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Food Lens

Food Lens · Pantry

Powdered milk

Mild and milky once reconstituted, though slightly less fresh-tasting than liquid milk.

Lens analyzed

Powdered milk is dehydrated cow's milk, with the water removed, meant to be reconstituted by mixing with water or used dry in baking recipes. It's a shelf-stable pantry alternative to fresh milk, useful when refrigeration or frequent shopping isn't practical.

Where it comes from

Milk drying and powdering technology developed in the 19th and 20th centuries as a way to preserve milk without refrigeration, becoming especially useful for long-term food storage, shipping, and baking where fresh milk wasn't always practical.

Buying it

Check whether it's whole milk powder or a nonfat version, since fat content affects richness in both drinking and baking uses. A sealed, unopened container should show no clumping when shaken.

Storing it

Store unopened powdered milk in a cool, dry pantry for a long shelf life; once opened, keep it tightly sealed and use within a few months for the best quality, since it can absorb moisture and odors from the air.

Keeps about 1 year in the pantry.

Recipes that use powdered milk

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