Pandemic milk preparedness

[Shermann]

So milk is kind of a big deal. I guess I use a gallon a week, and things are not good when I run out. I need my lattes and I need my cereal. During the pre-vaccinated times, there was an onus on reducing grocery trips. I got it down to once every two or three weeks. Milk outages were frequent at the onset of the pandemic, and I'll share what I've learned as a lightweight pantry prepper for posterity.

1) Fresh milk is the best. You get a week or so, so check the expiration date when shopping. That part is problematic with grocery deliveries.
2) Ultra-Pasteurized milk is excellent as well. The cost is higher than regular pasteurized milk, however the shelf life is 30 - 90 days. I like to grab one gallon of each. These are often the A2 varieties, which have a slightly different taste.
3) Shelf-stable milk is excellent! My brand of choice is Parmalat which is available at Walmart. These have a shelf life of a year or so at room temperature, which is amazing. I like to keep a few gallons in the pantry at all times. They are nearly indistinguishable from fresh milk when chilled.
4) Evaporated milk. This is typically used for baking, but can be reconstituted with a 1-1 ratio of water. It is reasonably good, but noticeably different from fresh milk. The price is reasonable, however the printed shelf life is surprisingly short (only six months or so). If this were indefinite like most canned items, this would be a much better option. One can makes a pint of milk, so at least your supply can be rotated easily.
5) Dry milk. I've experimented with Nestle NIDO. It is OK if you are in a real pinch. Lattes made with it are noticeably off. It has the unusual effect of instantly turning cereal soggy. If you get a glass really cold and slam it down, it is drinkable. The shelf life is a year and a half, which isn't bad. However, it takes a while to use up even a small can so rotating your supplies of this crap can be arduous.