Have extra milk in the fridge that you need to use up? Before you pour it away, there are plenty of delicious and practical ways to use milk before it expires.
From freezing milk for later to making homemade yogurt, cheese, desserts, drinks and more, these ideas will help you use up leftover milk while reducing food waste and getting more from every carton.
Below you’ll find 24 clever ways to use up extra milk, plus tips for storing it properly so it stays fresh for as long as possible.
If you love finding clever ways to reduce food waste, you might also like these ideas:
- 9 clever ways to use potato peels
- 20 smart ways to reuse tea bags.
- 21 brilliant ideas to use leftover bread.
- 20 amazing reasons to keep silica gel packets.
How to store milk properly?
Storing milk properly can help it stay fresh for longer and reduce the chance of it going to waste.
Keep milk refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or below, ideally on an inside shelf toward the back of the fridge where the temperature stays more consistent.
Avoid storing milk in the refrigerator door, where the temperature changes more frequently.
Return milk to the fridge as soon as possible after using it, and always keep the container tightly closed.
And remember: the date on the carton isn’t the only thing to consider. If milk has an unusual smell, appearance or texture, it’s safest not to use it.
24 Things to do with milk before it expires:
Here are some ways to use extra milk (and a lot of great milk recipes).
1- freeze it!
If you won’t use your milk before it expires, freeze it for later.
Milk expands when frozen, so leave some empty space in the container before placing it in the freezer.
You can also freeze smaller portions in freezer-safe containers if you usually need only a little milk at a time for cooking or baking.
Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator rather than on the counter. The texture may separate slightly after freezing, so give it a good shake before using.
Frozen milk works especially well in smoothies, sauces, baking and other recipes where a slight change in texture won’t matter.
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2- Make homemade feta cheese:
If you have a larger amount of milk to use up, turn it into homemade cheese.
Feta is a delicious option that you can use in salads, sandwiches, pastries and plenty of other meals.
This homemade no-rennet feta cheese recipe is an easy way to turn extra milk into something completely different, and something you can enjoy for more than one meal.
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3- Make homemade ricotta cheese:
Ricotta is another delicious way to use up extra milk, and homemade ricotta is surprisingly simple to make.
Once it’s ready, you can use it in pasta dishes, lasagna, stuffed shells, pancakes, desserts or simply spread it on toast.
Try this Homemade Ricotta cheese recipe if you have milk sitting in the fridge that you don’t want to waste.
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4- Make homemade yogurt:
Homemade yogurt is one of the best ways to use up a larger amount of milk before it goes to waste.
You don’t necessarily need a yogurt maker either. With milk and a small amount of plain yogurt containing live cultures as a starter, you can make a fresh batch at home.
Once it’s ready, enjoy it with fruit and granola, add it to smoothies, use it in dips and sauces, or substitute it for yogurt in your favourite recipes.
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5- Make Turkish rice pudding:
Sütlaç or Turkish rice pudding is a delicious way to use up extra milk, especially when you have more than just a small amount left.
Known as Sütlaç, this creamy rice pudding is made with simple ingredients and makes a comforting homemade dessert.
Try my Turkish rice pudding recipe for an easy way to turn extra milk into something the whole family can enjoy.
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6- Make Condensed milk:
If you have extra milk to use up, Homemade Condensed Milk is another delicious option.
It’s made by gently cooking milk with sugar until the mixture reduces and becomes thick, creamy and sweet.
Once made, you can use it in desserts, drinks and baking. Try my homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe for the full instructions.
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7- Bake a cake with extra milk:
Baking is an easy and delicious way to use up extra milk. Many cakes use milk to add moisture and create a soft, tender texture.
If you have milk that needs using soon, turn it into dessert with my Hot Milk Cake recipe.
It uses simple ingredients and is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
You can also look for other cake, muffin or pancake recipes that call for milk when you need to use up smaller amounts.
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8- Make homemade ice cream:
Homemade ice cream is a fun way to turn extra milk into a treat instead of letting it go to waste.
Depending on the recipe, you can combine milk with ingredients such as cream, sugar, vanilla, fruit or chocolate to create different flavours.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, look for a no-churn recipe that uses milk, or freeze your extra milk now and save it for your next batch of homemade ice cream.
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9- Make a banana, honey and walnut milkshake:
Turn your extra milk into a quick and filling Banana, Honey and Walnut Shake.
Blend 1 cup of milk, 1 ripe banana, 1 tablespoon of honey and a small handful of walnuts until smooth and creamy. Add a few ice cubes if you like it extra cold.
It’s an easy way to use up milk while making a delicious breakfast, snack or afternoon drink.
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10- Make a Biscoff milkshake:
If you love Biscoff, this is a delicious way to use up some extra milk.
Blend 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of Biscoff spread and 2–3 Biscoff biscuits until smooth and creamy. Add a few ice cubes for a colder, thicker milkshake.
For an extra treat, top it with crushed Biscoff biscuits or a little melted Biscoff spread.
This Biscoff milkshake is my son’s favourite milkshake.
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11- Make homemade strawberry milk:
Strawberry milk is a simple and delicious way to use up extra milk, especially if you have fresh strawberries on hand.
Blend 1 cup of cold milk with ½ cup of strawberries until smooth. Add a little honey or sugar if your strawberries aren’t naturally sweet enough.
