The shelf life of yogurt can be extended by 1-2 months if stored in a freezer. Yogurt that has been sitting for too long in the fridge is prone to mold because of its water content. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 | Make Food Safe | All rights reserved | Terms & Conditions. However, the date you're reading on the yogurt container probably isn't an expiration date, but a "Best If Used By/Before" or "Use-By" date. While there are unlimited uses for it in the kitchen, yogurt does have a limited shelf life. But an increased amount of surface liquid (or, in the case of Yoplait yogurt and a few others that do not have any excess liquid to begin with, it's when a puddle begins to form) and a curdling texture near the bottom of the container are the first signs of yogurt going bad. Is It Safe to Eat Ground Beef That's Turned Gray? While yogurt is technically made with bacteria, the dairy product can still develop harmful bacteria that can lead to illness. Is it Safe to Eat an Egg with a Small Crack in the Shell? It needs continuous refrigeration at 40F or below. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Yogurt tends to separate after thawing, making it less inviting for direct use. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. How long can yogurt be left at room temperature? How can you tell if the creamy stuff has gone bad? The average shelf life of pre-made yogurt is not the sell-by date. Although open yogurt lasts about half as long as sealed containers, you can store it for quite a while. Bacon. Regardless of how long yogurt can last outside a fridge, keeping it cold will certainly extend its shelf-life. There are some obvious signs to watch out for when youre looking at yogurt. Read on below to learn more. However, it would be best if you always gave it a sniff. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. On some rare occasions, I will grab a banana and eat it on my walk to the subway. However, if consumed yogurt made with raw or unpasteurized milk, the symptoms will usually be much more severe. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The nasty thing about food-borne pathogens is that these bacteria dont always cause an off-smell or unpleasant taste. That said, I'm not the only person who thinks that the two hour-guideline is excessively conservative. Further, when you leave the yogurt at room temperature the bacteria can rapidly multiply as the yogurt is in the danger zone between 40 F and 140 F. At temperatures in this range, any yogurt exposed to bacteria in the air will become rancid rather quickly. Despite its perks, though, the snack gets lost in the fridge pretty easilyoften leaving you with an expired tub of yogurt when you do find it. Today I want to talk about can you wear 14k gold in the shower. Better yet, try it for yourself and see if freezing yogurt is worth doing! Chapman agrees. In general, it lasts only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the recipe. Life came along and interrupted your quality yogurt time. As much as you want to make it into smoothies, you need to make sure if yogurt wont make you sick. Yogurt is definitely a popular dairy product known for its creamy texture and health benefits. While you can also freeze yogurt for future use, yogurt can spoil anytime, even before it technically expires. Its worth giving it a thorough checking before using or discarding it. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'homezesty_com-leader-1','ezslot_14',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homezesty_com-leader-1-0');Once you open your yogurt and assuming you didnt let it sit out too long, it can go back to the fridge. A growing layer of liquid at the top of your tub can also indicate that your yogurt may be off, says Gans. However, a slight sour note is still okay. Yogurt is supposed to be smooth and creamy, so if you open the container and notice it has curdled, it's time to toss it. How long does yogurt last after the sell-by date? Freeze some and take it along in your lunch box (by which time it will be defrosted and have kept the rest of your lunch slightly chilled as a bonus). One of the ways to tell if your greek yogurt is bad is by the smell. Or pour or spoon the yogurt into an ice cube tray and then transfer the cubes to a food-grade sealable bag once they're frozen. And if you notice signs of spoilage, the "use by" date and the recommendation no longer mattersthrow it out. Once your yogurt is in there, dont open it until you need it, recommends Chapman. Keep it refrigerated after you bring it home from the store, and do not leave yogurt at room temperature for longer than two hours or one hour if the temperature is 90 degrees F or above. Please read this entire page for information on specific types of yogurt, how to properly store it and how to tell if it has gone bad. It is spoiled food that gives you food poisoning. Use some in place of some of the oil in your favorite, Use some in place of mayonnaise for a delicious. For opened yogurt, it can last for a month when stored in the freezer. Instead, keep it at the back of the refrigerator for consistently cool temperatures. For