Powdered Milk Instant vs. Non Instant

Powdered Milk

Powdered Milk is sort of the unsung hero of all of the food storage we need.  Most people know that it is a priority in food storage, and yet it is usually the last thing people buy.  There are several reasons for this:

- Powdered Milk is much pricier than many of the basics we need.

Just like other items in food storage, when bought in bulk, milk can be very affordable.  Why I love THRIVE Instant Milk - With the buckets that are the equivalent of 8 of the large #10 cans, the milk comes out to only about $2 a gallon. (This deal is good for all Q customers or if I submit the order for you.  Email me at Tiffany@HelpingFamiliesThrive.com for more details.) I don't know what the price for milk is at your grocery store, but that beats mine by a mile!  Plus, you get the freedom to never have to go to store for just milk and a cart full of regrets and time not well spent... priceless!   If you're not ready to buy a full bucket, our #10 cans come out to under $4/gallon and our milk is made with no added hormones.


-Powdered Milk tastes weird or just plain gross.

Most people remember a time when they were little kids and they had to drink powdered milk for one reason or another.  Let me reassure you that powdered milk in general has come a LOOONG way, but ours is more than just an improvement.  Its TOP NOTCH.  For the taste, you just can't beat it.  This blind taste test proves it!

I taught a powdered milk class and had samples from 5 different sources and THRIVE Instant won the blindfold test hands down! I get people who drink it at my house all of the time who didn't realize that it was "fake milk" or whatever non believers like to call it :) and they are so surprised by the great flavor.  

-I am Lactose Intolerant so I can't drink milk.  Why should I buy milk for my food storage?

My son and I who typically have problems with dairy products can even drink the Instant Milk, but for those of you who are truly sensitive, we also sell a milk alternative we call non-fat powdered milk and chocolate drink mix.  These are a whey based protein drink that seem to be very gentle on tummies who usually have problems with milk because of their low lactose content.

-I could never rotate through milk quick enough.  It is just going to be a waste of money.

This used to be an excuse, but since we have a 25 year sealed shelf life or 1 year open, the risk of expiring milk is not really one that you need to have on your list anymore.  Even if you are not ready for dry milk to become a part of your everyday drink of choice, there are still plenty of ways you can use this great ingredient to beef up some of your old recipes or to fabricate other canned foods you used to buy at the store for a much cheaper and healthier alternative.  If you are using a little THRIVE milk in everyday cooking, you should be able to rotate through it with plenty of time.  You can go to this page to see recipes on many basic things that use powdered milk, or here for our Best Ever Cornbread, and even add it to soups to give it a creamier flavor.

Other good news is powdered milk is still good even past the expiration, it just tends to develop an off taste.  If this is the case, save it just for cooking or baking and it will continue to add great texture and flavor to your cooking without being noticeable.

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Let’s talk about the different varieties on the market.

Instant milk is the regular dry milk that taste’s closer to the milk we buy from the grocery store.  It usually looks more like clumps and is able to dissolve in hot or cold water.  It is generally more expensive than the non-fat varieties, but is better suited for times when you would need to bring milk with you on the go.  Due to its texture, it generally takes about double the amount of powder to equal the equivalent amount of milk.

Regular non-fat dry milk is the type most people are familiar with.  This milk must be added to warm water in order to dissolve well and for best flavor should be refrigerated overnight.  Most would agree that it taste’s more like milk when doctored with a couple teaspoons of sugar and a couple drops of vanilla.

Moo’s Milk is not actually milk, but is a whey-based protein with other ingredients used to taste like milk.  It is a great option for people who are lactose intolerant who still need a milk replacement for food storage.  I have heard it referred to as the “Tang” of milks because although it has calcium and some vitamins, it is less complete nutritionally then other powdered milks.

The great thing about powdered milk is that it provides a large variety of things we have in our regular diets which we would have a difficult time doing with out including buttermilk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cheese, yogurt, cream cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, whipped cream… you get the picture.  So, if you like one or more of the proceeding items, you might want to consider getting some milk in your “Home Store”.

Powdered milk will become more than just a comfort food if we ever had to solely rely on food storage as you think about all of the calcium it provides for strong healthy bones in growing children and adults as well as a much more flavorful option than water in recipes.

Basic powdered milk conversions:

To Make:   You need	Water	THRIVE Instant Milk	Non-Instant
¼ cup	¼ cup	1-½ T	1 t
½ cup	½ cup	3 T-1/4 c	1 ½ T
1 cup	1 cup	1/3 c-1/2 c	3T
1 quart	1 quart	3/4c -1 c	1/3 c
1 pint	1 pint	1 1/2 -2 c	1-1/3 c
1 gallon	1 gallon	3-4 c	2-2/3 c

In most cases (like for baking bread) double the amount of powder of THRIVE Instant milk in place of powdered milk.  Both milks taste great in cooking and baking.  I left variance in it because I know that some people like it stronger, but it is great with the lower amount.

Ready to get started using it? Go here for the basic recipes!

If you like this entry, you might also like my homemade cream soups recipes or apple pancakes.

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