A Guide to Shelf-Stable Dairy and Delicious Ways to Use It

When we think of milk, we often think of fresh, chilled gallons and cartons we find at the grocery store. Milk can also be stored at room temperature, where it goes through ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing so that it can be shelf-stable. This process allows it to be stored for months without refrigeration, keeping it safe to consume and providing you with the vitamins and minerals found in fresh dairy products.

Shelf-stable dairy doesn’t stop at UHT cartons though; evaporated milk and powdered milk are two forms of shelf-stable milk that are often overlooked but can be a convenient way to get the same nutrients as refrigerated milk. Shelf-stable dairy isn’t just a product that you can keep in your pantry; it can be used in a variety of different settings. From busy families to school meal programs, here are some ways it can be used throughout the community.

Shelf-Stable Dairy at Home

Using shelf-stable dairy at home can make everyday life easier. Not only will it last for months in your pantry, but shelf-stable dairy like powdered milk and evaporated milk can be an affordable option and replacement for fresh milk to keep on hand for:

• Smoothies
• Pancakes and bread batters
• Mashed potatoes
• Oatmeal and warm cereals
• Creamy soups and sauces

Adding powdered milk to your recipes can provide extra protein and nutrients as well. Evaporated milk can also be used as a low-fat replacement for heavy cream, adding a creaminess to recipes without needing refrigeration before opening.

Not only do they usually come at a lower cost compared to fresh milk, but swapping shelf-stable dairy into your usual meals is an easy way to ensure your household gets the nutrients found in fresh milk, even if you’re shopping less frequently or stretching your grocery budget. Recent research indicates that nutrient levels are relatively the same after processing when compared to fresh milk, making it a practical choice that will still meet nutritional needs.

In Community Kitchens

In food pantries, soup kitchens, and community food access sites, shelf-stable dairy can be a helpful product to reach for. Being more compact, lightweight, and long-lasting, it can be easier to transport, store, and distribute in these settings. Shelf-stable milk can:

• Extend the shelf life of other goods
• Be used without access to cold storage
• Be a nutritious option between trips to the grocery store

Using shelf-stable dairy can be budget-friendly for consumers, and a way to close nutrient and access gaps as a food pantry organization. Being a nutrient-rich food item, food pantries can use shelf-stable dairy products to help build a healthier community and provide more nutrition security.

In Cultural Dishes

Shelf-stable milk is a part of many traditional foods of many cultures. In Latin American cooking, evaporated milk can be used in sweet dishes like Brazilian passion fruit mousse and Dominican Habichuelas con Dulce, or savory dishes like Peruvian ají de gallina. In South Asian households, powdered milk is often used to make sweets like gulab jamun or added to milk tea. Using these ingredients isn’t just a nutritious benefit, but it can also be a connection to culture. Whether it’s preparing a family recipe or trying new flavors of another culture, shelf-stable dairy plays a large role in preparing these dishes and can be a way of keeping them alive and appreciated.

Shelf-stable dairy offers the same 13 essential nutrients that fresh milk does, with the added benefits of being longer lasting. With this delicious recipe, here’s how you can use shelf-stable dairy in an on-the-go breakfast option:

No-Bake Energy Bites

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Yields: 24 energy bites

Recipe adapted from King Arthur Baking.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, sunflower)
• 1 cup rolled oats, old-fashioned or quick-cooking
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup powdered whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix-ins (use 2 cups total)

• 1 tbsp chia seeds or poppy seeds
• shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
• mini chocolate chips
• Diced dried fruits
• ground nuts or seeds
• wheat bran or oat bran
• graham cracker crumbs, or crushed cookies

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the nut butter, oats, honey, powdered milk, and vanilla.
2. Using 2 cups total as your guideline, add in your mix-ins. If you are using chia seeds or poppy seeds, use only about 1 tablespoon as part of your mix-ins, as they can cause gastric distress in large quantities.
3. Use your hands to blend and mix together all the ingredients. If the mixture is a bit dry, you can add more honey; add more oats if the mixture is a bit too sticky. This “recipe” is very flexible; consider it simply a starting point.
4. Using your hands, portion the dough out to the size of ping-pong balls. Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan to rest and firm up for about 20 minutes.
5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. These are great for breakfast with a glass of milk or juice.

For more information on shelf-stable dairy, check out Shelf Stable Milk: Convenient, Sustainable, and Nutritious.