Ways to Use Extra Milk

Dairy milk is a household staple that is full of valuable vitamins and nutrients. While it graces many tables, sometimes consumers overestimate how much they need.

With the cost of food on the rise, being even more mindful of using what we have is important.

As the expiration date nears, you have options: either freeze extra milk or use it. Whether you have a cup left over or half a carton, here are recipes that can help you reduce waste while filling your family members’ bellies with delicious organic food.

Easy Breakfast Ideas

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake
Recipe uses 1 ½ cups Organic Valley Whole Milk

Start the day with a welcoming waft of cinnamon and a sweet hint of vanilla with this inviting morning classic. Each forkful joins fluffy pieces of brioche bread with tender apples for an impeccably sweet and savory bite. Plus, our ultra pasteurized whole milk is packed with calcium and vitamin D.

Homemade Yogurt
Recipe uses ½ gallon Organic Valley Whole or Fat-Free Grassmilk®

Whipping up a batch of homemade yogurt is easy and provides nutritional goodness in every spoonful. Indulge in a creamy variety by using whole milk or lighten it up with fat-free. Top it off with fresh fruit, granola, honey or cherry compote for a universal breakfast experience.

Trifle and Tres Leches Cake

Easy Berry Trifle
Recipe uses 3 cups Organic Valley Whole Milk

Create an effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert with this no-bake trifle! Not only is each layer displayed beautifully, but the tart berries and rich heavy whipping cream make a refreshingly airy treat. Don't forget toasted, sliced almonds for an added crunch!

Tres Leches Cake
Recipe uses 1 cup Organic Valley Whole Milk

With the perfect blend of spices, heavy whipping cream, and free-range eggs, this cake is light and delicious. Made with a combination of three milks (tres leches): condensed, evaporated and whole, it is a simple yet decadent dessert for any occasion.

Easy Smoothie Recipe

Kick-Grass Tropical Green Smoothie
Recipe uses 2 cups Organic Valley Grassmilk® Whole Milk

Loaded with bold, natural flavors, you’ll envision the tropics with every blissful sip. This fruity blended drink is packed with nutritious dark leafy greens and omega-3s. Not only is it fast to make, but with Grassmilk as an ingredient it nourishes the body with essential micronutrients.

Entrees that Use Milk

Homemade Mac and Cheese
Recipe uses 1 ½ cups Organic Valley Whole Milk

Generously sprinkled with Thick Cut Sharp Cheddar Cheese, this gooey homemade tradition is simply irresistible. Elevated with a little garlic and pinch of nutmeg, along with flavorsome additions like crumbled bacon, veggies and chicken, this dish will satisfy hungry bellies and become a cherished family favorite!

Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Recipe uses 3 cups Organic Valley Whole Milk

There has never been a comfort food packed with more wholesome ingredients! Freshly chopped vegetables, walnuts and pitted dates unite with creamy unsalted butter, cheese, grain and boneless chicken breasts to create this piquant, one-skillet dinner bursting with flavor.

Simple Side Dish

Rosemary Buttermilk Biscuits
Recipe uses 2 cups Organic Valley Buttermilk

Bring fresh, flaky buttermilk biscuits to the table and hearts will melt like Organic Valley Salted Butter! These from-scratch staples include a touch of rosemary and are best enjoyed with organic jams or sweet cream butter. They’re so tasty, you’ll want to make an extra batch!

A Steamy Bowl of Soup

Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup
Recipe uses 2 cups Organic Valley Whole Milk

A hearty bowl of soup is only one slow simmer and spoon away! Savor the diverse flavors of soft cubed potatoes, Italian sausage and fresh kale, plus dashes of thyme, oregano and sage. This wonderfully balanced meal entertains taste buds and goes perfectly with Not-So-Perfect Buttermilk Biscuits.

Make Frozen Treats Using Milk

Leftover milk can also be transformed into chilly treats. Low in sugar, high in protein and made with earthy ingredients, popsicles are great for hydration and to help beat the summer heat!

• Creamy Blackberry Popsicle
• Creamy Red, White and Blue Popsicle
• Creamy Raspberry Popsicle

Love chocolate? Grab an ice pop mold and freeze our luscious Lowfat 1% Chocolate Milk to make pops!

Can You Freeze Milk?

Organic Valley milk can be safely frozen for up to three months and involves little preparation. Simply transfer the milk to a plastic, airtight container and freeze. Be sure to leave space at the top for expansion. To use the stored milk, just thaw it in the fridge and use it within seven days.

While storage times can vary, you can freeze other dairy products, too!

Organic Valley Ultra Pasteurized Milk is another option. Ultra-pasteurized milk lasts three times longer than HTST processed milk because the higher temperature not only kills the usual suspects like E. coli and salmonella, but UHT kills all other non-pathogenic bacteria that can cause spoilage, too. Because of this, UHT pasteurization gives you a longer “sell by” date at the store and more leeway in the fridge before you open the carton. Learn more about pasteurization.

Between freezing and using it in delicious dishes, with a little innovation, there are so many ways to use extra milk. In fact, it's beneficial to learn to use up everything in the kitchen! Not only will it prevent food waste, but it can positively impact a household budget and is one more good reason to get in the kitchen and create delicious organic dishes and snacks that are sure to please!

Check out our product locator to find Organic Valley products near you.