Vanilla Milk: What is It, How to Find It, and More!

It’s best served right from the refrigerator or over ice. You can use it in your morning coffee in place of cream or plain milk, and it’s great when added to smoothies or milkshakes. Additionally, it can be used in most recipes that call for milk, including pancakes, waffles, quick bread, and muffins. 

Where did vanilla milk originate from?

It’s unclear about the exact origins of vanilla milk. Both vanilla and cow milk date back hundreds of years, so it was likely first invented in the homes of ordinary people centuries ago as a sweet fragrant treat to enjoy after a day of hard work.

Commercially vanilla milk has been available in supermarkets for the last decade. Vanilla milk can be made with cow milk, soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk to create a delicious creamy beverage. The cow milk varieties come in skim, 1% low-fat milk, 2% low fat, and whole milk.

What is the nutritional value of vanilla milk?

The nutritional value of vanilla milk depends on the type of milk from which it’s made. Vanilla milk made from cow’s milk will have different nutritional content than vanilla milk made from almond milk. Cow milk is rich in calcium and is a complete protein which makes it a nutritious and filling drink. Additional vitamins and minerals may be added to boost the nutritional content of both types of flavored milk.

Most varieties of vanilla milk have sugar added to it for a bit of extra sweetness. Because of this, it’s best not to drink three cups a day like you would plain milk if you want to keep your sugar consumption in check. Kids love vanilla milk, and it is a quick and filling drink that can tide them over until their next meal or be a part of it. 

How is vanilla milk made?

Vanilla milk is made by adding vanilla extract and some sweetener to plain milk. In commercially available milk, stabilizers and preservatives are added to sustain longer shelf life. As with most kinds of milk, it may be fortified with vitamins and minerals.

You can make your own vanilla milk at home by taking two cups of your favorite kind of plain milk, adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of your favorite sweeteners, such as liquid stevia or agave. Stir vigorously and serve over ice.

What is the shelf life of vanilla milk?

All flavored milk in the refrigerated section generally has a shelf life of two to three weeks. You can find the exact date on the packaging; every container will have a best-by or use-by date. You should check that date and choose one that is the furthest from the current date.

Vanilla milk left unopened is good for seven days past the date that’s on the carton. Once it’s opened, you should use the milk within three days to avoid spoilage and contamination.

How do you pick vanilla milk at the grocery store?

The most important thing to do on picking vanilla milk at the grocery store is to check the sell-by date on the packaging. You want to choose a container that’s the freshest as possible. If you cannot use it right away, it will still likely be safe to consume for at least several days after the sell-by date. 

When you’re ordering vanilla milk through Instacart, you can leave a note to tell your shopper to choose a carton of vanilla milk that has a sell-by date that is the furthest from today’s date. Also, let them know if it’s okay to substitute plant-based milk for cow milk or cow milk for plant-based milk. 

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How to store vanilla milk

Vanilla milk should be stored in your refrigerator as soon as you get home from the grocery store. Any milk left out for more than two hours should be disposed of. Even if it’s been less than two hours, check for spoilage before drinking. You should store milk in the back of your refrigerator, not near the front or in the door, because that area is exposed to warm temperatures every time you open the fridge. Storing it in the back will ensure that it stays cold at all times.

How to tell if vanilla milk is bad

If your vanilla milk is bad, you can tell by the off smell and flavor. It will also have an unusual texture. Vanilla milk should be creamy and pour smoothly into your glass and smell fragrant like vanilla. It’s a white or light cream color, depending on the type of milk used and how much vanilla is in the milk. If the milk smells bad or tastes bad, or even looks bad, throw it out immediately.

What can I substitute for vanilla milk?

Since vanilla milk comes in varieties made with different types of milk, you can generally substitute one for another as long as the swap is acceptable to you and those who will consume it.

Alternatively, you can make your own vanilla milk by mixing two cups of regular milk (or unflavored plant-based milk) with a teaspoon of pure vanilla or vanilla extract and a teaspoon of your favorite sweet liquid sweetener in a recipe.

Quench your thirst with some vanilla milk today!

Whether you’re craving a glass of plant-based vanilla milk or the original variety made with cow milk, you can buy vanilla milk near you. Your local grocery store will have several varieties, or if you don’t feel like going grocery shopping, place an order through Instacart. You can get fresh produce near you, vanilla milk, and anything else you need. Order early in the day for same-day delivery, or schedule a store pick-up at your convenience. 

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Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.