Chocolate milk that expires in 2027

[Finklejag]

The vending company at my work recently switched to a different milk product. If you can believe, milk out sells soda in our break room. The former milk product was from a local dairy company that recently went out of business. So the vending company started stocking Darigold. One person bought a bottle and notice it expires in January, 2027. I don’t think milk is supposed to last nine months. I personally won’t be buying it.

https://www.darigold.com/product/chocolate-milk-1-low-fat/

 

[Hall]

Since it's ultra-pasteurized, as long as it's kept closed, this isn't unheard of.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Shelf-stable milk exists

 

[The_Jeff]

Even refrigerated milk is good for about 2.5 weeks now. Remember when it used to be closer to a week.

 

[y_p_w]

If it’s ultra-pasteurized and refrigerated, it really can last that long. There’s nothing all that unusual. Canned milk can be good for years.

The biggest issue is the caramelization of the sugars. Some think it’s a burnt taste.

 

[Kira]

At work, skip any beverage but water.
Drink whatever you like at other times.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

At work, skip any beverage but water.
Drink whatever you like at other times.

Water and black coffee for me!

 

[Leo99]

My wife buys refrigerated Fairlife milk and gets her father their chocolate milk. It's good for months. Why won't you be buying it?

 

[gman2304]

Half and Half has a really long expiration date. The small half and half individual servings I see on restaurant tables aren’t refrigerated and last a long time.

 

[y_p_w]

Half and Half has a really long expiration date. The small half and half individual servings I see on restaurant tables aren’t refrigerated and last a long time.

Depends on what kind. Some are UHT processed in aseptic packaging, and sold at room temperature. I’ve bought those at foodservice stores. Some are just paper and plastic and are supposed to be refrigerated. I’ve tried those and of course at restaurants they bring them out where they stay on the table for a while. I doubt they get put back in the fridge.

I used to use half and half in my coffee, but I’m more a black coffee drinker now.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

Shelf-stable milk exists

Popular outside the US

 

[y_p_w]

Depends on what kind. Some are UHT processed in aseptic packaging, and sold at room temperature. I’ve bought those at foodservice stores. Some are just paper and plastic and are supposed to be refrigerated. I’ve tried those and of course at restaurants they bring them out where they stay on the table for a while. I doubt they get put back in the fridge.

I used to use half and half in my coffee, but I’m more a black coffee drinker now.

I found a photo of the kind that needs refrigeration.

 

[BHopkins]

UHT (Ultra High Temperature) processed milk products have been on the market for over 40 years. Initially, the shelf life was only about 3-4 months, but processes have advanced significantly, and UHT milk often have a shelf life of 9-10, even 11 months. I just filled my refrigerator with Fairlife high protien chocolate shakes, which is a UHT processed milk drink, and the expiration date is Feb. 23 of 2027.

UHT milk was first developed in Europe, but Gossner Foods, which used to primarily be a cheese company, pioneered UHT milk here in the US., is just a few miles from where I live.

Ask anyone that served in Operation Enduring Freedom, and they can tell you that Gossner flavored milks were a staple. Gossners shipped thousands of pallets of UHT processed milk to the military at that time.

Pay attention next time you pick up a carton of Half and Half or whipping cream. Look at the choices on the shelf, and probably half of them will be UHT processed.

 

[ls1mike]

On submarines you run out of fresh milk about 2 weeks underway. After that you either get powdered milk or UHT milk. You can get the UHT in plain, chocolate or Strawberry. I did my first underway in 1995 and we had UHT then.

 

[tblt44]

nest quick milk also doesn't have to be refrigerated, and it lasts a long time. I wouldn't drink it.

 

[IndyIan]

We bring boxed milk or oat milk on camping trips where we won't always have ice. I think of it as "canned", so not quite like the fresh product but plenty good enough for camping, but once you open it, it needs to be kept cold, or you finish the box at breakfast.

 

[Prison_Mike]

If it’s ultra-pasteurized and refrigerated, it really can last that long. There’s nothing all that unusual. Canned milk can be good for years.

The biggest issue is the caramelization of the sugars. Some think it’s a burnt taste.

Ultra pasteurized milk absolutely tastes much worse though. There's even a difference in texture? Mouthfeel?

 

[Klutch9]

This got me thinking about some dairy I bought awhile back… sour cream I think. The Kroger brand had an expiration date like 9 months in the future. The name brand had an expiration date like a couple months from then. I figured the Kroger brand had lots of preservatives and/or artificial junk. I bought the name brand.

 

[Finklejag]

I was ignorant about UHT milk. After doing some googling, I have a better understanding now. It looks like Darigold milk is also aseptic during processing.
I just checked the store brand half and half I usually buy. The expired date was always 3 months in the future. The one in my fridge now shows 2/27. . I guess even milk technology is advancing.

 

[robbobster]

The expired date was always 3 months in the future. The one in my fridge now shows 2/27. . I guess even milk technology is advancing.

I’ve noticed the same.
But I also wonder, is that for an unopened bottle?

Does the expiration date change when it’s opened/exposed to oxygen?

Since the bottle doesn’t mention it, is it safe to assume that it doesn’t matter?