Best Powdered Milk Brands

‍Wondering how to make your cup of Joe healthier or find longer-lasting milk products? Check out our top picks for the best powdered milk brands.

The best powdered milk brands include the following:

1. Swiss Miss Powder Milk
2. Judee's Whole Milk Powder
3. Mountain Essentials Nonfat Dried Powdered Milk
4. Nestle Nido Milk Powder
5. Carnation Instant Nonfat Dry Milk
6. All American Whole Milk Powder by Hoosier Hill Farm

After countless hours of research, taste-testing, and evaluating each powdered milk brand I've gathered, I am eager to share my findings on the best powdered milk brands that will make your experience enjoyable and convenient. Keep reading to learn more.

‍6 Best Powdered Milk Brands: Top Picks for 2023

Powdered milk is a pantry staple that offers the taste and nutrition of fresh milk in a convenient, durable form. It's ideal for long-term storage, as it takes up little space and has an extended shelf-life.

When choosing the best powdered milk brand, it's essential to consider factors like taste, nutritional value, and mixing ease. Some people may prefer a full-fat option for a richer flavor, while others might opt for a lower-fat or non-dairy alternative.

Though powdered milk will never fully replicate the taste of fresh milk, the top brands can create an enjoyable alternative even the most discerning palates can appreciate. Here are the six best options I’ve found.

1. Swiss Miss Powder Milk

Swiss Miss Powder Milk has become an essential item in my pantry because its nonfat dry milk formula is healthy and tastes great. I've enjoyed using it in my coffee, baking recipes, and even for a convenient glass of milk.

The fortification with vitamins A and D, along with calcium and no fat, makes it a guilt-free option for my dietary needs. It’s delicious and versatile just like liquid milk. It’s also super high in protein compared to other dried milk powder products.

The only drawback I've found with this brand is the price, which seems to be a bit higher than other powdered milk options, and the taste, which might be a little less creamy compared to whole milk powder.

Additionally, the packaging can be a bit bulky for storage. Despite these minor issues, I still find it a great investment for its benefits.

Why This Is The Best

One of my favorite things about this powdered milk is how versatile it is. Not only have I used it in everyday situations like coffee and baking, but it has also proven to be very useful during camping and hiking trips.

It's a valuable addition to my emergency food supply. It's quite lightweight and easy to transport, making it a must-have for any adventure. Its convenience, nutrition, and versatility make it a top choice for anyone needing powdered milk.

Pros

• Fortified with vitamins A and D
• Excellent source of calcium and no fat
• Great for various uses like coffee, baking, and emergency food supply
• 80 calories and 8 grams of protein per serving

Cons

• Packaging might be a bit bulky for storage

2. Judee's Whole Milk Powder

The Judee's Whole Milk Powder is a convenient and tasty option for baking, cooking, and emergency situations. This is one of the best milk powders available because it’s nutritious and tasty too.

Its versatile nature allowed me to use it as a nutrient supplement in my dry blends, and it also came in handy when I needed a quick milk substitute in my baking recipes.

Though it's an excellent pantry staple, I must admit, it doesn't completely replace fresh milk for all my daily needs. When I tried using it as a coffee creamer, I noticed some clumps forming.

While not a major issue, it's something to keep in mind if you're particular about the texture of your coffee. If you're looking for high-quality, gluten-free, and non-GMO powdered milk, you might find this product to be a perfect match for your requirements.

Why This Is The Best

Having tried other powdered milk brands, I noticed that Judee's stood out due to its commitment to providing allergy-conscious ingredients. What I loved about this product was that it's made in a dedicated gluten-free facility, ensuring it is free from contamination.

It’s also available in single packs or bulk packaging. This makes life easier for storage. They also sell cream milk powder and other similar powdered products for customers to try.

Pros

• 100% Non-GMO, rBST Hormone-Free, Gluten-Free & Nut-Free
• Versatile for baking, confections, and reconstituting
• Made in the USA in a dedicated gluten-free facility

Cons

• May form clumps when used as a coffee creamer

3. Mountain Essentials Nonfat Dried Powdered Milk

I recommend Mountain Essentials Nonfat Dried Powdered Milk for its great taste, versatility, and long shelf life. I found this to be a real game-changer.

