A cold glass of milk is a refreshing addition to quench your thirst. But when you get up in the morning and see the carton on the counter, it should give you pause: Is drinking milk left out overnight safe? The short answer is, unless your kitchen is refrigerator-cold at night, probably not. While most milk and milk products are pasteurized, bacteria can still grow at temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Show
Advertisement Video of the Day TipUnrefrigerated milk begins to spoil in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You risk bacterial contamination that may result in gastrointestinal issues. The Benefits of PasteurizationPasteurization, developed by Louis Pasteur in 1862, heats liquids to reduce bacterial contamination and growth. Pasteurizing milk was first considered in 1886, and the practice started in the United States in the 1890s. Today, most pasteurized milk is heated by the high temperature short time (HTST method). This method uses hot water and metal plates to bring the milk to 161 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds or more. Advertisement Ultra pasteurized (UP) milk is heated to 280 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for two seconds. It must be refrigerated to stay safe. Ultra high temperature (UHT) milk is heated in sterile vats and hermetically sealed, making it shelf-stable. However, even UHT milk needs refrigeration once the package is opened. Advertisement In addition to pasteurization, milk is also homogenized, or forced through tiny holes to break up the fat so it doesn't separate and rise to the top. All of these processes, plus the quality tests at the processing plant, are meant to reduce the number of pathogens in milk and make it safe for consumers. Raw milk is still available to consumers, but it and the products made from raw milk may contain bacteria, such as Brucella, E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella and other microorganisms. Advertisement Milk Left Out OvernightMilk that has been left out for an hour or two, depending on the room temperature, should be viewed with caution. More than three hours or overnight, throw it out — pasteurization does reduce the number of possible pathogens, but they can revive and begin replicating once the milk warms above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Advertisement The pathogens in milk can cause serious gastrointestinal issues in healthy individuals, but are particularly dangerous to infants and young children, immunocompromised individuals and adults over age 65. Drinking unrefrigerated milk may lead to diarrhea, stomach cramps and a fever for up to a week after infection. In a worst-case scenario, it can lead to hospitalization and death. Advertisement Milk and Storage TimesMilk and other products are marked with a "sell-by" date. This date is not a "use-by" deadline. When kept on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator between 38 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, milk can be used for up to one week after the "sell-by" date or after being opened. The "once opened" deadline includes all types of pasteurized milk and remember: "When in doubt, throw it out." Advertisement If you have a power outage, you don't necessarily have to throw out the milk. Your refrigerator will stay cold for at least four hours and longer if you keep the door closed. Put a bag or block of ice in a pan to help keep your milk and other perishable items cold. A refrigerator thermometer will help you keep track of the temperature to ensure the refrigerator stays cold until the power comes back on. Half and half, a specialty dairy product made up of equal parts whole milk and cream, is a popular additive for coffee, baked goods and some entrees depending on the results you’re looking for. It can add creaminess to dishes, take the bitterness out of your morning cup of joe and even be used in cocktails. But if you’re not using half and half daily, the product can go bad quickly – so how long does it last? In general, half and half, once opened, can be kept in a refrigerator for 7-10 days. Drinking or using spoiled half and half can result in discomfort or at the worst, food poisoning. As a dairy product, half and half is almost always ultra-pasteurized. This process increases the shelf life of dairy products and involves heating the milk and cream to a high temp for a set amount of time. To help make the information on different types of half and half easier to understand, here’s a table: Type of Half and HalfFridge ExpectancyFreezer ExpectancyIf Left OutPasteurized4-6 days3 months2 hoursUltra-pasteurized7-10 days3 months2 hoursOrganic7-10 days3 months2 hoursHomemade7-10 days*2 months2 hours*Homemade half and half will last as long as the milk used to make it lasts; check the carton for exact dates. Quick Navigation
How Long Does Half And Half Last After Expiration DateLike all dairy products, half and half will have an expiration date stamped on the packaging. But expiration dates can be tricky – they’re actually the last day a product is at its best quality. So using half and half after its expiration date isn’t the red flag you would think it is. NoteOnce you reach the date on your carton of half and half, you have another 3-5 days of use before it truly goes “bad.” The expiration date will also depend on additives, production processes and the level of pasteurization – so read the carton for more information. Half and half comes in quite a few sizes, so if you don’t think you’ll go through it quickly, consider buying a pint vs. a quart or half-gallon. How Long Can Half And Half Be Left at Room Temperature?It’s never ideal to leave a dairy product sitting out at room temperature, but accidents happen. If you were half-asleep and left the half and half out on the counter after pouring your morning coffee, you have about two hours before bacteria starts to form. Certain bacteria can grow once half and half reaches 40° F or higher in temperature. These Bacteria Include:
Since the normal temperature range of a home is 60° F or more, dairy takes about two hours to warm up to the level where bacteria will form.
