Tl;dr: Multiple uses for dehydrated milk and its shelf stability can save money over buying fresh milk if milk is an infrequent ingredient in your home.
While I realize that dehydrated milk isn't for everyone, I think it can be a great tool for saving money and space. It is a single ingredient with multiple applications. That and its ease of use make it a frugal staple in my kitchen.
The money savings come more from its shelf stability and versatility than from its price, but it can be purchased in bulk for a good value. Lb for lb it is not always cheaper than fresh milk. It depends on local pricing.
I think it's a great frugal pantry item though, because I can have it always on hand without worrying that it's going to sour or feeling like I have to use it up. I have used it in coffee, baking, gravies, soups- anything that needs milk. I never buy regular milk anymore.
I have even successfully used it in place of heavy cream when cooking. I cannot vouch for its ability to always be a good substitute for heavy cream, because I have not tried it extensively. It makes a great no chemical sugar-free fat-free coffee creamer. It tastes like regular milk when mixed in a glass for drinking. It mixes very easily in water, no clumping.
Dehydrated milk is nonfat. Fatted milks cannot be properly dehydrated. However, by reducing the proportion of water to milk, it becomes much thicker and more like the consistency of fatted milks. The recommended conversion for nonfat consistency is 1/3 milk powder to 1 cup water. Adjust as needed:)
February 16, 2021 at 07:26AM