It's an excellent source of protein and calcium, making it a healthy choice for the whole family. Whether I'm baking, cooking, or just enjoying a bowl of cereal, this milk never disappoints. The taste is fresh, natural, and almost indistinguishable from liquid milk.

However, keep in mind that this is a non-fat milk option, so if you prefer whole milk or have specific dietary requirements, this might not be the ideal choice. Also, rehydrating the milk might take some extra effort, but the result is definitely worth it.

Why This Is The Best

One of the best things about this milk is its 25-year shelf life, making it perfect for emergency food storage or when fresh milk isn't readily available. The convenience it offers in just rehydrating with water saves a lot of space and hassle.

This skimmed milk powder is a dairy product and has an amazing taste. Between the long-term storage capability and the taste, finding a better product worth using is difficult.

Pros

• High in protein and calcium
• Suitable for various recipes and uses
• Impressive 25-year shelf life
• Fast constitution with water

Cons

• Limited to non-fat milk option

4. Nestle Nido Milk Powder

Nestle Nido Milk Powder is an excellent choice for nutritious and versatile powdered milk, ideal for children and adults. It has become essential in my pantry.

It's rich in nutrition and fortified with vitamins and minerals, ensuring my family gets their daily dose of essential nutrients. Plus, with its long shelf life, I never run out of this milk for unexpected situations.

There are a few drawbacks, like all products. It can seem expensive when compared to other powdered milk brands. Lastly, the container size displayed can be misleading, leading to disappointment when buying it online.

Why This Is The Best

Nido's versatility impressed me, as it works perfectly as a coffee or tea creamer and contributes to delightful baked goods with its unique creamy texture. I also appreciate its convenience when going on outdoor trips, as it's easy to carry and prepare a quick, nutritious cup of milk for the little ones.

The amazing shelf life makes this a top-rated option too. It’s also available in bulk packaging so you can buy a lot at once and save big money.

Pros

• Nutritious and fortified with vitamins and minerals
• Long-life shelf stability
• Great for baking, cooking, and as a creamer

Cons

• Can be expensive compared to similar products

5. Carnation Instant Nonfat Dry Milk

I recently tried Carnation Instant NonFat Dry Milk and was pleasantly surprised with its versatility and taste. This shelf-stable powdered milk option is a versatile, healthy, and tasty choice for various hot beverages and recipes.

This powdered milk is nutritious and perfect for enhancing the flavor and creaminess of specialty hot beverages. I did notice that it takes a bit more powder than usual to achieve my desired thickness.

Sometimes the milk does not dissolve as quickly in certain preparations. But overall, the convenience and taste make Carnation Instant Nonfat Dry Milk a great addition to my pantry.

Why This Is The Best

I've tested this powdered milk with my NESCAFÉ specialty beverage machine, and it works wonders in delivering a creamy end cup topped with a delicious crema. However, it’s predominantly known for being the best dry milk for cooking.

Having this powdered milk on hand for our weekend cabin trips saves me the hassle of constantly throwing out unused fresh milk, and it's quite convenient to use when cooking or baking.

Pros

• Fortified with vitamins A and D
• Works well with specialty beverage machines and recipes
• Creamy texture and delicious taste
• Top-notch option for cooking requirements

Cons

• May need more powder for desired thickness

6. All American Whole Milk Powder by Hoosier Hill Farm

I highly recommend the All American Whole Milk Powder by Hoosier Hill Farm for its great taste, convenience, and quality ingredients. The taste is fantastic - almost as good as fresh milk.

This powder is healthy and energy-rich and made from 100% hormone-free whole milk. It's perfect for cooking, baking, or even just a refreshing glass of milk. One downside I encountered was that the powder doesn't dissolve easily in water.

It took a little more effort to mix than other powdered milk brands I've tried. However, the great taste made it worth the extra effort. Additionally, the price is a bit on the higher side, but considering the quality of ingredients and taste, I find it justifiable.

