Does Nesquik expire? (Milk, Powder, & Syrup)
Nesquik is a very popular pantry staple that comes in 3 different forms. You can buy Nesquik powder, syrup, and premixed milk.
Nesquik powder and syrup can often be seen in a pantry for years, so it makes me wonder about if it goes bad. We researched everything we could to determine how long Nesquik lasts and if it is ok to use past the expiration dates.
Is Nesquik a milk?
The newest version of Nesquick is the premixed chocolate and strawberry milk that can be found in your grocery store’s refrigerated section.
The ready to drink milk is made with 100% real low fat milk and is advertised as a delicious treat with no added high fructose corn syrup.
Since the Nesquik Chocolate Milk and Strawberry milk is made with dairy, it does have a short shelf life. The expiration date listed on the package is similar to the kind seen on a gallon of milk.
If the Flavored Premixed Milk is already opened, it needs to be stored in the fridge and will typically last for 3-5 days after opened.
If the Premixed Milk is not opened, it may be safely consumed for a week to 10 days after the expiration date. This is assuming that the packaging is intact and been properly refrigerated with temperatures below 40 degrees.
If the milk has been left out on the counter or in a hot car, then the milk may have spoiled. Signs of spoilage will be a strong off odor or a bad taste.
If the milk appears to be extra thick or have chunks that is also a sign that the milk has spoiled.
Is Nesquik shelf-stable?
The Nesquik powder and syrup are both considered shelf stable and do not require refrigeration. Even after the products are opened it is recommended on the packaging not to refrigerate.
The best place to store Nesquik powders or the flavored syrups is in a dry cool place at room temperature like your pantry or in a cabinet.
The reason you do not want to refrigerate Nesquik powder is because of the high humidity in a refrigerator. The humidity will be absorbed by the powder and make it clump. It can also absorb any odors in your fridge similar to the way baking soda does.
In order to keep your Nesquik powder tasting great, just store it in the original tub and keep it out of the fridge.
The chocolate and strawberry syrup that is made by Nesquik should also stay out of the fridge. If you were to store the syrup in the fridge it will harden and make it impossible to squeeze any out.
The only Nesquik that should be refrigerated is the premixed milk that comes in bottles since they contain real milk and will need to be stored cold in order to prevent them from spoiling.
Is it OK to use expired Nesquik powder?
Nesquik powder comes in many different flavors like chocolate, strawberry, banana, and chocolate caramel swirl.
Once the Nesquik powder is past the expiration date, it is not considered bad or rancid. The packaging is dated with a “best buy date” or a “use by date” that is more based on flavor and texture and not based on the powder being unsafe to use.
Expired Nesquik powder is still safe to use after the expiration date if it has been stored properly! If you notice that there is moisture or clumps in the powder, that is a sign that the powder was not stored correctly and should be tossed.
The taste of expired Nesquik may not be as potent as a newer container of powder. It will still taste yummy and like chocolate, but the flavor may not be as rich.
How long does Nestle chocolate milk last?
The premixed Nesquik chocolate milk in individual bottles typically will last a long time in the fridge. It is estimated that an unopened container of chocolate milk can last up to 10 days past the expiration date if it is properly refrigerated with a temperature below 40 degrees.
Once the chocolate milk is opened, it should be consumed fairly quickly. Since the bottles are meant for individual servings in 14 oz containers, it is most likely that someone will drink directly from the container.
Whenever your mouth is placed directly on the lip of the container, you will be introducing bacteria from your mouth to the container. This can cause the milk to go bad after a few days.
If you would like to extend the life of your opened Nesquik chocolate milk, you will want to pour it into a glass first to drink it. This will keep bacteria away from the container.
How long does Nestle strawberry milk last?
Similar to the premixed Chocolate milk, Nesquik Strawberry milk can last up to 10 days past the expiration date as long as it has not been opened.
Once the Strawberry milk is opened it should be consumed within a few days. If you open a bottle of expired milk, it is best to give it the sniff test.
