Powdered milk is a type of dairy product in which milk is evaporated and converted into a dry substance. The purpose of producing milk powder is to preserve it better, as its shelf life is much longer than that of liquid milk, and due to its low moisture content, it does not require refrigeration. Another goal of milk powder production is to reduce its volume to save on transportation costs.

Milk powders are much more stable than fresh milk, but to maintain their quality and shelf life, they must be protected from moisture, oxygen, light, and heat. This is because milk powders easily absorb moisture from the air, leading to rapid quality loss, lump formation, or swelling.

This powder has major applications as an ingredient in dairy and food products. A significant amount of milk powder is used in producing dairy items such as evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and UHT milk in countries where there is not enough fresh milk. It is also used as an ingredient in a wide range of food products, including ice cream, yogurt, chocolate, confectionery, bakery products, soups, protein industries, and sauces.