Pandemic milk preparedness

[Shermann]

So milk is kind of a big deal. I guess I use a gallon a week, and things are not good when I run out. I need my lattes and I need my cereal. During the pre-vaccinated times, there was an onus on reducing grocery trips. I got it down to once every two or three weeks. Milk outages were frequent at the onset of the pandemic, and I'll share what I've learned as a lightweight pantry prepper for posterity.

1) Fresh milk is the best. You get a week or so, so check the expiration date when shopping. That part is problematic with grocery deliveries.
2) Ultra-Pasteurized milk is excellent as well. The cost is higher than regular pasteurized milk, however the shelf life is 30 - 90 days. I like to grab one gallon of each. These are often the A2 varieties, which have a slightly different taste.
3) Shelf-stable milk is excellent! My brand of choice is Parmalat which is available at Walmart. These have a shelf life of a year or so at room temperature, which is amazing. I like to keep a few gallons in the pantry at all times. They are nearly indistinguishable from fresh milk when chilled.
4) Evaporated milk. This is typically used for baking, but can be reconstituted with a 1-1 ratio of water. It is reasonably good, but noticeably different from fresh milk. The price is reasonable, however the printed shelf life is surprisingly short (only six months or so). If this were indefinite like most canned items, this would be a much better option. One can makes a pint of milk, so at least your supply can be rotated easily.
5) Dry milk. I've experimented with Nestle NIDO. It is OK if you are in a real pinch. Lattes made with it are noticeably off. It has the unusual effect of instantly turning cereal soggy. If you get a glass really cold and slam it down, it is drinkable. The shelf life is a year and a half, which isn't bad. However, it takes a while to use up even a small can so rotating your supplies of this crap can be arduous.

[multigraincracker]

1. Seems the older I get the Less I drink. On the other hand

lots of Greek yogurt. Also coffee cream, real and fake.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

2. Oat milk is all that I buy.

I'm lactose intolerant, plus I haven't yet experienced oat milk going bad even after opening and not using it for weeks.

Almond milk is a no-go for me after realizing how much water it takes to grow almonds.

[Shermann]

3. I've never tried oat milk or almond milk

I know soy milk is popular in cappuccinos and lattes, and I haven't tried that either.

There are new frontiers available to explore here.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

5. I used to buy soy milk...

... but it caused some bloating for me too. Nothing like from the lactose in dairy milk, but I suppose more of the bean-related kind.

[Ziggysmom]

4. I like oat milk, too. It's also best for the environment compared to other

plant based milks and dairy milk. Soy has a bad aftertaste and almond milk wastes too much water growing the nuts.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

6. Yeah, I decided to boycott almonds...

... after reading about the water problems in California.

Native Americans survived just fine for millennia without almonds and other foods introduced to America, so it's not like almonds provide essential nutrition not available elsewhere.

Seeds require far less water than nuts, with similar nutrition.

[Shermann]

7. Well...the French brought coffee to the Americas

...and you aren't taking that away from me!

[Buckeye_Democrat]

8. Me neither!

I usually drink an entire pot of coffee every day.

[Ziggysmom]

9. Oh lordy no! I get severe headaches without my daily caffeine. I adore the taste of coffee, too.

I’m not into sweet or flavored brews, but enjoy a variety of roasts and bean varieties. Mmm mmmmmm time for a cup now!