Can I Put Milk in My Stainless Steel Water Bottle?
Although many Americans have fallen out of love with milk in the past decade or so, it continues to be a staple in many homes. We still use it in our cereal and some even drink it throughout the day. However, storing it while on the move can be a pain.
In fact, if you have ever had a stainless steel thermos or flask, you must have noticed that many have a disclaimer warning against storing milk in them. But when it comes to reusable water bottles, things can get a little foggy.
So, can you put milk in your stainless steel water bottle? Well, that’s what we are here to figure out.
Can I put milk in my stainless steel water bottle?
But since most people don’t have a means of measuring their milk’s temperature before storing it in their bottle, manufacturers advise avoiding milk altogether.
How long do I have after putting my milk in my stainless steel bottle?
You should drink your milk immediately in one sitting or within a couple of hours.
Keep in mind that even if you store your milk while at temperatures of over 140F, it will cool after some time and still experience microbial growth.
On the other hand, cold (less than 40F) milk may just warm up during the day and get spoiled too. Even a thermos can only keep your milk safe for a few hours.
Even if you go for long-life (UHT) milk, things aren’t that different. As soon as you remove it from its original packaging the clock starts ticking. Like the usual fresh milk, UHT will only survive a few hours in your water bottle.
Can milk damage my stainless steel water bottle?
Since they are usually made of kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel, these water bottles can’t be damaged by milk – no chemical reaction takes place. Truth be told, milk has a pH of only 6.7 and can’t react with stainless steel anyway.
As such, even your stainless steel thermos flasks and vacuum insulated bottles are safe from this kind of damage.
How can I best store my milk?
The best way to store your milk is in the refrigerator – it will keep it at below 40F. Here you can comfortably use your metal or glass bottles.
Alternatively, you could go all out and freeze the milk. You can’t use glass or metal bottles for this though – your best bet is plastic.
If you don’t have a refrigerator or it is damaged, you can try wrapping your milk with a damp cloth or boiling it every 6 to 8 hours.
Don’t go overboard
Generally speaking, reusable water bottles are at their best when they are used for water and water-based substances.
Also, don’t forget to clean your stainless steel water bottles thoroughly after using them for milk – this will help you avoid any cross-contamination.
