Food
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. Food prices have risen about 11%, the largest 12-month increase since 1980, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As the expiration date nears, you have options for your extra milk: freeze it 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 savory bite. Plus, our ultra pasteurized whole milk is packed with calcium and vitamin D.
Homemade yogurt
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
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.
Homemade Mac and Cheese
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, grains, 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!
Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup.
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!
Love chocolate? Grab an ice pop mold and freeze our luscious Lowfat 1% Chocolate Milk to make pops!
Organic Valley Grassmilk®
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.