Why you should no longer store your milk in the fridge door
It's a reflex that many people share: putting the bottle of milk in the refrigerator door. Convenient, accessible... but not ideal for storage. In fact, this location could compromise the freshness of your milk faster than you think...!
The fridge door: an unstable temperature zone
The refrigerator door is subject to frequent temperature variations. Each time the door is opened,ambient air enters, temporarily warming the products inside. This fluctuation is particularly problematic for sensitive foods such as milk.
Milk needs a stable temperature, ideally between 32°F/0°C and 39°F/4°C, to stay fresh and limit bacterial proliferation. However, the fridge door is often the hottest zone, with temperatures reaching 42°F/6°C to 44°F/7°C, or even higher when opened frequently.
The risks of poor storage
Storing milk in the refrigerator door can lead to :
- Accelerated spoilage: milk can turn sour before its use-by date due to temperature fluctuations.
- Bacterial proliferation: temperature fluctuations encourage the growth of bacteria, increasing the risk of food poisoning.
- Food waste: poorly preserved milk is more likely to be thrown away, contributing to food waste.
Where to store milk for optimum preservation?
To keep your milk fresh :
- Place it on the middle or bottom shelves: these areas offer a more stable temperature, ideal for dairy products.
- Avoid the refrigerator door: reserve this space for condiments, juices and other products less sensitive to temperature variations.
- Make sure the fridge is set between 32°F/0°C and 39°F/4°C: a constant temperature is essential for food preservation.
In a nutshell
Although storing milk in the fridge door is a common habit, it's not the best option for keeping it fresh. By placing it in a stable temperature zone, you prolong its freshness, reduce health risks and help reduce food waste!
Sources:
- Comment Économiser - Here's why it's "forbidden" to store milk in the fridge door
- La Santé au Quotidien - Milk bottle: avoid putting it in the fridge door, here's why
- Science Post - Why avoid putting the milk bottle in the fridge door?
- Journal des Seniors - Do you keep milk in the fridge door? Here's why you shouldn't!
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