If you’re going to be away from grocery stores for more than a few days, boxed milk can be a lifesaver! It’s widely available in developing countries where there’s less refrigeration, but you can get it in many stores in the US — if you know what to look for!
I took this photo just a couple of days ago at my local Publix and I’ve bought boxed milk at many Walmarts across the country when we’ve taken some extended camping trips. It’s typically in the baking aisle, of all places, although Publix usually stocks it in the coffee aisle. I’ve also seen boxed milk in various other chain groceries and even once in a convenience store along the ICW.
So what’s so great about boxed milk? Well, you’ll notice that it’s on regular shelves. It doesn’t have to be refrigerated until you open it. Unopened, it’s good at least three months — and I’ve used some that was over 6 months old with no problems.
Use it just as you would regular milk — which is what it is, except that it’s been ultrapasteurized and packaged in a TetraPak, which totally prevents air getting to it.
Back in the days before Dave developed his milk allergy, I used boxed milk 100% of the time on the boat. We used it on our morning cereal and in cooking. Dave occasionally drank a glass with a sandwich. Some people say they notice a slight difference in the taste when just drinking it; Dave didn’t. And I never noticed any difference in cooking or on my cereal. (We now used boxed almond milk.)
You can store the boxes just about anywhere — we had some very shallow lockers behind the settees that were just perfect for stacking these in. They fit into lots of other small spaces — just make sure to remember where you’ve stashed them all.
Here in the US, almost all the boxed milk I’ve found has been the Parmalat brand, available in 2% and whole milk. In Mexico and Central America, there were numerous brands available and Nestle made a skim milk called Svelty.
The tops shown in the photo are the most common although screw tops are getting easier to find and are better on a boat although they can be harder to store since the screw top protrudes.
If you can only find flip-tops, know that on a boat, that little plastic flip-top can easily jostle open in the refrigerator or cooler. If you’re going to be in fairly protected conditions, you can just put a piece of duct tape over the top; I usually transferred the milk to an old clean juice bottle with a screw top.
In Mexico, we sometimes ran into boxes that were just “cut to open” and these had to be put into another bottle to store.
Before opening a new box, be sure to shake it up well in case any of the milk solids have settled. And then just use as you would any other milk!
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Relinda Ted Broom on Facebook says
We have been using boxed milk for several years on Ten-Ten. We also have them in or huricane supplies at home. We find them in Publix. We get the small single serving boxes..They are great..
Yvonne Gumaer on Facebook says
We also use box milk on Tropical Hideaway. We get ours at Costco’s and you can get it in regular, chocolate and vanilla.
Charlotte says
This is popular back home in Scotland, but I hadnt seen it here. As we dont use milk in tea of coffee we never seem to have any around when we want cereal, or when someone comes over who takes it, so thanks for reminding me about it.
The Boat Galley on Facebook says
Great to know more places to buy it — where I am, the single serving boxes are only chocolate and are sold next to to the NesQuik!
The Boat Galley on Facebook says
I should also mention that you can also get “boxed” soy milk, rice milk and almond milk — location varies, it’s often in the juice or cereal aisle but not always.
Yvonne Gumaer on Facebook says
Failed to mention that the boxed milk we use is soymilk.
ben says
The boxed milk I had was in The Phillippines, and it tended to taste a little flat and slightly metallic. I don’t know if it was a regional thing or what, but it definitely didn’t taste quite like regular pasturized milk. It could have been that I was specifically looking for the difference in taste, or that I don’t drink a lot of milk anyway. I would totally use it in cooking, but if you absolutely *need* your milk, I’d say boxed still tastes better than dry (at least in my experience.)
Waterwoman says
Used box milk all the time while we were in Mexico. Svelty was pretty good.
Does anyone know if there is a distributor for cream other than the Nestle Media Crema? We don’t use milk due to health issues, but cream is ok. Would love the boxed milk idea with cream! Otherwise, I guess it is Nestle or nothing for long term storage.
Thanks.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Once in a while in Mexico and Central America, we’d run into others but not often. I remember one was from New Zealand and full cream, but don’t remember the brand name.
-Carolyn
Chuck says
The brand was ” anchor ” brand milk products
Nancy Jo Austin says
If you have access to a Trader Joes, they have shelf stable cream. I keep a few in our MN pantry. They come in REALLY handy when it’s too cold to run errands, but are useful any day.
Candy Ann Williams on Facebook says
BTW, Carolyn, I really do like the Nido Whole powdered milk you recommended..I keep it all of the time!! AND my husband mounted my new fans, and even he loves them ( and he has an aversion to fans-LOL). Thanks for all of your tips!!
