Does an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk go bad? I find no expiration date on a can that's been in my cupboard for about a year.
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redcatt63 is freezing....
ANSWERS: 5
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If it's only a year old, I'd say it's perfectly fine. Either way, open it up, smell it, look for discolouring or interesting artifacts. Taste it. If it's "Normal" go ahead and use it. However, if there is the slightest doubt in your mind, don't. How much is a can worth compared to your health.
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Two years from your purchase maximum, but if you open it and it has turned dark, it is usually cream colored then throw it out.
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They last nearly forever. Even opened in the fridge they can last months with a lid on them
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The high sugar content in the milk should keep it from spoiling for about 2 to 3 years, so I say you're fine. Just taste and smell it before you use it. (Hi redcatt63! Hope you had a great Monday!)
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I completely disagree with the accepted answer. You can research it yourself online or in books like "On Food and Cooking". The high sugar content in sweetened condensed milk (55-60%)prevents bacterial action because of the high osmotic pressure. The moisture is sucked right out of microbial cell walls and they die, just as when preserving with salt. An unopened can of sweetened condensed milk can last for years, though the manufacturer will put an expiry date on the can for "best quality". The the thickening and discoloration of the product is normal over time and does not mean it is spoiled. It may have a stronger flavor however since this a Maillard reaction of the proteins and sugars in the can, much like when browning meats in a pan or toasting bread. So depending on the recipe, it might slightly affect the flavor, though arguably in a good way. Smell the product and taste a tiny bit to make sure that the can was not damaged letting air in, which would cause spoilage over time.
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