Spoiled milk is the result of an overgrowth of bacteria that causes changes in taste, smell, and texture.
Drinking it may make you sick, but cooking with it won’t, as long as it’s just a little off.
Using your slightly spoiled milk in innovative ways can also help you reduce food waste.
The next time you notice that the milk in your fridge is starting to go bad, don’t throw it out right away. Instead, try using it in pancakes, biscuits, or as a thickener for soups and stews.
Catching a whiff of spoiled milk is enough to ruin even the most voracious appetite, but if you find yourself stuck with a carton of it, you may want to think twice before pitching it.


What is spoiled milk?

Spoiled milk is the result of an overgrowth of bacteria that compromises the quality, flavor, and texture of milk.
The pasteurization process kills many of the most harmful strains of bacteria known to cause foodborne illness, including E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.
However, pasteurization doesn’t eliminate all types of bacteria.Once you open a carton of milk, it’s exposed to additional bacteria from the environment. Over time, these small bacterial communities can multiply and eventually cause your milk to spoil.

Risks of drinking spoiled milk

Most people are immediately turned off by the foul smell and taste of spoiled milk, which makes the decision about drinking it a relatively easy one.
However, even if you can get past the unpleasant taste, drinking spoiled milk isn’t a good idea. It can cause food poisoning that may result in uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
You don’t need to worry if you accidentally ingest a small sip of spoiled milk, but avoid drinking it in large — or even moderate — quantities.