Chuck Burns on Facebook says
All the boxes I have come with a stamped expiry date… Does it really mean anything? I have sailed from San Francisco to Fiji to Australia with these as our milk supply and they lasted a very long time even in the tropics
Immo Weichert on Facebook says
I grew up on UHT/boxed milk. Until I left home in the mid 90s I never knew anything else. I haven’t seen an unopened box go off, even months after the expiry date. BTW, the tetrapack’s inside makes a great waterproof notepad for passage plans etc. .
The Boat Galley on Facebook says
The worst that happened to us (with a couple boxes left from a previous owner that I discovered, several years after their use-by dates) was that the milk solids had settled to the bottom of the box.
Chris&Janet says
We have recently had Parmalat (Zymil) spoil on us in less than half the predicted shelf life. When we asked the New Zealand supplier for assistance, the response was instant and generous. Unfortunately it turned out ours had come from Italy. When we queried them (in English and Italian) a response was not forthcoming. The spoiled milk also destroyed our sourdough starter.
Julie Dausman says
Talked with a Kiwi cruiser and he said it was available in New Zealand.
Danielle Gagne says
Available all through out the MED: Spain, France, Italy, Malta…
Nancy Orloski says
Ready for our first long term trip (the ICW from NJ to Florida, leaving in about a month, no laughing from real cruisers please). We plan to stay on the hook as much as possible so I tried a box for the first time for my milk drinking husband. He said it was good. That’s good enough for me. We will be stocking Parmalat for the trip. Thanks for the idea and all the encouragement!!! Love your site.
Janet&Chris says
Just pour into a cup or glass and inspect before using in recipes. It does go bad before it should sometimes.
Kenneth Arnold says
“Gossner” from NZ or Aus. is another brand avail..
Jennifer Handley says
Boxed milk is available pretty much throughout the South Pacific; we lived on it and the heavenly full-cream powdered milk (Anchor brand) from NZ.
Nicki Pendergast says
Bahamas
Patti Giese says
Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Dutch Lady brand & some others.
Gary Hebb says
I believe we’ve found boxed milk in every grocery store inn every country in the Eastern Caribbean, PR and DR. But, I don’t think we generally found it in the Bahamas.
Chris&Janet says
Maxwell’s in Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco routinely stocks it (as of May of this year).
Kirsty Anne Watson says
In Australia we call it UHT which stands for Ultra High Treated.. We have always had it in the shops here and is a great substitute for fresh and tastes so much better than powdered. It has a shelf life of up to 12 months so is ideal to have on board for extended cruising.
Terry Lynn Simmons says
And for those of us who drink soy milk its available too.
Richard Annett says
Everywhere in the Med
Carole Macaluso-Thomas says
Walmart has Almond Milk in boxes.
Monique Davis says
The boxed milk in Greenland, remarkably enough, is even less expensive than what I’ve found in the United States. On average it was about 2 USD, but we often found sales where, if you bought 12 or more, it was fifty cents. The brand (Arla) also seemed to taste better than Parmalat. It was a welcome surprise that offset the eight dollar broccoli and prohibitively expensive alcohol!
The Boat Galley says
WOW! Thanks to everyone who has added info on where it’s available — I often get questions and it’s nice to have a list from people who have actually BEEN there!
Jan Alexander says
Also readily available in Turkey and Israel. I have also discovered “half and half” in these shelf stable boxes and it is great, but I have only found it in St. Thomas, USVI, sigh… I think it is a Canadian product.
The Boat Galley says
Half-and-half is readily available in Mexico — called Media Crema — in 1 cup boxes. In the US, Trader Joe’s has true whipping cream in little boxes. I know, those won’t help where you are 🙁
Belinda Bacon-Reinagel Wolfe says
Even though I cruise in the US I still stock up on Parmalat (from Walmart – baking isle). It is my emergency back up if I can’t easily get refrigerated milk.
Jan Alexander says
Shelf stable whipping cream is also widely available in France and other Mediterranean European countries, as well as “light cream” (“creme legere”) but there’s nothing quite like half n half:-) We go cruising to try new things, though and survive just fine without all those “home” things! .
Monika Ludewig Bradley says
We purchase similarly boxed soy milk, almond milk and rice milk. The stated “use by” date on those is often up to a year out. (I have a milk allergy)
The Boat Galley says
Dave has a milk allergy, too, and we use soy in a box. Guess i should write a post about it, huh?
