Milk is a highly nutritious liquid that can provide plenty of calcium and other vital nutrients. As such, you may be considering stocking up on milk for your survival pantry. The only problem is that fresh milk doesn't last very long. If you're thinking about long-term food storage, you're better off filling your survival stockpile with these seven shelf-stable milk alternatives. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com)
Almond milk
Almonds have an average shelf life of about a year, but you can make them last up to two years if you keep them frozen or refrigerated. You can turn these almonds into almond milk any time by simply soaking them overnight in a glass dish. This will soften them up and make it easier for you to process them into almond milk. Drain the almonds and blend them with four cups of water until smooth. Using a flour sack towel, strain the contents of your blender. The resulting liquid is your almond milk, while the remaining almond sludge can be dried and added to baked goods. Almond milk is best enjoyed cold as high temperatures can cause the milk to separate.
Soy milk
You can expect soybeans to have an average shelf life of around 18 months. Soy milk is an excellent milk alternative for those who are allergic to lactose, dairy, or nuts. While it might taste different from regular milk, soy milk has nearly the same amount of protein and no cholesterol. If you plan to make your own homemade soy milk, make sure to use only non-GMO, organic soybeans. Unlike almond milk, soy milk blends well with hot beverages. (Related: 8 Health Benefits of Soy Milk.)
Rice milk
Rice milk may have a more watery consistency than other milk alternatives, but it contains no cholesterol or lactose. Store-bought rice milk typically doesn't last very long, so instead of buying rice milk directly, you can stock up on either brown or white rice and use it to make your own rice milk. To do so, simply add a cup of cooked brown or white rice in a blender with four cups of water and a teaspoon of vanilla. Blend the ingredients thoroughly and serve your rice milk cold.
Hemp milk
Like rice milk, hemp milk has a thin consistency. But this nutrient-dense milk is one of the healthiest milk substitutes you can add to your survival stockpile. Hemp seeds contain all 20 essential amino acids, making them a complete plant-based protein source. Hemp milk also contains more protein than cow's milk. With half a cup of hulled hemp seeds, two cups of water, two teaspoons of coconut sugar, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, you can make your own hemp milk in minutes.
Raw goat or cow milk
If you happen to live in an area with enough space to raise livestock, you can raise goats or cows to supplement your milk supply. During the lactation period of a standard dairy goat, you can get around six to 12 pounds of raw milk, or one-half to one and a half gallons, per day. A standard dairy cow can provide up to 60 pounds of milk a day -- roughly five times the amount of milk produced by a standard goat. However, you have to leave some milk for the baby, so count on a couple of quarts from a goat and a couple of gallons from a cow, per day.
Whey milk
If raising a cow is not an option, you can also use whey milk as a milk substitute. You can get whey milk powder packed in sealed pouches that protect it from air, light, and moisture. Whey milk is rich in nutrients and can last up to 20 years if stored as instructed.
Commercially manufactured powdered milk
In an emergency situation, you may turn to commercially manufactured powdered milk as a last resort. These instant milk products can last for up to 20 years if stored properly. Since they have such incredibly long shelf lives, you can expect these products to cost slightly more than regular milk products. Choose your instant milk powder carefully as some brands have a creamy flavor while others have a chalky taste.
Find out what other milk alternatives you can use for long-term food storage by visiting FoodStorage.news.
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