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Smell Can Be Deceiving: How to Know If Milk Has Spoiled

We've all been there – standing in front of an open refrigerator, holding a carton, and carefully checking the milk. Sometimes it's immediately clear it has spoiled due to a strong unpleasant odor, but sometimes the signs are not so obvious. Although typical indicators of spoilage are a sour smell, yellowish color, and lumps, surprisingly, an unusual smell doesn't always have to come from the milk itself, according to Allrecipes.

Smell Can Be Deceiving: How to Know If Milk Has Spoiled

TL;DR

  • Signs of spoiled milk include a sharp, sour smell, lumpy or slimy texture, and a yellowish or off-white color.
  • An unusual smell may come from dried residue on the carton or other fridge odors, not the milk itself.
  • Pour milk into a clean glass to properly assess its smell.
  • Store milk in the back of the refrigerator, not the door, for a stable temperature.
  • Keep the carton tightly closed and avoid drinking directly from it.
  • Ensure the refrigerator temperature is set to 4 degrees Celsius or lower.