderful hack found in your home to keep milk fresh for three weeks – and it costs less than £1.
Generally, once opened, milk normally lasts 4-7 days past its printed date when refrigerated.
Unopened whole milk can last 5-7 days, while reduced-fat and skim milk can last for over a week.
Non-fat and lactose-free milk tends to last even longer, remaining good for 7-10 days past the printed date when kept in the fridge.
According to the experts from , once opened, milk can last for a week or two without curdling, but a simple hack can extend its life even further
Food storage experts have revealed a brilliant hack to keep milk fresh for up to three weeks (Image: Getty)
They said: “Adding a pinch of salt to the carton and shaking it to distribute the salt evenly can help.
They said: “Salt minerals slow the souring of milk by drawing out water molecules, which lowers water activity and, in turn, inhibits bacterial growth.”
The experts further explained that while , it’s better to place it on a shelf where temperatures are cooler and more consistent.
They said: “Dairy products should ideally be stored at the back of the fridge, as the front and door are exposed to warmer air each time the door is opened.”
When using milk, return it directly to the fridge as soon as you are finished.
They advise: “It’s best not to let it sit on the counter for too long.”
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Adding a pinch of salt to the carton and shaking it to distribute the salt evenly can help (Image: Getty)
By following these tips and utilising the salt trick, a carton of milk can be extended by up to a week. Therefore, if you purchase milk a week before its use-by date and apply these methods, it could last approximately three weeks overall.
A bottle of table salt weighing 750g costs just 65p at Asda. This makes the hack extremely cost-effective when compared to the expense that comes from wasted milk.
If your milk does sour, it will taste unpleasant but is not dangerous. You can avoid wasting it by using it as a substitute for buttermilk in pancakes, scones, or bread.
If you are concerned about not using the milk in time, you can freeze it. Frozen milk can be stored for up to three months; while the texture and taste may change slightly, it will be safe to drink and suitable for cooking or baking.
Just ensure the container or carton you use for freezing has enough space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes. To thaw milk, place it in the fridge, and if it separates, simply beat it with an electric whisk.