Eggnog is a popular holiday drink made with eggs, cream, milk, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and vanilla. With its rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor, eggnog is a beloved tradition during the winter months. However, with raw eggs as one of the main ingredients, it’s understandable if you’re wondering whether it’s safe to consume eggnog past the printed expiration date.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about the safety of drinking expired eggnog:
- It’s generally not recommended to drink eggnog past its printed expiration date due to food safety concerns.
- Drinking spoiled eggnog can cause foodborne illness, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- How long eggnog lasts depends on factors like the sell-by date, storage conditions, and ingredients.
- Properly stored, unopened eggnog lasts 5-7 days past its sell-by date, or about 2 weeks total.
- Once opened, eggnog should be consumed within 3-5 days.
- Discard eggnog immediately if it smells or tastes off, even if not expired.
- Homemade eggnog without raw eggs may last a bit longer, 2-3 weeks.
- Alcohol helps preserve eggnog, increasing shelf life slightly.
- Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria, allowing store-bought eggnog to last longer.
Explaining Eggnog Expiration Dates
To determine if eggnog is still good after the expiration date, it helps to understand what those dates actually mean.
There are a few types of expiration labels you may see on eggnog cartons:
- Sell-by date – This tells the store how long the product will remain at peak quality. Eggnog is usually good for 5-7 days past this date if kept refrigerated.
- Best-by date – Recommended date for best flavor or quality. Eggnog is still safe to drink for some time after this date.
- Use-by date – Last date recommended to drink the eggnog for best quality and safety.
The sell-by date is usually 1-3 weeks from the date the eggnog was manufactured. Knowing when you purchased the eggnog and comparing it to the label date can help determine freshness.
Does Eggnog Go Bad?
Yes, eggnog does eventually go bad and can become unsafe to drink. Signs that eggnog has spoiled include:
- Sour smell
- Lumpy, curdled texture
- Mold growth
- Off-colors like yellowing
Bacteria are responsible for most eggnog spoilage issues. Raw eggs used in homemade or artisanal eggnog can contain Salmonella leading to increased food safety risks. Once container seals are broken, air and microbes interact with the eggnog, speeding spoilage.
How Long Does Eggnog Last Refrigerated?
Properly stored, sealed eggnog typically lasts:
- Unopened: 5-7 days past sell-by date or about 2 weeks total
- Opened: 3-5 days
The shelf life depends on storage temperatures and ingredients. Keep eggnog refrigerated at 40°F or below, as warmth promotes faster bacteria growth. If eggnog separates, shaking vigorously should recombine it.
Does Alcohol Help Eggnog Last Longer?
Alcohol like rum or brandy is often added to eggnog, which increases the shelf life slightly. Alcohol content up to 20% can inhibit microbial growth. However, eggnog with alcohol should still be consumed within 5-7 days of opening.
Note that eggnog is only shelf-stable before opening. Once exposed to air, refrigeration is still needed to slow spoilage.
Does Pasteurization Make Store-Bought Eggnog Last Longer?
Pasteurization kills potentially harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria in dairy products. This eliminates some food safety risks and increases the shelf life of eggnog bought from the grocery store.
According to food safety recommendations, pasteurized eggnog can last:
- Unopened: 4-6 weeks from the sell-by date in the refrigerator.
- Opened: 7-10 days.
Always check for signs of spoilage before drinking, even if not expired.
How Long Does Homemade Eggnog Last?
Since homemade eggnog isn’t pasteurized, it has a shorter shelf life of just 2-3 weeks. Without raw eggs, shelf life may extend up to 4 weeks if kept chilled at 40°F or below. Discard any homemade eggnog that smells or tastes off.
Can You Freeze Eggnog?
Yes, you can safely freeze eggnog to extend the shelf life. Freeze in airtight containers, leaving headspace to prevent the carton from splitting. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Properly frozen eggnog should keep for 2-3 months. The texture may be slightly thinner after thawing but still safe to consume if it has not separated or smell sour.
Can Eggnog Be Frozen After Opening?
You can freeze leftover eggnog for up to 1-2 months after opening if it’s been continuously refrigerated and hasn’t spoiled. Freeze in covered airtight containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Thaw in the refrigerator before drinking.
Can Expired Eggnog Make You Sick?
Consuming eggnog past its prime can potentially make you sick. Symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
- Headache and fever
These symptoms are usually temporary but can be more serious for those with compromised immune systems like pregnant women, young children, and the elderly.
Salmonella is one concerning bacteria that can lead to food poisoning from spoiled dairy products. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 1-2 days.
How to Tell if Eggnog Has Gone Bad
Here are some simple ways to determine if your eggnog has spoiled and is unsafe to drink:
- Check the dates – If eggnog is past the sell-by, best-by, or use-by date, it may be expired.
- Inspect consistency – Curdling, lumps, separation, or thin watery texture are red flags.
- Give it a sniff – Rancid or sour smells mean spoilage bacteria are present.
- Eyeball the color – Graying, yellowing, or brightening colors signals eggnog has turned.
- Take a sip – Off or strange flavors like bitterness or sourness screams discard.
When in doubt, remember the old adage – when expired, out it goes! Don’t take risks with foodborne illness.
Can You Drink Curdled Eggnog?
It’s not recommended to drink eggnog that has curdled or separated. Curdling is a sign of spoilage, meaning harmful bacteria may be present. The texture will also be quite unpleasant.
Some separation of ingredients is natural in eggnog over time. But full curdling or whey separation means it’s time to throw out the carton.
Should You Finish Eggnog Once Opened?
Its best to finish eggnog within 3-5 days of opening the carton. Like milk, eggnog will only last about a week in the fridge once exposed to air. Don’t let it linger too long after opening.
Transfer any uneaten portion to a sealable container or bottle to help eggnog last. This limits air exposure to help slow spoilage.
Can You Make Eggnog Last Longer?
Here are some tips to help your eggnog stay fresh longer:
- Refrigerate immediately at 40°F or below after purchase and after each use.
- Keep eggnog in the back of the fridge where its coldest.
- Seal the container tightly between pours.
- Don’t return unused eggnog to the original carton.
- Avoid introducing bacteria by using clean utensils and glasses.
- Add alcohol like brandy to help preserve.
- Freeze extra eggnog in airtight containers to prolong shelf life.
The Final Word on Expired Eggnog
Christmas eggnog is a delicious treat, but it should be enjoyed with some caution. While it likely won’t make you sick immediately after the expiration date, it’s generally best to toss eggnog once it’s reached its usable lifespan.
Drink refrigerated eggnog within 5-7 days of the sell-by date for optimal safety and quality. Be on the lookout for signs of spoilage like lumps, smells, and off flavors which signal its time to discard. With some care in handling and storage, you can safely enjoy this festive beverage before it turns.
