Sweetened condensed milk is so rich and yummy. It's used in desserts and other treats like shaved ice and Vietnamese coffee. It's made by removing the water content of milk and adding sugar, which helps maintain the shelf life by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. In the U.S., sweetened condensed milk is often sold in 14-ounce cans that most people don't use all at once. Here are the best practices for storing condensed milk.
Store unopened cans at room temperature, off the ground in a cool, dry place, for no more than 6 months from the date purchased.
Pour any leftover condensed milk into a glass or plastic container immediately after opening the can, and cover with a lid. The longer it sits open to the air, the less fresh it will be.
Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container. If you cannot use it within 3 weeks, transfer it to the freezer.
Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight. If the sweetened condensed milk contains a lot of fat, it will likely separate in the freezer. Simply stir it up to restore the right consistency.