Monika Ludewig Bradley says
That’s why I wrote. I was surprised you didn’t mention all the alternatives especially since their shelf life is usually longer (as is refrigerated soy, almond, coconut or flax “milk”. Also coconut milk in a can is good in coffee and the thick coconut cream can be whipped almost like whipping cream if you get the can REALLY cold first and pour out the liquid
The Boat Galley says
I had no idea how many people like/use soy and almond milk . . . I thought we were just unusual.
The Boat Galley says
It’s been added to the list of things to post about 🙂
Monika Ludewig Bradley says
Approx 50% of adults are lactose intolerant…. Of course those of is with a true dairy allergy are worse off. And my husband and i are also gluten intolerant ( celiac). So that makes provisioning way harder.
Kenneth Arnold says
I get this at Dollar Tree stores for $1 🙂 different brand from Aust.
Lahowind says
We use this all the time and it really does actually taste great!
Carol Ann says
Love Parmalat on the boat, and on my pantry shelves, for not having to ‘run out’ in bad weather! Maybe some day, they’ll think of a way to process cream for the same benefit? I love putting a drop of cream in my sauces! Liquifying Coffee Mate almost works…. :/
The Boat Galley says
There’s Media Crema that’s half and half and Mini Moos that are individual servings of real cream.
Lupari Sue says
We use UHT milk and cream in Australia even when not cruising. We like the convenience…especially the cream.
Ginny Teatro says
We have been using almond milk in the boxes for several years. We are sailing in the USA and Canada and have no problem locating it.
Sheree Stevens Wainwright says
I’m going to use this tip for our cruise on Superior next month! Thanks!
Sherry Day says
We have started using Nestle’s Sunshine powdered milk. This way we are not storing liquid. First found it in the Marquesas and throughout French Polynesia. It is harder to find as we sail west. Found it in Tonga and a little here in Fiji. It is much more expensive in Fiji so stock up with the big cans in FP.
John Colley says
takes getting used to,Cooked milk is not my favourite,Some dried milks can taste great.
Amy Kohl Hoag says
Taste it before you buy in bulk. Some brands taste just like fresh milk and some taste cooked. Parmalat is NOT my favorite.
Janet Doyle says
Finally found some in our local grocery store!!
Ed Howe says
I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your posts. They are on the same level as Practical Sailor in their usefulness. Thank you.
The Boat Galley says
WOW! What a compliment. Thank you so much!
Ed Robinson says
Boxed milk was a life-saver for us in the Bahamas. We loaded up at the Dollar Tree in Marathon for one dollar per box!
Michael Guelker-Cone says
Our experience with the boxed milk we purchased from Dollar Tree here in Bellingham, WA was that it doesn’t taste like the fresh milk you buy that isn’t shelf stable. It had an off taste we just didn’t care for at all, even in our coffee. Is there a better source for this kind of milk or should we expect it to taste like it does?
The Boat Galley says
I’m guessing that if it was from Dollar Tree, it may have been sitting around for a while and the solids may have settled. We never noticed a major difference in taste when we bought it in groceries, and be sure to shake it up well before putting in the refrig to cool.
Kathy Orr says
We use it all the time in the Caribbean. Too hard getting to grocery stores, and it’s a great size for the boat fridge.
Bent Pedersen says
In our experience, powdered milk has a much better taste. We use it with water from the watermaker, tastes more or less like fresh milk.
Lupari Sue says
We use it all the time. Could find it easily in SE Asia too.
Amber Amodei says
I thought the Dairy Pure brand (whole milk) tasted fantastic once it was chilled.
Carole Erdman Grant says
….or are in Europe where boxed UHT milk is the norm.
Darlene Luxton says
But UHT is disgusting!!!
The Boat Galley says
No it’s not. It’s unnoticeable in cooking; we used it all the time on cereal and didn’t notice a difference. Maybe try a different brand?
Terry Bogart says
It’s fine for me too.
Ray Thackeray says
Disgusting? Rubbish. In fact UHT milk is pretty standard un all of Europe, if it was “disgusting” it would not be sold. Perhaps the one time in your entire life you tried UHT you had some old stuff, but you need to get out more.
CJ Grabenstein says
We found some at the dollar store!! Will stock up before we head out of here.
The Boat Galley says
Try one first and make sure of the expiration dates. I’ve had other friends get them at the dollar store — some were good, some were past their prime (solids had settled at the bottom and just were lumps even after shaking).
Terry Bogart says
I always used it when I lived in Spain. Could rip the edge off. My husband doesn’t care for it. I wonder if almond milk has to be refrigerated? Cruising friends that she only liked milky coffee used to buy a box of restaurant creamers.
The Boat Galley says
Almond milk also comes in boxes that do not need refrigeration until opened.
Laura Fortune says
I wish I could find boxed milk and cream in the states. I really miss it.
