Can You Drink Cold Milk From the Fridge? What You Need to Know

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is safe to drink cold, pasteurized milk directly from the fridge, as long as it has been stored correctly. While safe, the temperature of milk can influence its effects on digestion and overall comfort for different individuals.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the safety, benefits, and potential downsides of drinking chilled milk. It clarifies common misconceptions about cold milk and digestion, outlines specific health conditions that may warrant caution, and details the nutritional comparisons between cold and warm milk.

Key Points

Safety is assured by pasteurization: Modern, store-bought milk is safe to drink cold from the fridge due to the pasteurization process that eliminates harmful bacteria.
Benefits include hydration and acidity relief: Cold milk is a great source of hydration due to its electrolytes and can help neutralize stomach acid to alleviate heartburn.
Digestion varies by temperature: Warm milk is generally easier to digest for sensitive stomachs, while cold milk can be harder to process due to slower protein coagulation.
Milk does not increase mucus: The common myth that drinking milk worsens phlegm during a cold is scientifically unfounded, though it can create a temporary sensation of thicker mucus.
Consider individual health factors: People with chronic respiratory issues, sensitive digestive systems, or severe lactose intolerance may prefer warm milk or need to monitor their intake of cold milk.
Listen to your body: The choice between cold and warm milk comes down to personal preference and how your body responds to the temperature, as both offer the same core nutrients.

Is Cold Milk Safe to Drink? The Food Safety Perspective

Yes, it is completely safe to drink pasteurized milk cold from the fridge. The key word here is pasteurized, a heat treatment process that kills harmful bacteria. Modern dairy production and refrigeration ensure that milk stored correctly (at or below 40°F/4°C) remains safe for consumption until its expiration date. Concerns about cold foods being inherently dangerous are largely based on old folklore, not modern food science. The temperature of the milk does not impact its safety for healthy individuals.

Benefits of Choosing Cold Milk

Many people prefer cold milk, especially in warm weather, for its refreshing and cooling properties. Beyond personal preference, cold milk offers several health benefits:

Relieves Acidity: Cold milk can provide instant relief from heartburn and the burning sensation of acidity. The calcium content helps neutralize stomach acid.
Excellent Hydrator: Packed with electrolytes, cold milk helps your body rehydrate efficiently, especially after physical activity.
Supports Weight Management: The protein and calcium in cold milk can help you feel full for longer, which can assist in controlling hunger pangs between meals and reducing overall calorie intake.
Nutrient Integrity: Since it is not exposed to additional heat, the nutrients in cold milk remain fully intact and unaltered.

Cold vs. Warm Milk: A Digestive Comparison

While nutritionally similar, the temperature at which you drink milk can affect how your body digests it. This is primarily a matter of personal comfort and sensitivity.


Feature	Cold Milk	Warm Milk
Digestion	Can be harder to digest for some individuals due to slower coagulation of proteins in the stomach. The cold can cause the stomach to work harder.	Often easier to digest, especially for those with sensitive stomachs. The heat slightly denatures milk proteins, potentially easing the process.
Stomach Sensitivity	Can sometimes cause mild discomfort or cramping for those with sensitivities.	Can have a soothing effect on the digestive tract and may help relieve indigestion.
Lactose Intolerance	People with mild lactose intolerance might experience more symptoms due to a harder-to-digest curd.	Anecdotally, some with mild lactose sensitivity report fewer symptoms, though the lactose content remains the same.
Acidity/Heartburn	Acts as an immediate, cooling antidote for active heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid.	Can also help soothe stomach issues but does not provide the same immediate cooling sensation for heartburn.

Who Should Be Cautious About Cold Milk?

For most healthy adults, drinking cold milk is perfectly fine. However, some individuals should exercise caution or consider warming their milk to improve comfort and digestion:

Those with Respiratory Issues: Some evidence suggests cold milk can thicken mucus in the throat, which may feel more irritating for people with coughs, colds, or asthma, though it doesn't cause more mucus production. Warm milk is often more soothing.
People with Sensitive Digestion: If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastritis, or a history of digestive upset, the shock of cold liquid can potentially aggravate your stomach lining.
Individuals Prone to Indigestion: According to Ayurvedic practices, consuming cold foods and drinks, including milk, can weaken the digestive fire, leading to indigestion, especially at night. Warm milk is typically recommended for easier assimilation.
Babies (in some cases): While babies can drink cold breast milk or formula, some, especially premature infants, may tolerate warm milk better. The temperature is largely a matter of preference for the baby.

Can You Drink Cold Milk with a Cold or Flu?

Contrary to popular belief, milk does not increase mucus production when you are sick. Studies have found no conclusive link between milk consumption and increased nasal discharge or congestion. The sensation of thicker mucus is often a perception rather than a reality. In fact, cold dairy products like a smoothie can help soothe a sore throat and provide essential nutrients when your appetite is low.

Conclusion: Enjoy Cold Milk Responsibly

So, can you drink cold milk from the fridge? Absolutely. For the majority of people, chilled milk is a safe, refreshing, and nutritious beverage. The choice between cold and warm milk is a matter of personal preference, based on comfort, season, and how your body responds. Cold milk is particularly beneficial for soothing acidity and rehydrating on a hot day, while warm milk may be easier on sensitive digestive systems. If you have specific health concerns, such as a respiratory illness or digestive issues, pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust the temperature accordingly. As always, ensure your milk is pasteurized and properly stored to maintain its quality and safety.

For more in-depth information on nutrition and food myths, resources from sources like the Augusta Health blog on the milk-phlegm myth are available.

The Final Word on Chilled Milk

Drinking pasteurized cold milk is safe and nutritious. Individual comfort, not safety, is the main deciding factor. It offers benefits like acidity relief and hydration, especially in warm weather. For those with sensitive stomachs or respiratory issues, listening to your body's response and opting for warm milk might be better. Proper storage is crucial for all dairy. Ultimately, the best temperature is the one that makes you feel best.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, drinking cold milk from the fridge will not make you sick if it is pasteurized and stored correctly. The temperature does not introduce pathogens. Sickness is caused by bacteria, which pasteurization eliminates.

Cold milk can be good for your stomach, especially for relieving acidity and heartburn. However, some individuals with sensitive stomachs might find that warm milk is easier to digest.

While it's generally safe, drinking cold milk at night might cause digestive discomfort for some people, as your metabolism slows down during sleep. Warm milk is often recommended before bed as it promotes relaxation and is easier to digest.

Cold milk is not inherently 'better' for weight loss than warm milk. However, it can help you feel full, potentially reducing snacking. The nutritional content is the same, so personal preference is the main factor.

No, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that milk increases mucus production during a cold. While it may temporarily make existing mucus feel thicker, it will not worsen your cold symptoms.

Bloating from cold milk can occur in individuals with sensitive digestive systems, as the colder temperature can slow down the digestive process and cause gas. It can also be a sign of lactose intolerance.

No, the core nutritional content of milk (protein, calcium, vitamins) is not significantly affected by heating or chilling. The main difference lies in how your body digests it based on temperature.