If it has a foul odor or doesn’t smell right, then it is best to toss the container. If the smell is right and the taste is still good, then you should have no problems.
How long does Nesquik chocolate syrup last?
Nesquik chocolate syrup is a great addition to an ice cream sundae or making chocolate milk or milkshakes. The containers of syrup are somewhat large at 22 oz. Most containers say that they have 31 servings in them.
If you don’t use the syrup that often it may stick around in your pantry or cabinet for a while. The good news is the unopened Nesquik syrup in chocolate or strawberry is estimated to last indefinitely after the expiration date.
This is assuming the package is undamaged and not punctured. As well as the syrup being stored in a cool dry place.
Once the syrup is opened, it is best to use the product within 1 year. As a precaution you may want to wipe the lid of the syrup with a moist paper towel to prevent any food particles from going into the syrup.
Similar to maple syrup, the lid is very easy to get messy and sticky. Any exposed syrup on the lid can start to grow bacteria so to be safe, keep the lid clean and dry!
Can you freeze Nesquik?
Some people believe that if you freeze premixed Nesquik milk bottles that you will make a frozen milkshake treat that tastes unbelievable! It is often compared to a Wendy’s Frosty made at home.
Unfortunately, Nesquik does not recommend freezing the premixed milk products due to possible separation of ingredients during freezing.
So, this one is going to be up to the individual user. If you want to try it frozen, go ahead but keep in mind it may separate and have a horrible taste.
If you want a frozen treat, just add Nesquik syrup to an ice cream sundae or make a milkshake with syrup and ice cream!
How long is Nesquik good after expiration date?
Since there are so many different product offerings of Nesquik, I have made a handy chart of expiration dates. These are based on optimal storage conditions.
| Product | Condition | Time Frame |
| Nesquik Chocolate Milk | unopened | up to 10 days past the expiration date |
| Nesquik Strawberry Milk | unopened | up to 10 days past the expiration date |
| Nesquik Chocolate Milk | opened | use within 3 days of opening |
| Nesquik Strawberry Milk | opened | use within 3 days of opening |
| Nesquik Chocolate Powder | unopened | indefinitely as long as container is not damaged |
| Nesquik Banana Powder | unopened | indefinitely as long as container is not damaged |
| Nesquik Strawberry Powder | unopened | indefinitely as long as container is not damaged |
| Nesquik Chocolate Caramel Powder | unopened | indefinitely as long as container is not damaged |
| Nesquik Chocolate Powder | opened | as long as stored properly, may lose flavor potency |
| Nesquik Banana Powder | opened | as long as stored properly, may lose flavor potency |
| Nesquik Strawberry Powder | opened | as long as stored properly, may lose flavor potency |
| Nesquik Chocolate Caramel Powder | opened | as long as stored properly, may lose flavor potency |
| Nesquik Chocolate Syrup | unopened | can be used up to 2+ years past the expiration date |
| Nesquik Strawberry Syrup | unopened | can be used up to 2+ years past the expiration date |
| Nesquik Chocolate Syrup | opened | best to use within 1 year (keep lid clean!) |
| Nesquik Strawberry Syrup | opened | best to use within 1 year (keep lid clean!) |
Can you drink expired Nesquik?
It is perfectly fine to drink expired Nesquik milk, syrup, and powders as long as they are stored properly.
If you find the original container or bottle has been damaged or punctured it is best to toss the product. Any damage to the container can allow bacteria to grow inside.
If the milk, syrup, and powders are stored correctly according to the packaging it is safe to consume.
The premixed milks will go bad quicker due to them being made with real milk, but the powder and syrups can last for years.
As with most food products, if the smell or taste is off then it is best to throw it away, but if the taste and smell is still good then the product should be fine!
For more information about expired common foods, check out “What happens if you eat expired garlic bread?” and “What happens if you eat an expired Slim Jim?“