common-sense reasons, the answer is no when its warm or hot outside. Please eat responsibly! The back of the fridge remains cool and consistent. According to the US Department of Health & Human Services, you should throw out yogurt if it's been out at room temperature for more than two hours. Eat within 2 weeks (unopened) or 5 days (opened) when refrigerated; within 2 months when frozen. Dairy Overview. When you first open refrigerated yogurt, you may notice a layer of watery-looking liquid on the surface. When the yogurt has been opened, it can be safely consumed for one week when kept in the fridge. If the yogurt comes with a foil covering, replace it before putting it back in the fridge since it adds an extra layer of protection. Yogurt that has been opened will spoil faster than an unopened container. If left unrefrigerated longer, bacteria can start to grow. How Long Does Greek Yogurt Last After Opening? How long does yogurt last unrefrigerated? The ideal way to store yogurt to ensure maximum freshness is within the refrigerator, with temperatures below 40F. The shelf life of yogurt Home Dairy Butter and Margarine Cheese Eggs Eggs Hard Boiled Eggs Egg Nog Milk & Cream Buttermilk Dairy (Coffee) Cream Coffee Mate Cream Egg Nog Ensure Evaporated Milk Ice Cream Infant Formula Milk Or maybe you just found a half-full yogurt in the back of your fridge. Store the yogurt in a sealed container: As most yogurt contains milk, it can go off very quickly.Make sure that you store it in an airtight container. If you are transferring leftover yogurt to a separate container, make sure you write the date that you opened the yogurt on the container. Discover the Health Benefits, Delicious Recipes You Can Make with Plain Yogurt. The Department of Agriculture recommends storing yogurt for up to two weeks in the refrigeratorbut is it still OK to eat yogurt beyond its expiration date? Read on to find out, and learn how to determine if yogurt has gone bad. You should re-culture within seven days for the best results. What happens if you dont Refrigerate yogurt? Another option is to freeze the yogurt if you are not concerned about the texture. The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep yogurt refrigerated and tightly covered at all times. So let's not waste any more time - let's find out how long unopened yogurt lasts! Avoid swallowing it and throw out the entire container. Alex Loh isEatingWell's associate food editor. This fluid is whey, which you should not be concerned aboutsimply stir it back into the yogurt. Soft cheeses such as cottage cheese, ricotta or Brie can be refrigerated one week but they don't freeze well. However, this is not a perfect system, especially when your yogurt has fruit chunks to change the texture. On the other hand, unopened yogurt can last for two to three weeks in the refrigerator, while it can last up to two months in the freezer. If you use yogurt on a daily basis, buying a few packs while on sale is a smart way to delay your trip to the grocery store. Greek Yogurt As A Substitute For Common Ingredients. And that's not good. In her spare time, you can find her looking for hidden food gems and spending time outdoors hiking local trails. Read on to discover how to safely store yogurt both before and after you open it and the signs that indicate your yogurt might have gone bad. Toss it if you smell or see any signs that the yogurt has gone off. Remember that yogurt is a delicate food whose quality and freshness can easily be spoiled by even the mildest temperature changes. Keep in mind that 'room temperature' in the standard American home is between 68 and 72 degrees fahrenheit. And if there are signs of spoilage? Unfortunately, yogurt is a perfect breeding ground for dangerous bacteria, and its easy to get sick from eating your sweet snack once its been sitting there too long. How Long Is Yogurt Good for After the Expiration Date? Soft cheeses . If you have yogurt sitting in the fridge close to the end of its shelf life and you don't feel like eating yet another bowl of yogurt, there are other ways to incorporate this nutritious food into your meals and snacks. Yogurt can still be consumed for 5-7 days after opening, and 1-2 weeks after its sell-by date. If yogurt is mishandled somewhere along its way from the producer or maybe at home. Likewise, a fever over 102F, measured in your mouth is also a sign that you need a doctor. Granted, our office is usually below . Refrigerating yogurt is necessary, even though you can leave it out for an hour or two. But mornings are busy, and I've never been that hungry before noon, so it usually takes me at least an hour and sometimes two to get through the whole cup of yogurt. Yogurt is perishable and needs to be chilled at 40F or below at all times. You can leave self-made yogurt out for about two hours before it needs refrigeration. Yes - to further extend the shelf life of yogurt, freeze it in a covered airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. So how long does yogurt (yoghurt) last past its sell by date? Exposing yogurt to room temperatures or warmer increases the risk of bacterial contamination, which can cause food poisoning. When your yogurt develops bacteria, the sick feeling doesnt always go away so quickly. Basically, the date stamped on your yogurt just lets you know when the yogurt company thinks the product will be at its peak flavor. Ask Dr. Hallettsvilles Cabos San Lucas May Be the Source of the Lavaca County Shigella Outbreak, Cricket Creek Farm Cheese Listeria Outbreak, Papa Murphys Cookie Dough Salmonella Outbreak. Sure, some Hi there! Thats because its a perishable fermented food product that requires constant refrigeration to stay fresh, since its made with dairy products which can go bad quickly without refrigeration. