How to Know if the Milk Is Adulterated: 4 Simple Home Tests

Milk is a big part of our everyday meals. It gives us calcium, protein and energy, which are important for children and the elderly. But the milk we drink is not always as pure as it looks. To make more money, some people mix harmful things in milk or simply add water. This not only takes away the goodness of milk but can also hurt our health. 

The good news is that you don’t always need a laboratory to check it. With a few simple steps at home, you can find out if the milk in your kitchen is real or not.

Check for Added Water

Water is the most common thing people add to milk to increase the quantity and earn more profit. When water is mixed, the nutrients in milk become fewer. If the water is dirty, it can even spread diseases. But you can check this at home with a simple trick. 

Place a drop of milk on a polished, slanting surface, like a clean plate or a steel spoon held at an angle. If the milk is pure, the drop will move slowly and leave a white trail behind it. But if water has been added, the drop will slide down quickly without leaving any trace. This quick test is the first step to knowing whether your milk is pure.

Look for Detergent

Once you know there is no extra water, the next thing to check is detergent. Some mix detergent in milk to stop it from curdling and to keep it fresh for longer. But detergent can cause stomach infections and other health problems. 

To find out, mix equal amounts of milk and water, about half a glass each, in a clean jar. Shake the jar well for around 30 to 40 seconds. If you see thick lather or dense foam forming on the top, it means detergent may be present. Pure milk will only create a thin layer of light foam.

Spot Hidden Starch

If someone adds water to milk, they often mix in starch to keep the milk looking thick. This can be harmful and also cheats you of real nutrients. To test for starch, take a small amount of milk, around two to three millilitres, on a clean glass surface. Add two to three drops of iodine solution, which you can easily find in a pharmacy.

If the milk turns blue, starch is present. If it stays the same colour, it is free from starch. This quick check tells you if someone tried to hide added water by using starch.

Identify Synthetic Milk

The most worrying kind of adulteration is synthetic milk. This is not real milk at all. It is made using chemicals like soap and caustic soda. To check for synthetic milk, simply rub a drop of milk between your fingers. If it feels soapy or slippery, it might be synthetic. You may also notice a bitter taste when you taste it. This is the strongest sign that the milk is not natural.

Milk should give health and strength, not harm. These easy steps can help you stay safe and know what you are drinking.

Disclaimer: These are simple home tests meant only for basic checking. For full confirmation, laboratory testing is always more reliable.