Terry Bogart says
Walmart should have it….most mini markets too.
David Lake says
every store down here has it
Rebecca Cox says
Dollar Trees have it
Ray Thackeray says
In the USA the only brand of UHT I’ve ever found is PARMALAT and amazingly it’s usually on shelves where you would never think to find milk.
The Boat Galley says
The post tells where to find it. It’s in most larger groceries.
Dave Skolnick says
If UHT milk isn’t in diary try the baby food aisle.
Debie Petersen says
Trader Joe’s carries it AND boxed whipping cream.
Teresa Morgan-Kenney Young says
Rice Milk does not need refrigerated either and comes in small containers. Not sure how they milk rice but I love it!
Lisa Carol Kelly says
How much preservatives are in it and chemicals?
CJ Grabenstein says
I believe there aren’t any. They heat it up to kill any bacteria and box it up so it’s sterile until opened.
David Lake says
none
The Boat Galley says
None.
Lisa Carol Kelly says
Great
Steven Taylor says
Be cool if they came in smaller portions.
The Boat Galley says
It does. Usually found in the juice aisle. It’s marketed for kids.
David Lake says
too bad that its about 12 dollars a gallon……..
Rebecca Cox says
Get it at Dollar Tree, we’ve used theirs for years
Kristi Cilles says
I am still a fan of Nestle’s brand powdered milk. It puts all other powdered milks to shame. It’s really good. Sometimes hard to find, but can be ordered online.
Aileen Foust says
It’s a bit more expensive & not as creamy if you need actual cream, but evaporated milk (not sweetened or condensed) can also work.
I finally found dehydrated milk & cream on Amazon. No chemicals & seriously tastes great. Hoosier Farms is what I’m trying these days but there’s a few.
Nestle has Nido & there’s just a ton of chemicals in it. Really hard on people prone to gall stones & such.
Rebecca L Girouard says
We use boxed almond milk.
Ray Thackeray says
I’ve never seen an almond with teats.
Ray Thackeray says
UHT is the proper term around the world. Some people say they don’t like it but they are the ones who have never tried it. I don’t know what the mental block against it is but it isn’t popular in the USA and I think that’s where you hear the biggest objections. I think it’s something to do with the fact that it does not need refrigeration. Look folks, it’s milk. Nothing wrong with it. Get over your pre-conceived ideas. In the USA the only brand of UHT I’ve ever found is PARMALAT and amazingly it’s usually on shelves where you would never think to find milk.
Ray Thackeray says
UHT is VERY useful on a boat especially when you have limited refrigerator space, and that’s all I will buy when I can find it. However, most people have not tried powdered milk and you’d be amazed. Most crew say “YUK!” when they find it in the cupboard, but I often use an old milk bottle and mix up some full-cream Nestle powdered milk and stick it in the refrigerator. When breakfast comes around and the crew are eating their cornflakes, I try not to guffaw when they say “Wow this milk tastes great!”
The Boat Galley says
Yep, I’ve written about it at length.
Gregory Pace says
dollar tree $1.00 for a liter bx
John Walton says
We used to call this space milk. After a long transit from Seattle to Antarctica we were down to space milk and three bean salad. When we got to Antarctica we got supplies from Christchurch New Zealand. They would forward apples from Washington state, mail, much needed parts and white and chocolate milk from New Zealand. The milk that was dropped on the bow was like Heaven. It was like drinking melted whole fat ice cream. Space milk has it’s place in the world, milk from New Zealand is like, the best. We let the Mc Murdo folks on board a week after we had tied Polar Star to a pier made of ice. During the tours of Mc Murdo folks, we had to force them out of the mess decks, to see our engine systems and bridge. No Mc Murdo folks left the ship without a pocket full of Washington State apples… That says a lot about a human being.
The Boat Galley says
And NZ powdered milk is fantastic.
The Boat Galley says
And that’s a hell of a trip (but you don’t need to be told that).
Karen Bowen says
On Vancouver Island in BC I found Thrifty’s and Superstore carry boxed
milk. Superstore also carries a brand of Media Creme.
Terry Peake says
Its all i use….even at the shore. Milk is milk.
Chantal Gellermann says
I used to buy it all the time and always kept one as emergency but now I’m lactose intolerant. What’s the alternative? I need lactose free milk to make my yogurt
Paul says
The yogurt bacteria eat all the lactose. All yogurt is lactose-free, even the store-bought brands, none of which are made with lactose-free milk.
Pam says
Thoughts on using Evaporated Milk?
Carolyn Shearlock says
I don’t like it as well as boxed milk, but it can work in recipes.