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'homezesty_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_17',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homezesty_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); I recommend a Sueteck Automatic Digital Yoghurt Maker from Amazon. Besides, old dairy will almost certainly upset your stomach. The 3 Best Ways to Tell if That Bottle of Wine You Opened Has Gone Bad, 9 Things in Your Pantry You Should Throw Away, 8 Foods That Last Way Longer Than the Expiration Date, Red Lentil Fritters with Ginger-Yogurt Sauce. Yogurt is perishable and needs to be chilled at 40F or below at all times. Always throw it away after two hours. Which, of course, raises some major questions, like: Is it okay to eat yogurt past the expiration date? Use clean spoons: The milk in yogurt is a natural product and it reacts with any kind of bacteria . You can use it to make tasty sweet treats like our Granola & Yogurt Breakfast Popsicles or Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark. Yogurt that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; yogurt that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately. Perhaps you forgot leaving it out overnight on the counter or using a dirty spoon, yogurt can go bad even before its recommended date. There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired! To keep yogurt safe to consume as long as possible, store it in an airtight container and make sure the lid is properly sealed. If your container of yogurt has any signs of spoilage, like a rancid smell or curdled texture, it's best to toss it out. Is Yogurt Healthy? Toss the old yogurt and make a fresh batch instead. How Long Does Raw Milk Yogurt Last? From there, defrost and spoon away. Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency than other yogurts. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'homezesty_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homezesty_com-medrectangle-3-0'); How long does yogurt last unrefrigerated? Typically opened refrigerated yogurt lasts five to seven days. A little tip for your groceries shopping, pick up yogurt, and other perishable items just before you walk to the cashier. If your yogurt has fruit on the bottom, it's a totally different story. However, it will be at its best quality for up to 7 days after opening provided that it has been stored properly in the refrigerator and is kept in an air-tight container. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. If you want to take yogurt with you during your commute to work or elsewhere, keep it in an insulated pack with ice so it stays fresh until you get to eat it. If your yogurt has gone bad, check our substitution page. Those, for sure avoid. Theres a simple rule to follow when it comes to unrefrigerated yogurt and it happens to be the same amount of time that applies to milk, too. Particularly with storebought yogurts, if its got any signs of tampering, toss that treat. The beneficial active cultures it contains promote a healthy intestinal environment when eaten. If you notice any of these signs, then its time to toss it out: If you spot one or more of these signs, dont eat the yogurt. Find out if its still safe to eat yogurt after the expiration date. If you feel ill and experience symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, chills and headache, you should seek medical help. The table below will answer this question for you. In determining how long Yogurt lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. How long does yogurt last? Sealed, unopened yogurt is a different story. Never consume mold in any shape or form! Novella combines her interest in providing evidence-based nutrition and health education with food and culture through creating consumer-focused content for brands and publications. Food poisoning is a different story. Anecdotally, I don't think I've ever gotten sick from leaving a yogurt out an extra hour. Once opened, its best to consume it within a few days or a maximum of a week. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}The 7 Best Foods to Eat For Glowing Skin, Make This Tasty Salmon Burger Recipe For Lunch, Costco Roast Chicken Fans Are Worried It's Changed, A WH Editor's Review Of LightLife Smart Dogs, People Love McDonald's 'The Little Mermaid' Toys, 11 Vegetarian Twists On Summer Barbecue Classics, Here's Everything Jennifer Garner Eats In A Day. It is important to note that refrigerators should be kept at 40 degrees F or below. Luckily, Ive been making yogurt for years, and I know exactly how long it can be left unrefrigerated safely. Oh, and the date on your yogurt isnt ~technically~ an expiration date. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Well, dont stress about wasting food the next time you rediscover that long-lost (and now-expired) tub. If you purchased or made a large batch of store-bought yogurt that cant be finished in one sitting, the best way to retain freshness is to scoop out what you can consume and keep the rest of it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. While yogurt should be eaten within the USDA's suggested time frame of one to two weeks, spoilage can occur in a matter of days if open containers of yogurt are not properly handled. However, in general, unopened frozen yogurt can last for up to 6 months in the freezer. The final way to check if yogurt has gone bad is by doing a visual assessment. When the yogurt has been opened, it can be safely consumed for one week when kept in the fridge. However, you may notice a different look and texture once thawed. Look out for the following signs: It is normal for some water to collect on the surface of yogurt, but if there is an unusual amount of liquid sitting on top, it can be a sign of spoilage. If you live somewhere warm, and the air conditioner is out, you have less time than you think. Dairy: Can Whole Milk-Based Dairy Foods Be Part of Healthy Eating Patterns? The digital controls are simple, and the LCD shows you everything you need o know to make outstanding yogurt. The bottom line: You can typically eat yogurt beyond its "best by" date, but be wary of any changes in smell or flavor and note that fruit-at-the-bottom yogurts have a shorter life span. If you intend to eat yogurt after 2 weeks, you may also freeze them. Homezesty.com is owned and operated by Aron Media Inc., a corporation based in Qubec, Canada. How you store your greek yogurt and the temperature in your refrigerator will affect how long it will last. You can eat yogurt past its "expiration" date or, at least, the sell-by date that's listed on the yogurt's packaging. When yogurt is kept tightly covered and in the fridge, it can last one to two weeks after the sell by date on the package. Another, more surefire sign that your yogurt has spoiled is discoloration or moldy spots. Those periods are, of course, rough estimates. Nutritious, delicious and versatile, yogurt is a staple in many people's kitchens. Yes, it does, but not as quickly as you might think. How to tell if yogurt is bad? Turns out, ha, not so much. If the texture of previously frozen yogurt bothers you but you want to avoid food waste, consider adding it as the base of your favorite smoothie or smoothie bowls. You can easily whip up a tasty treat, but being sick from old food takes a lot longer, and its less satisfying. When yogurt is kept tightly covered and in the fridge, it can last one to two weeks after the "sell by" date on the package. If the look and smell of your yogurt dont stop you from eating it, but it doesnt taste right, throw it out. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Yogurt. You may feel queasy or have digestive upset. Yogurt can easily pick up other flavors due to its consistency if it does not have a tight lid. Still, people often ask whether they can eat yogurt that sat in the car overnight. How long does yogurt last in the fridge? Although the Yogurt shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Unopened yogurt typically lasts seven to fourteen days when properly stored. That depends. The average shelf life of pre-made yogurt is not the sell-by date. If you plan to eat only part of a carton of yogurt, spoon out what you intend to eat into a separate dish and return the carton to the refrigerator. Welcome to our site on home tips and tricks. No forks or spoons required, justeasy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time. To learn more, contact our food safety lawyer to explore your legal options. The final signal that your yogurt has indeed gone bad is the formation of mold and at that point you must throw the entire container away, no matter what. Alternately, when you have severe symptoms like blood in your stool, signs of dehydration, ongoing vomiting, or diarrhea for more than three days, seek medical assistance. So, better safe than sorry. How Dairy Farmers Are Reducing Methane And Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Dairy Foods For Infant Brain Development & Cognition, Innovation Center for U.S. "Even if there's no mold that you can see or smell, you should consume Greek yogurt within 1 to 2 weeks of opening it," she says. The preservatives used by large-scale factories are notably absent in home yogurts, hence the different shelf life. You can freeze yogurt for up to two months from when you bought it (it will technically still be safe after that but the flavors might suffer). How long can yogurt be left at room temperature? If this is the case, the best thing to do would be to seek medical attention right away. You got it right! Notably, the two-hour rule doesnt always apply. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website.