How to Tell if Buttermilk Is Bad – The Best Way
Quick Answer
To tell if buttermilk is bad, follow these steps:
- Check for an off smell or sour odor.
- Look for changes in color, such as yellowing.
- Examine the texture; it should be smooth, not clumpy.
- Check the expiration date; if it’s past, it’s best to discard it.
Read on for more detail
Buttermilk is popularly used in baking and gives baked items a slightly tangy taste. Buttermilk is the run-off liquid found after churning butter and is now a cultured product rich in probiotics, calcium, potassium and phosphorous.
As it is commonly used in baking and not for much else, buttermilk is often left to sit in the refrigerator for an extended period of time.
If you have some buttermilk sitting in the fridge, how do you tell if it has gone bad? There are a few ways to tell if buttermilk has gone bad.
You can smell the buttermilk, observe the texture, have a taste, or check the expiration date. If anything seems off, there is a good chance that the buttermilk has spoiled and should be thrown away.
It can be tricky to tell if buttermilk is bad, especially if you are not used to using it at home, as it has a very different texture to milk and has a tangier smell as well, which many of us associate with off milk.
The Signs That Buttermilk Is Off
There are a few signs to look for to see if buttermilk is off or not, so if you are not completely sure whether it is off or not, you can check for other signs to make a decision.
Using the different senses, here are a few signs to look for to tell if the buttermilk has spoiled.
Smell
Buttermilk does have a slightly tangier smell than normal milk or other dairy products, but the smell does tend to become sourer as the product spoils.
There is a period of buttermilk storage where it can be difficult to detect a particularly sour smell, but if it has gone properly sour, you will be able to detect it straight away.
Remember that a closed carton of buttermilk will have a stronger smell, as the odor has not had a chance to escape, so take that into account when smelling a newly opened buttermilk.
Buttermilk should still have a buttery, tangy smell, but not sour.
Look
You can tell whether or not buttermilk has gone off by simply looking at it. When it spoils, buttermilk can have slight discoloration.
Buttermilk which is well past its expiry date might even have mold growing on the surface and around the lid.
This is due to increased bacterial growth, and if there is any mold present in the buttermilk or on the container, you should just discard it straight away, it is not worth any foodborne illnesses that come with drinking bacteria-ridden buttermilk.
Texture
One sure way to tell if buttermilk has spoiled is to look at the texture (and feel it if you’re brave enough).
When it begins to turn bad, buttermilk develops a thick, clumpy texture. It will be difficult to pour and there will be large clots. There is no way to salvage buttermilk that has turned lumpy, as there is a good chance that it is spoiled.
Take note that buttermilk does naturally have a small number of lumps, but this should not interfere with the way the buttermilk has been poured and the little clumps should break up when it is whisked and mixed in with other ingredients.
Taste
You might have missed the other signs of buttermilk being off, and taste might be the next option.
Buttermilk does have a slightly tangy taste, but if the buttermilk tastes sour or off in any way, it should be thrown away.
Buttermilk should also have a buttery taste, with a certain creaminess, and this also disappears once the buttermilk starts to spoil.
Expiration Date
A sure way to tell if your buttermilk has spoiled, if you are unsure whether looking at the other signs, is to look at the expiration date.
If you cannot tell if it is off by smelling, tasting, and looking at the texture, and it is before the expiration date, it should be fine to use.
However, if it is a week past the expiration date, you should discard the buttermilk.
Buttermilk Freshness Check
Aspect | Fresh Buttermilk | Spoiled Buttermilk |
---|---|---|
Smell | Buttery, tangy | Overly sour, nose-piercing |
Texture | Smooth, slightly thick | Lumpy, thick, clumps |
Color | Milky white | Yellowish or discolored |
Mold Presence | None | Visible mold or clots |
Buttermilk Is Bad – Why Does It Go Bad?
Like any other dairy product, buttermilk does eventually spoil. Buttermilk is high in lactic acid, which is hostile to harmful bacteria growth; however, this doesn’t last forever, and after a few weeks, the harmful bacteria begin to grow as the buttermilk continues to ferment and become more acidic.
This bacteria growth is what causes the buttermilk to spoil, and makes it risky to drink after its expiry date as there is a higher chance of foodborne illnesses.
How Long Does Buttermilk Last?
All buttermilk will have a sell-by-date and an expiry date. It is important to note that you should still be able to use the buttermilk about a week past the sell-by date, but this also depends on how the buttermilk was stored and transported.
Once the buttermilk container is opened, the degradation of the product happens faster. It is best to finish a bottle of buttermilk within a week or two of being opened.
Once again, this is also dependent on how well the buttermilk is stored and if it has been contaminated with any other products.
How to Extend the Shelf Life of Buttermilk
Buttermilk needs to be kept refrigerated and not left out to sit at room temperature. If you are not planning on using the buttermilk straight away, rather leave it unopened, as an opened carton of buttermilk will not last as long as one that is unopened.
Practice good hygiene when using the buttermilk, keep your fingers away from the lid when you are pouring and never drink straight from the carton, as this could introduce bacteria to the buttermilk which could cause it to spoil faster.
Related Questions
Can I use buttermilk that is a few days past the expiration date?
While buttermilk can sometimes be safe to use shortly after the expiration date if it shows no signs of spoilage, it’s essential to trust your senses. If it smells off, has an unusual texture, or shows discoloration, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard it.
How do I know if buttermilk is fresh or spoiled?
Fresh buttermilk should have a smooth texture, milky white color, and a tangy but pleasant aroma. Signs of spoilage include large clumps, an extremely sour smell, yellowing color, or mold. If you detect any of these signs, it’s best to throw the buttermilk away.
Can I freeze buttermilk for long-term storage?
Yes, buttermilk can be frozen for up to three months. However, be aware that freezing may change its texture, making it slightly grainy when thawed. It’s still safe to use in cooking and baking after freezing, so it’s a great option if you have excess buttermilk.
What dishes can I make with leftover buttermilk?
Leftover buttermilk can be used in a variety of dishes such as pancakes, cakes, muffins, salad dressings, marinades, and bread. Its acidity helps with leavening and adds moisture, making it a versatile ingredient for many recipes.
Is buttermilk dairy-free?
No, traditional buttermilk is not dairy-free. It is made from dairy milk, either as a byproduct of butter-making or from cultured low-fat or non-fat milk. However, there are non-dairy alternatives available in the market made with plant-based milks and cultures.
What can I use instead of buttermilk in a recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Yogurt or sour cream can also be used as alternatives in recipes where buttermilk is called for.
What is the nutritional difference between buttermilk and regular milk?
Buttermilk typically has a lower fat content than whole milk, especially when made from low-fat or non-fat milk. It also contains probiotics due to the fermentation process, which can be beneficial for digestion compared to regular milk. However, nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and types of buttermilk purchased.
Can buttermilk be used in savory dishes?
Absolutely! Buttermilk can add a tangy flavor to various savory dishes, such as marinades for meats, creamy sauces, soups, and salad dressings. Its acidity also helps tenderize meats, making it a fantastic ingredient in savory cooking.
What happens if I consume spoiled buttermilk?
Consuming spoiled buttermilk can lead to foodborne illnesses, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Those with weakened immune systems, children, or the elderly may experience more severe effects. It’s crucial to check for signs of spoilage before consuming buttermilk.
This is a very helpful website! Thank you Jason!
Glad I could be helpful Sue!
Helpful article. Thanks