How to Store Powdered Milk Long-Term

For long-term storage, buy powdered milk.

If you plan to use your powdered milk within the next six months, all you need to do is keep it covered, in its original package and in a dry location below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep powdered milk long term, it will need proper packaging. Exposure to oxygen speeds disintegration. Powdered milk absorbs odors and moisture when improperly stored. The key is keeping the powdered milk dry and separated from the elements.

Things You'll Need

• Container

Instructions

1. Purchase powdered dried milk packaged in nitrogen-packed cans. This is a process where nitrogen forces air from the can during packaging. These are typically available at survival food suppliers.

2. Repackage powdered milk that does not come in nitrogen-packed cans. Put the powdered milk in a sanitized, airtight, non-transparent container.

3. Store the powdered milk under 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips & Warnings

• While the "Consumer's Guide for Preparing an Emergency Food Supply

• Long Term Food Storage" states the storage time for best quality for powdered milk stored in nitrogen-packed cans is 24 months, some vendor sites marketing powdered milk in nitrogen-packed cans claim shelf life is 25 plus years.

References

• FEMA: Food and Water in an Emergency
• Washington Dairy Council: Instant Non Fat Dry Milk Powder
• University of Georgia: Consumer's Guide: Preparing an Emergency Food Supply Long Term Food Storage