We can all remember that classic box of powdered milk sitting in our mother’s or grandmother’s pantry and wondered if it was ever used. There are many different purposes for powdered milk but, can vegans enjoy this pantry staple.
Is powdered milk vegan?
Traditional powdered milk is made from cow’s milk making it unsuitable for those that are vegan or avoid dairy products. Luckily there are many different plan-based dairy-free powdered milk and shelf-stable milk options to choose from.
What Is Powdered Milk Made Of
Powdered milk is made by evaporating milk and removing all of the liquid.
After the milk is pasteurized it is preheated, evaporated, and heated again leaving a concentrated mixture of milk solids.
The milk solids are sprayed into a heating chamber where they are reduced into fine particles.
Since regular powdered milk is made from cow’s milk it is still an animal product making it not vegan.
Is Non-Fat Powdered Milk Vegan
Nonfat powdered milk is made from transforming skim milk into powdered form. No fat powdered milk is a dairy product that is not vegan.
Does Powdered Milk Have Lactose In It
Powdered milk will still contain lactose unless it is specified that it is lactose-free powdered milk.
Is Nido Powdered Milk Vegan
Nido branded powdered milk is made from cow’s milk making it not vegan friendly.
Is Reconstituted Skim Milk Vegan
Reconstituted skim milk is still a dairy product making it not vegan.
Is Coffee Mate The Same As Powdered Milk
Coffee-Mate is a product that is created solely for use as a coffee creamer where powdered milk is used as a milk replacement in many different situations
Is Coffee Mate Vegan
Regular Coffee-Mate is not vegan but, the Coffee-Mate brand has introduced some plant-based creamers to its line that are vegan friendly.
- Caramel Almond Milk Creamer
- Sweet Cream Almond Milk Creamer
- Vanilla Almond Milk Creamer
- Vanilla Oat Milk Creamer
- Brown Sugar Oat Milk Creamer
- Sweet Cream Coconut Milk Creamer
What’s The Difference Between Milk Powder And Dairy Whitener
The main difference between dried milk powder and a powdered dairy whitener or creamer is the sugar and calorie content.
Powdered dairy creamers often contain a lot more sugar and calories when compared to a standard powdered milk product.
Is Powdered Milk The Same As Milk Powder
Powdered milk and milk powder are the same product.
What Vegan Options Can I Use Instead Of Powered Milk
Powdered milk can come in handy is a good pantry staple to have on hand.
Luckily there are many different vegan powdered kinds of milk to choose from.
- Soy Powdered Milk
- Rice Milk Powder
- Nut Milk Powder
- Coconut Milk Powder
What Milk Is Vegan
There are many different vegan milk products available today.
- Soy Milk
- Almond Milk
- Macadamia Nut Milk
- Cashew Milk
- Pea Milk
- Oat Milk
- Hemp Milk
- Coconut Milk
- Rice Milk
- Flax Milk
- Hazelnut Milk
- Sesame Milk
- Walnut Milk
- Pecan Milk
Which Plant-Based Milk Has The Most Calcium?
What Is Powdered Milk Used For
Powdered milk has many uses in a kitchen beyond being an instant glass of milk.
The benefits of having a shelf staple milk product on hand are endless.
- Coffee creamer
- Milk replacement in recipes
- Base for sweetened condensed milk
- Hot chocolate
- Whipped toppings
- Homemade oatmeal packets
- Evaporatate milk replacement in recipes
- Milk replacement in baked goods
Can Powdered Milk Go Bad
Even though powdered milk is a pantry staple with a long shelf life in comparison to fresh milk, it can go bad and should be stored properly.
What Is The Shelf Life Of Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is “best by” 18 months from purchase.
This time frame is just the suggestion as to when the product will be at its best not necessarily when it will spoil.
An unopened and properly stored package of powdered milk may stay fresh and usable for years. Some say anywhere from 2 to 10 years.
How To Prolong The Life Of Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is best when it is kept away from moisture and oxygen.
Once a package is opened it should be used within a reasonable time frame.
If you are looking for a powdered milk product that you intend to store in case of an emergency it’s best to store it in its original packaging in a cool dry space that is under 70F.
Final Thoughts
I often think of powdered milk as being an ingredient my grandmother would have in her pantry.
While that’s true, then our grandparent’s generation the grew up during depression times lived a different life and have learned how to cut kitchen costs and how to stretch expensive ingredients.
Shelf-stable powdered milk is much less expensive when compared to fresh milk.
In the past few years, we’ve all experienced a crisis situation where the store shelves may have been depleted of staples like milk and toilet paper, reminding us that we should be more prepared at home.
Luckily for vegetarians and vegans, we do have many different shelf-stable kinds of milk to choose from and should have some of our favorites on hand at all times.
