Is it safe to drink canned milk?

November 10, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), canned milk products like evaporated milk are safe to drink, as they undergo a sterilization process during canning. This sterilization destroys harmful bacteria and ensures the product's long shelf life. However, this safety depends on proper storage and handling, especially once the can is opened.

Quick Summary

Canned milk, including evaporated and sweetened condensed varieties, is safe to consume due to commercial sterilization during processing. Unopened cans have a long shelf life, but require proper storage once opened to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Potential health concerns exist regarding added sugars and BPA in can linings, though BPA levels are generally considered safe. Visual and olfactory checks are crucial for detecting spoilage.

Key Points

Unopened cans are shelf-stable: Due to the commercial sterilization process, unopened, undamaged cans of evaporated and sweetened condensed milk are safe and can last for years past their 'best by' date when stored properly.
Check for can damage: Always inspect cans for signs of bulging, dents, or rust before consumption, as this can indicate bacterial contamination, including potential botulism.
Refrigerate after opening: Once opened, canned milk is perishable and must be transferred to a clean, airtight container and refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Use refrigerated milk quickly: Opened evaporated milk should be used within 3-7 days of refrigeration, while sweetened condensed milk can last slightly longer due to its high sugar content.
Be aware of BPA: Can linings can be a source of BPA, an endocrine disruptor, but many brands now offer BPA-free cans. Check product labels if this is a concern.
Perform sensory checks: Visually inspect the milk for mold or discoloration, and smell for any sour or off odors before tasting to ensure it has not spoiled.
Know the nutritional differences: Evaporated milk is unsweetened and concentrated, while sweetened condensed milk contains a very high amount of sugar, impacting its health profile.

The Science Behind Canned Milk Safety

The safety of canned milk is a direct result of its manufacturing process. Canned evaporated milk, for instance, is produced by removing about 60% of the water from fresh milk before it is heated, homogenized, and then sterilized in a sealed can. Sweetened condensed milk is preserved with a high concentration of sugar, which prevents bacterial growth by lowering the product's water activity. This heat treatment and hermetic sealing create a sterile, shelf-stable product that is safe for long-term storage without refrigeration. As long as the can remains undamaged and unopened, the milk inside is protected from external contaminants.

Potential Risks and Health Considerations

While commercially canned milk is safe from microbiological contamination, other factors merit consideration. One significant concern is bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical historically used in the epoxy lining of metal cans. Research has shown that BPA can leach into food, particularly when heated. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that has been linked to various health issues. However, many manufacturers now use BPA-free can linings, and regulators like the FDA state that BPA at current exposure levels is safe. Consumers concerned about BPA can look for products specifically labeled 'BPA-free'.

Another health consideration relates to the type of canned milk. Sweetened condensed milk, with its extremely high sugar content, can contribute to dental issues and is not recommended for those with diabetes or those trying to lose weight. Evaporated milk, being unsweetened, is a more versatile option for those monitoring sugar intake. Additionally, some studies have investigated the potential presence of heavy metals in canned milks, suggesting regular monitoring is necessary to ensure levels remain below established limits.

The Importance of Proper Storage and Handling

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the safety of canned milk, especially after opening. An unopened can can last for months, or even years, beyond its 'best by' date if stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. However, once the can is compromised, the clock on its shelf life starts ticking rapidly. The protective sterile environment is broken, exposing the milk to airborne bacteria.

Storage Best Practices

Unopened Cans: Store in a pantry away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Rotate the cans every few weeks to prevent milk solids from settling. Check for any signs of damage like dents, rust, or bulging, as these indicate potential contamination.
Opened Cans: Immediately transfer any unused portion to a clean, airtight, non-metallic container. Refrigerate the container immediately after opening. Do not store opened milk in the original metal can, as it can impart a metallic taste.
Refrigeration: Store the opened and transferred milk on an interior shelf of the refrigerator, not the door, where temperatures are more stable. Most brands recommend using refrigerated evaporated milk within 3-5 days for best quality, while sweetened condensed milk, due to its high sugar content, may last a bit longer, typically up to 2-3 weeks.
Freezing: Freezing opened evaporated milk is possible but may alter its texture due to separation of milk solids, though it remains safe. Freezing sweetened condensed milk is generally not recommended as it also affects the consistency.