For a smoother drink, you can strain it before serving, or leave it as it is for more of the strawberry texture.
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12- Make a babyccino:
A babyccino is a fun way to use a small amount of extra milk and let the kids enjoy their own café-style drink at home.
Simply warm some milk and froth it until light and foamy. Pour it into a small cup and sprinkle a little cocoa or cinnamon on top if you like.
Just make sure the milk is warm rather than hot before serving it to children.
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13- Enjoy some Mexican ice coffee:
If you prefer something for the adults, use your extra milk to make a refreshing Mexican inspired iced coffee.
Combine cold coffee with milk, ice and a touch of cinnamon. Sweeten it to taste with sugar, honey or your favourite sweetener.
For extra flavour, add a small splash of vanilla extract and sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top before serving.
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14- Make a Starbucks-style iced green tea latte:
Love an iced green tea latte? Try this Starbucks style Iced Green Tea Latte.
You can make a simple version at home while using up some of the extra milk in your fridge.
Whisk 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with a small amount of warm water until smooth. Add 1 cup of cold milk, sweeten to taste, then pour over ice.
It’s creamy, refreshing and an easy way to turn a cup of milk into an afternoon treat without making a trip to the café.
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15- Make golden milk:
Golden Milk is a warm and comforting way to use up some extra milk, especially on a chilly evening.
Traditionally made with milk and turmeric, it can also include warming spices such as cinnamon and ginger, with a little honey or another sweetener added to taste.
Try this Golden Milk recipe for an easy way to turn a cup of leftover milk into a cosy homemade drink.
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16- Make homemade banana pudding:
Banana pudding is a delicious way to use up extra milk and turn it into a creamy homemade dessert the whole family can enjoy.
Made with milk, ripe bananas, vanilla pudding and layers of biscuits or wafers, this classic dessert is perfect for using up milk before it expires.
Try this homemade banana pudding recipe for a simple dessert that’s great for family gatherings or an afternoon treat.
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17- Bake a Greek milk pie ( Galatopita):
Galatopita or Greek milk pie, is a simple traditional dessert and a delicious way to use up extra milk before it expires. Made with milk, semolina, eggs, butter and vanilla, it has a creamy custard-like filling that is baked until golden.
If you have plenty of milk sitting in the fridge, try this Greek milk pie recipe for an easy homemade dessert.
Milk for skin care:
Many modern skin care products contain milk is a main ingredient. That’s because it’s rich in protein, acids, vitamins and minerals the skin needs to stay healthy and glowing.
18- Use milk as a skin moisturiser:
Milk contains fats and lactic acid, which is why milk has long been used in homemade skincare routines.
If you have a little milk to use up, you can add some to a bath or use a small amount as part of a DIY skin treatment.
If applying milk directly to your skin, patch-test it first and stop using it if you experience irritation.
Avoid using spoiled milk on your skin.
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19- Make a milk and honey hair mask:
Have a little milk left in the fridge? Turn it into a simple milk and honey hair mask instead of letting it go to waste.
Mix milk with a small amount of honey, then apply the mixture to your hair and leave it on for around 15–20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water and washing your hair as usual.
This is an easy way to use up a small amount of leftover milk while giving yourself an at-home hair treatment.
Note: Patch-test first if you have sensitive skin or scalp, and don’t use spoiled milk.
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20- Use cool milk to soothe sun-exposed skin:
Cool milk has traditionally been used as a soothing compress for skin that feels hot after sun exposure. If you want to try it, soak a clean, soft washcloth in cool milk and gently place it on the skin for a few minutes.
This shouldn’t replace proper sunburn care, and avoid applying milk to blistered, broken or irritated skin. For a significant or severe sunburn, seek medical advice.
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21- Use milk as a gentle exfoliating treatment:
Milk naturally contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly used in skincare products. However, the amount and strength in ordinary milk aren’t controlled like they are in formulated skincare products.
If you’d like to use a little leftover milk as part of a DIY skincare routine, soak a clean cotton pad or soft washcloth in milk and gently apply it to a small area of skin before rinsing it off.
Always patch-test first, avoid broken or irritated skin, and stop if you notice any irritation. Don’t use spoiled milk on your skin.
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22- Make a simple milk and rice flour face mask:
If you have a small amount of milk left, you can combine it with rice flour to make a simple DIY face mask at home.
Mix about 2 tablespoons of rice flour with enough milk to form a smooth, spreadable paste. Apply a thin layer to clean skin, avoiding the eyes and lips, and leave it on briefly before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Patch-test the mixture first and don’t use it on broken, irritated or sensitive skin. As with the other skincare ideas, use fresh milk rather than milk that has spoiled.
Milk crafts at home!
Learn how to make some fun and useful milk crafts at home:
23- Make homemade milk soap:
Milk can also be used in homemade soap. If you enjoy DIY projects, try this simple milk soap recipe as another creative way to use extra milk before it goes to waste.
Follow the recipe carefully, particularly if the soap-making method involves lye.
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24- Try making milk candles:
If you enjoy DIY projects and candle making, follow this milk candle tutorial to learn how milk can be incorporated into a homemade candle project. It’s a creative way to experiment with milk you might otherwise waste.