When buttermilk isn’t stored in proper conditions, or if it’s been stored for too long, it can become spoiled, just like any other dairy drink. Consuming spoiled food is a health risk, so it’s important to learn how to tell if buttermilk is bad.
Table of Contents
What is Buttermilk?
There are two varieties of buttermilk. Traditionally, it’s referred to as the thin, low-fat liquid that’s left behind after cream has been churned to make butter.
Buttermilk, as we know it today, is made commercially through a process whereby bacteria cultures are added to milk and left to ferment for hours at a low temperature. This method produces buttermilk that’s thicker and tangier than the traditional method.
What Does Buttermilk Smell Like?
Knowing what good buttermilk smells like will come in handy when you do have to determine if it’s gone bad.
Although made from milk, buttermilk naturally has a more sour and tangy smell than milk. That’s normal and doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with your buttermilk. Also, the more you use it is the faster you will get used to its unique smell.
What Does Buttermilk Taste Like?
Due to the fermentation process involved in making buttermilk the traditional way, it has a buttery yet tangy taste. Chances are you’d have access to commercial buttermilk which is usually likened to yogurt because it’s more acidic and even tangier than the old-fashioned buttermilk.
As this product is usually used for baking and cooking, you don’t have to worry much about the taste. Once incorporated into your favorite dishes, you get all the benefits of the creaminess and won’t even notice the acidity or tangy flavor.
How to Tell if Buttermilk is Bad
- Expiry Date
As with most dairy products, buttermilk has a relatively short shelf life. One of the best and most foolproof ways to tell if buttermilk has gone bad is by checking the expiry date.
This takes guessing out of the equation. It’s better not to take any chances and simply discard it once the expiry date has passed.
- The Look: Discoloration and Mold
If you take a glance at your buttermilk and find that it’s discolored or moldy then it’s definitely time to get rid of it.
Buttermilk is usually sold in opaque cartons or containers which can make this difficult to spot right away.
Instead of adding your buttermilk directly to whatever recipe you’re preparing, a good practice is to pour your buttermilk into another dish first so you can inspect it.
- The Texture: Thickening and Chunky
Buttermilk does have a thick and creamy texture. After all, that’s what makes it so great in lots of dishes and baked goods.
However, if you find that the buttermilk is thicker than usual and chunky, this is a sure sign that it’s bad and no longer fit for consumption.
- The Smell: Strong Odor
An easy way to tell if buttermilk has gone bad is the smell. Once spoiled and a few days have passed, the buttermilk will surely have a strong and sour smell that’s a dead giveaway.
Nontheless, because it usually has a stronger smell than milk, you may not notice a change in odor when it just starts to go bad. Therefore, this method isn’t always a foolproof way to detect spoiled buttermilk.
- The Taste
While buttermilk does have a distinctive tangy taste it should never taste sour. A sour taste indicates that the buttermilk is no longer good.
If you’re still unsure even after tasting it, use a combination of the other methods to determine if the buttermilk is in fact spoiled.
How Long is Buttermilk Good for After Opening?
Once you’ve opened a container of buttermilk it has to be refrigerated. Refrigerated buttermilk can last for up to 2 weeks. If you’re ever uncertain as to whether or not your buttermilk is still good, refer to the methods above just to be sure.
How Long Does Buttermilk Last in the Fridge?
Buttermilk can last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Given its versatility, you can use it in a number of dishes so chances are it’ll be gone in no time.
Is Buttermilk Supposed to Be Chunky?
Buttermilk has a thick consistency but should never be chunky. As with milk, chunky buttermilk that won’t pour and resembles cottage cheese is spoiled. If it’s chunky throw it out!
Is Buttermilk Supposed to Be Sour?
Buttermilk should never be sour. If your buttermilk tastes or smells sour that’s a sure indication that it has spoiled and should not be used.
Can You Freeze Buttermilk?
Absolutely! There’s no reason why good buttermilk should go to waste. Freeze your remaining buttermilk in an airtight container and ensure there’s enough room for it to expand as it freezes.
You can also freeze buttermilk in ice trays for an easier way to get just the right amount you need for different recipes without thawing out the entire container.
Remember to label the containers with the date you put them in the freezer. Frozen buttermilk is good for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Expired Buttermilk in Baking?
While it’s not recommended that you drink expired buttermilk, you can actually put it to good use in baking. We don’t recommend using buttermilk that’s way past its expiry date but if it has just expired then there’s no problem. Once there’s no foul odor this is also a good indication that it can still be used.
Expired buttermilk works best in baked goods that call for baking soda which reacts well with the acidity of the milk to produce a fluffier result while also adding extra flavor. Grab your favorite scone, muffin, or pancake recipe and get baking!
How to Extend Buttermilk’s Shelf Life
Buttermilk contains a lot of lactic acid which helps to preserve it for a longer period than other milk products. Nonetheless, it will eventually go bad as with any other food. The best way to extend its shelf life is by keeping it cold. Store it in the refrigerator once purchased and even after the container has been opened. Never let it sit out at room temperature so if a recipe calls for buttermilk, only remove it from the fridge once you’re ready to use it.
Also, when purchasing buttermilk at the store, pick it up just before heading to the cashier. While it will stay chilled for a while, try your best to get it home and back into a fridge as soon as possible.
How to Tell if Buttermilk is Bad (Step by Step Instructions)
Ingredients
- 1 bottle buttermilk
Instructions
Read Expiry Date
- Check the expiry date, and discard it once the expiry date has passed.
- Take a Look
- If you take a glance at your buttermilk and find that it’s discolored or moldy then it’s definitely time to get rid of it.
- If you find that the buttermilk is thicker than usual and chunky, this is a sure sign that it’s bad and no longer fit for consumption.
Smell it
- An easy way to tell if buttermilk has gone bad is the smell. Once spoiled and a few days have passed, the buttermilk will surely have a strong and sour smell that’s a dead giveaway.
Taste it
- While buttermilk does have a distinctive tangy taste it should never taste sour. A sour taste indicates that the buttermilk is no longer good.
Leave a Reply