What Is Powdered Milk?

Though powdered milk may not look particularly appetizing (who would want dried milk?), it's actually a key ingredient in many delicious breads and prepared foods. It's also a vital option for those without easy access to fresh milk, and can provide essential vitamins and nutrients during emergencies. Survivalists stockpile powdered milk because it's a reliable source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A and D when other food sources may be scarce.

Keep reading to discover what powdered milk is, how it's produced, how to store it properly, and how to rehydrate it. You'll also learn how it differs from evaporated milk and malted milk powder, its nutritional benefits, and what alternatives you can use when you don't have powdered milk available.

What Is Powdered Milk?

Powdered milk is made by pasteurizing fresh milk and then drying it through evaporation. It comes in several varieties, including skim, whole, and non-dairy options. Commonly used in infant formula and confectioneries like chocolates, powdered milk is also a handy substitute in baking to avoid thinning the batter. It’s much easier to store and transport compared to fresh milk, and its long shelf life makes it especially popular among survivalists and in regions with limited access to fresh milk.

What Does Powdered Milk Taste Like?

Since powdered milk is simply milk that's been dehydrated, it should retain the same flavor as fresh milk. However, many people find that powdered milk has a more neutral or less rich taste than fresh milk. The taste difference largely depends on the type of milk used. For instance, if you rehydrate powdered skim milk and compare it to whole milk, you'll notice a noticeable contrast in flavor. Some people suggest blending rehydrated powdered milk with fresh whole milk or adding flavorings like vanilla or coffee creamer to improve the taste.

Powdered Milk vs Malted Milk Powder

Powdered milk and malted milk powder are often confused because of their similar names, but their ingredients and appearances differ significantly. Powdered milk is just dehydrated milk, whereas malted milk powder is a blend of wheat flour, malted barley extracts, milk, salt, and sodium bicarbonate. Powdered milk is white, while malted milk powder has a yellowish tint. If you need to substitute powdered milk for malted milk powder, you’ll need to add sugar or a sweetener, since powdered milk is unsweetened. On the other hand, malted milk powder isn’t a good substitute for powdered milk because it’s sweeter and contains additional ingredients.

Powdered Milk vs Evaporated Milk

Although both powdered milk and evaporated milk are derived from fresh milk through evaporation, they differ in the degree of water removal. Powdered milk is created by completely evaporating the water, while evaporated milk retains around 40% of its water content. Powdered milk is a dry, solid form, whereas evaporated milk remains a thick liquid. Moreover, evaporated milk has a subtle caramel flavor due to the slow heating process that caramelizes the milk's natural sugars. You can mix powdered milk with an equal amount of water to substitute for evaporated milk, but evaporated milk cannot replace powdered milk.

Where Can I Buy Powdered Milk?

Powdered milk can be found in the baking section of most grocery stores. It might be labeled as dehydrated or dried milk and is typically sold in boxes, canisters, or bags.

Is Powdered Milk Healthy?

Powdered milk offers the same nutritional benefits as fresh milk, providing vitamins A and D, calcium, and protein. However, powdered skim milk is lower in fat, making it unsuitable for children under the age of 2, as it lacks sufficient fat for proper growth. Additionally, powdered nonfat milk may contain oxidized cholesterol, a byproduct of the dehydration process. The presence of oxidized cholesterol is typically indicated on the label, according to U.S. Dairy.

How to Store Powdered Milk

To keep powdered milk fresh, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, or in a container that blocks light. Since powdered milk can absorb moisture, it’s important to store it in an airtight container. Even though the best-by date suggests consuming it within 18 to 24 months, the USDA states that powdered milk, like most shelf-stable products, can last indefinitely as long as the packaging remains intact and undamaged.

After opening the powdered milk container, transfer it to an airtight plastic or metal container and refrigerate it. Powdered skim milk can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 months, while powdered whole milk will last a few weeks. Unopened powdered milk can be kept in an airtight container, such as a zip-top bag, for up to 3 years.

How to Reconstitute Powdered Milk

Rehydrating powdered milk is simple: just mix the powdered milk with water, stir, and let it sit in the fridge for 10 minutes. For the best results, use a ratio of 1 part powdered milk to 2 parts water, adjusting the amount of powdered milk or water depending on the thickness and flavor you prefer. Add more powdered milk for a richer consistency, or more water for a thinner milk.

Powdered Milk Substitutes

If your recipe requires adding water to powdered milk (such as in soups or certain baked goods), you can easily replace powdered milk with liquid milk. For every ¼ cup of powdered milk, simply use 1 cup of liquid milk. Since you're already using liquid milk, you won’t need to add extra water or other liquids to rehydrate the powdered milk.

For recipes that call for powdered milk without rehydrating it, try using alternatives like coconut milk powder, soy milk powder, rice powder, or cashew powder. If you need a substitute for buttermilk powder, liquid buttermilk is a better option than plain or non-dairy milk powders.