Signs of Spoilage

Detecting spoilage in canned milk is essential for preventing foodborne illness. While unopened canned milk is highly stable, if the can is damaged or if the opened milk is improperly stored, it can spoil. Always perform a sensory check before consumption.

Key Indicators of Spoilage:

Visual: Look for any sign of mold growth, discoloration (a change from off-white/beige to a darker, more yellow or brown color), or an unusual texture, such as lumpiness or separation. For an unopened can, bulging, leaking, or rust are definitive signs of spoilage and should be discarded immediately.
Olfactory: A sour, fermented, or otherwise unpleasant odor is a strong indicator that the milk has gone bad. Fresh evaporated milk has a light, sweet smell, while sweetened condensed milk has a rich, sugary aroma. Trust your nose; if it smells off, don't use it.
Taste: After a visual and olfactory check, a small taste test can confirm the milk's freshness. If the taste is sour, bitter, or otherwise different from its normal sweet, creamy flavor, it should be discarded.

Canned Milk vs. Fresh Milk Comparison


Feature	Canned Milk (Evaporated/Condensed)	Fresh Milk (Pasteurized)
Processing	Heated to remove water, then sterilized or sweetened and canned for stability.	Pasteurized by heating to kill pathogens, then chilled.
Storage	Unopened: Long-term, shelf-stable storage in a pantry. Opened: Must be refrigerated and used within days.	Always requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life, typically expiring around 7-10 days after purchase.
Microbial Safety	Commercially sterile and safe from pathogens until opened. Risks arise from damaged cans or improper storage after opening.	Safe from harmful bacteria due to pasteurization. Spoils over time due to psychrotrophic bacteria, becoming sour.
Packaging Concerns	Historically included BPA in can linings, though BPA-free options are now common. Potential for heavy metal exposure depending on brand and origin.	Less concern regarding can-specific contaminants like BPA. Packaging is typically cardboard or plastic.
Nutritional Differences	Concentrated nutrients (higher protein, fat, calories per volume). Sweetened condensed milk is high in sugar.	Standard nutrient profile. Whole, skim, and other varieties differ primarily in fat and calorie content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is safe to drink canned milk, whether it is evaporated or sweetened condensed, provided the can is intact and the product has been stored and handled correctly. The canning process ensures the milk is commercially sterile, making it a reliable pantry staple with a long shelf life. However, consumers should be vigilant for any signs of can damage, such as dents, rust, or bulging, which could indicate contamination. Once opened, canned milk is perishable and must be refrigerated in an airtight, non-metallic container to prevent spoilage and metallic taste transfer. While concerns like BPA have been raised, many manufacturers offer BPA-free options, and monitoring for heavy metals helps ensure product safety. By following these guidelines, you can confidently use canned milk in your recipes without compromising safety. For more information on food preservation and safety, consult the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once a can of evaporated milk is opened, it should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated, where it will last for 3 to 7 days. Opened sweetened condensed milk can last slightly longer, typically 2 to 3 weeks, due to its high sugar content.

No, unopened cans of evaporated and sweetened condensed milk are shelf-stable due to the canning process and do not require refrigeration. They should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry pantry until ready to use.

Food poisoning from properly processed and handled canned milk is extremely rare. The sterilization process kills harmful bacteria. However, foodborne illness is possible if the can is damaged (causing contamination) or if the opened milk is not refrigerated and spoils.

Signs of spoilage include a bulging can (gas production), rust, or leaks. After opening, look for mold, significant discoloration (darker than its original color), lumpiness, or a sour or off-putting odor.

You can freeze opened evaporated milk, but it may separate upon thawing, which will affect its texture. While it remains safe, the consistency is not ideal for all applications. Freezing sweetened condensed milk is generally not recommended for the same reason.

Some canned goods, including milk, have historically used linings containing BPA. However, due to health concerns, many manufacturers now use BPA-free can linings. Consumers can check product labels or contact manufacturers for specific information.

Both evaporated and sweetened condensed milk are safe due to their heat treatment and sterile canning. The main safety difference lies in sugar content; sweetened condensed milk is high in sugar, a natural preservative, but can contribute to high sugar intake if consumed excessively. Evaporated milk has no added sugar.