This Pantry Essential At Dollar Tree Is Perfect For Baking Or Emergencies

Dollar Tree is full of hidden gems, from movie theater candy to tuna salad snack packs and an impressive lineup of spices. Milk is another staple you'll find, but not in the refrigerated section. The dairy and plant-based milk (namely, from Marcel's Modern Pantry) sold at Dollar Tree is known as shelf-stable milk and it's the longest lasting type of milk you can buy. In fact, Dollar Tree customers on Reddit consider it a staple for emergencies, baking or otherwise.

Shelf-stable milk, also known as aseptic milk undergoes a process called Ultra High Temperature pasteurization wherein milk is heated to a minimum of 280 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 seconds, before being packaged. As its name implies, the shelf-stable milk doesn't need to be refrigerated, lasting for 6 months when stored in your pantry. But, once opened, you should treat it like any other pasteurized milk product. These small, rectangular cartons are convenient and handy pantry essentials for a few reasons.

On Reddit, a devoted Dollar Tree customer explained, "Switching to UHT milk kept me from having to constantly dump spoiled milk ... They definitely will go bad eventually, both after opening and unopened, but it takes way longer than regular milk." Another Redditor praised its price, sharing, "Ultra pasteurized shelf-stable boxes of milk [cost] $1.25 for a quart, a quarter of the price of elsewhere; and they are ideal in the pantry for whenever I run out of regular milk."

Dollar Tree sells a range of Marcel's Modern Pantry milks including 1%, 2%, whole, and even plant-based varieties. So, you can drink it as is or add a splash to your coffee. The shelf-stable milk is also available in several sizes as one Redditor shared, "Brands like Horizon Organics will do this for single servings for lunch boxes."

A TikTok video (shared by @dollartreedinners) explains that there isn't much difference between shelf-stable milk and refrigerated pasteurized milk. The TikToker noted a slightly sweeter taste in the shelf-stable milk, which makes it a great option for baked goods. In fact, one Redditor said the milk cartons are usually found shelves "near the coffee and baking ingredients."

Milk is a crucial ingredient for baking, bringing moisture, flavor, and activating gluten-activating properties. Milk adds form and structure to cupcakes and muffins. You can, thus, use a cup of shelf-stable milk in a milk bread recipe, or use it in a boxed cake mix, which you can surely find on Dollar Tree shelves along with plenty of affordable baking tools to help you in your baking endeavours.