Is Sour Milk Bad for You?
No, sour milk isn't inherently bad for you, but it depends on why it's sour and how much you consume. Slightly sour milk, often due to the natural conversion of lactose to lactic acid, is generally safe. However, if the sourness is due to bacterial growth beyond that point, consuming it can cause illness.
It's crucial to distinguish between slightly sour milk and spoiled milk. Slightly sour milk might simply have a tangier taste due to the natural fermentation process. This often occurs even before the expiration date. However, spoiled milk indicates significant bacterial growth, making it unsafe for consumption.
Risks of Drinking Spoiled Milk
Consuming spoiled milk can lead to several unpleasant symptoms. According to the Missouri Poison Center and multiple other sources (Yahoo Lifestyle, Allrecipes, Healthline), these symptoms can include:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
The severity of these symptoms depends on the amount of spoiled milk consumed and the types of bacteria present. Harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Listeria can be present in spoiled milk (Quora).
The real danger arises from consuming large quantities of spoiled milk (Missouri Poison Center, Yahoo Lifestyle). A small amount might not cause any noticeable issues, but a large amount could trigger significant digestive problems.
When to Discard Milk
If your milk exhibits any of the following, discard it immediately:
- A distinctly unpleasant odor.
- A visibly curdled or separated texture.
- An unusually sour or bitter taste.
- It's significantly past its expiration date.
Remember, expiration dates are guidelines, not absolute cut-offs. However, exceeding the date increases the risk of bacterial growth.
Using Sour Milk in Cooking
Slightly sour milk, before it becomes spoiled, is perfectly fine for use in baking. The acidity can even enhance the texture and flavor of certain recipes (NPR).