Just remember to keep the door closed unless necessary and, once the power comes back on and the fridge is up and running, check perishable items to make sure they haven’t spoiled. What is the Best Temperature for Half And Half?The ideal temperature for storing half and half is anywhere under 40° F. Fridge & Perishable Food Temperatures:
In terms of food safety regulations, the danger zone is the temperature range where dangerous bacteria can multiply quickly. Can You Make Homemade Half And Half Creamer?Yes, it’s possible to make half and half at home. You’ll need the following ingredients, combined in a measuring cup:
How long homemade half and half lasts depends on whether or not the whole milk and/or cream were already open. In short, it will last as long as the milk used to make it will last. How Do You Know if Half And Half is Bad?Luckily, it’s pretty obvious when half and half goes bad; it will curdle. Liquids that curdle contain lumps and start to develop a sour smell. Curdling is caused by protein molecules forming lumps and the product turning acidic – definitely not the taste you’re looking for in half and half. If you aren’t sure if your half and half is bad, take a quick whiff; does it smell sour or even taste a little tangy? Another trick is to look for circles when you pour half and half into your coffee. If circles form on top of the coffee, the half and half has at least started to go bad and is separating or curdling. What Does It Smell Like?Half and half that is still good doesn’t have a very distinct smell. Like most dairy, it will have a mild, almost unnoticeable scent.
You may decide to take a small sip and see if there’s a sour taste; if so, you’re close to having spoiled half and half.  Pasteurized Half and Half CreamerNot all dairy is pasteurized, but half and half almost always is. Made up of heavy cream and whole milk, half and half gets heated to a minimum of 280° F for at least two minutes. This process kills most of the bacteria in the liquid. Some half and half may just be pasteurized instead of ultra-pasteurized. In this case, half and half gets heated to around 160° F. It still kills harmful bacteria, but not as much as ultra-pasteurizing does. Packaging should tell you whether your dairy products, including half and half, are raw, pasteurized, or ultra-pasteurized. How Long Does Organic Half And Half Last?Organic products are on the rise and dairy in particular can now be bought organic. In general, cows producing milk must not be given any hormones that stimulate milk production. The feed they eat can’t be treated with pesticides and the cows must be eating pasture grass for at least 120 days of the year.
However, some organic products do have expiration dates that come up quicker, so make sure to check your carton. People have also noted that organic products seem to go bad sooner, although there’s a lot of debate about this topic. How Long Will Unopened Half And Half Last?If half and half is on sale and you want to buy in bulk, an unopened carton will last 1 to 2 weeks after the date on the package, as long as it is refrigerated. Can Expired Half And Half Make You Sick?Yes, expired half and half can make you sick. Although just a sip of it or a tablespoon in your coffee will probably only ruin the taste, spoiled half and half has a wealth of bacteria in it. This bacteria can cause cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and more. These symptoms are pretty mild compared to food poisoning, which you can also get. Food poisoning can lead to becoming dehydrated and not being able to keep anything down. In some cases, it may result in hospitalization. Can You Cook With Spoiled Half And Half?While you shouldn’t drink spoiled half and half, if it is only a little bit sour you can still cook or bake with it. Sour milk will still have an effect on the food you’re making, so keep that it mind. Any recipes that call for buttermilk or yogurt will be a good fit for slightly sour half and half. Using a small amount (less than 2 cups) of sour half and half in baked goods is safe as the oven heat will destroy most of the harmful bacteria. How To Properly Store ItOnce half and half is opened, you have 7-10 days before it goes bad. It’s important to keep the carton in the far corner in the fridge so that it stays at a cool temperature and out of sunlight at all times. Avoid storing the carton in the door. Many cartons have a twist cap for a tight seal, but if your half and half has a fold-over cardboard carton, consider pouring it into a mason jar, Tupperware or other airtight container. Can You Freeze Unopened Half And Half?Because half and half is made with cream, it isn’t ideal for freezing. Cream and dairy heavy in fats separate when frozen. However, you can definitely freeze your half and half if you need to. If you haven’t opened the carton yet, you can freeze the entire carton. If you’re using frozen half and half, make sure to defrost it first and give it a good shake to help with the separation. It won’t be as good in coffee as fresh half and half, but it’s still great for cooking and baking. Half and half can last for up to 3 months in your freezer. Read on to find out in more detail on How to Freeze Half and Half and Proper Ways to Defrost it to retain optimum flavor and taste. Can You Freeze Opened Half And Half?If the carton is already open, you can transfer the half and half to a ziplock bag or airtight container safe for freezer use. It will last 3 months in the freezer. Final WordsHalf and half isn’t just for coffee, and it shouldn’t be overlooked as a great addition to your kitchen. Half and half can add creaminess and full-fat flavor to your dishes. But make sure you keep an eye on proper temperature and the expiration date – you have about 7-10 days to use your half and half before it goes bad. When you purchase half and half, check the expiration date and make sure it’s sealed tightly once opened. If you leave it out accidentally, it’s still safe for use as long as it hasn’t been at room temperature for over two hours. Whatever you choose to do with half and half, stay conscious of dates and check it regularly for curdling or a sour smell. Keren Tayler My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler. How long can ultraSarah Downs, RD: “When in doubt, throw it out. The general rule of thumb is to discard any perishables that have been stored above the “Danger Zone” of 40° F for more than two hours, no matter what their appearance or odor (and never taste the food to try and determine whether it's still safe).”
Does ultraUltra-High Temp (UHT or UP) Pasteurization
Both of these methods use commercially sterile equipment to produce a shelf-stable product that does not require refrigeration before opening. The goal of using UP or UHT pasteurization is to extend the shelf life and create a shelf-stable product.
Can you drink halfHow Long Can Half and Half Sit Out? If you left out half and half for more than 2 hours, you should toss it. If it's a hot (over 90°F or 32ºC) day, that period shrinks to an hour.
Can you leave ultraBoth Pasteurized and Ultra- Pasteurized milks should be held under refrigeration at all times.
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Ultra pasteurized half and half left out overnight
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