Why This Is The Best

It's best to use it within six months to ensure optimal freshness. But considering how versatile and delicious it is, I don't think it'll last long in my pantry. This is one of the best because of its rich flavor.

The amazing, high-quality ingredients are unbeatable. This is whole milk powder, but it’s also available in nonfat and buttermilk variations. But we prefer the flavor of this whole milk one.

Pros

• Tastes like fresh milk
• Made from 100% hormone-free whole milk
• High in protein and energy-rich
• High-quality ingredients

Cons

• Slightly expensive
• Doesn't dissolve as easily in water

How To Choose The Best Powdered Milk Brand

When I choose the best powdered milk brand, I consider several essential factors. Let me share my thoughts with you.

First, I pay attention to the nutritional value. I compare the nutritional content of different brands, including:

• Protein
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin A

I also check whether they have added sugars or other artificial ingredients. Another important factor for me is taste.

I always read customer reviews and ask friends for recommendations to find delicious and creamy powdered milk. I make sure that the packaging is airtight, as it helps maintain the product's freshness and quality.

The ease of mixing is also crucial. Good powdered milk should dissolve quickly and smoothly in the water. Lastly, I take the price into account. I compare the cost per serving and make sure to pick a brand that is budget-friendly without compromising quality.

Types Of Powdered Milk: Comparison

When I was looking into powdered milk options, I noticed there are different types available. In this section, I'll briefly compare three popular powdered milk variants: Non-fat dry milk, whole milk powder, and buttermilk powder.

Each has unique attributes and uses, making it essential to understand their differences before choosing the best option for your needs.

Nonfat dry milk, as its name suggests, is made from skimmed milk with all the fat content removed. It's high in protein, has an impressive shelf life, and works well in baking and cooking recipes.

Whole milk powder, on the other hand, retains its fat content, making it more suitable for some recipes, particularly those where a richer, creamier texture is desired. It also works great as a coffee creamer.

Lastly, buttermilk powder is derived from traditional buttermilk and has a lower fat content. Its unique tangy flavor is more commonly used in baking, particularly in recipes that call for a distinct buttermilk taste. There are even other types to consider like powdered goat milk.

Can You Drink Powdered Milk Every Day?

Absolutely! I’ve had powdered milk daily before; it was a great addition to my daily routine. Powdered milk is a convenient, nutritious, and cost-effective option for most households.

First off, powdered milk is loaded with essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins A and D. When prepared properly, it can be a healthy source of nutrients that our bodies need.

Some people wonder about the taste, but I've found several brands that taste really good. All it takes is a little trial and error to find your favorite. Plus, if you're using it in smoothies or recipes, other ingredients often mask the taste.

As for the preparation, it's a piece of cake! I just mix the recommended amount of powder with water, and voilà—a creamy and delicious beverage is ready. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package for the best results.

One thing to keep in mind is to avoid using it as your sole source of nutrition. I like to drink powdered milk in addition to a balanced diet, as it shouldn't replace whole foods in our daily routine.

How Long Does Powdered Milk Last?

Powdered milk is known for having a longer shelf life than regular milk. Generally, unopened powdered milk can last for 2-25 years. Once opened, 12-18 months is the maximum shelf life.

However, when I properly store it in a cool, dry place and keep it away from moisture, it can last even longer – up to 5 years. Natural foods like this must be kept at stable temperatures too.

Once I open a powdered milk container, things change. As exposure to air and moisture can decrease its shelf life, transferring the remaining powdered milk to an airtight container is essential.

In this way, I've noticed that it can stay fresh for 6 months to 1 year, depending on the conditions. For those of us who want the best results for our powdered milk, here are some storage tips I've found helpful:

• Keep the powdered milk in a cool, dry place
• Always use a clean spoon when scooping the product
• Transfer the powder to an airtight container after opening
• Only mix milk with room-temperature water

Remember, always go by the "best by" date on the packaging and use your senses: if the powdered milk smells or tastes off, it's time to replace it.