Quick answer
Generally, it is safe to eat unopened yogurt past its expiration date, provided it has been stored properly and there are no signs of spoilage. Yogurt typically has a shelf life of 2-3 weeks from the manufacture date. Unopened yogurt lasts 1-2 weeks past the ‘best by’ date on the package as long as it has been continuously refrigerated. Look for changes in smell, texture, and taste before consuming expired yogurt. Discard yogurt if mold is present.
How long does unopened yogurt last past its expiration date?
The shelf life of yogurt depends on several factors, including:
Type of yogurt
Regular yogurt lasts longer than yogurt with live and active cultures. The cultures in yogurt with live probiotics tend to break down faster.
Fat content
Full fat yogurt tends to last longer than low-fat or fat-free versions. The higher fat content helps prevent spoilage.
Package date
Yogurt is typically good for 2-3 weeks from the packaged on date when properly stored. This is different from the expiration date.
Storage method
Refrigeration is key for preserving yogurt. Consistent temperatures between 35-40°F in the refrigerator extend shelf life.
Package integrity
Once opened, yogurt has a shorter shelf life. Unopened, sealed yogurt lasts longer than yogurt in a container that has been previously opened.
Overall, the typical shelf life of commercially packaged yogurt is:
– Unopened: Lasts 2-3 weeks past the sell by or expiration date.
– After opening: Lasts 1 week past the sell by or expiration date.
So unopened yogurt should be consumed 1-2 weeks past the printed date, provided it has been continuously refrigerated. Some even stay safe for 3-4 weeks if well stored.
How to tell if expired yogurt is safe to eat
Here are tips for evaluating if expired yogurt is still good:
Check for visible mold
Mold is a definite sign yogurt should be discarded. Mold can penetrate deep into foods and is not safe to consume.
Check consistency
Unopened yogurt will remain smooth and uniform. Discard separated or watery yogurt.
Check for sour smell
Fresh yogurt has a mild, creamy aroma. Sour or off smells indicate spoilage.
Examine texture
The texture should be smooth and creamy. If it is gritty or slimy, it has likely spoiled.
Taste a small amount
The flavor of unspoiled yogurt will taste normal. Rancid or bitter yogurt should be thrown out.
Overall, use your senses. Yogurt that looks, smells, and tastes normal is likely still safe to eat if stored properly in the fridge. When in doubt, throw it out.
What causes yogurt to spoil?
Yogurt spoils from exposure to contaminants like air, light, or microbes. Here are common reasons yogurt spoils before the expiration date:
Temperature changes
Yogurt left out at room temperature or frequent temperature changes accelerate spoilage. Refrigeration at 40°F or below is best.
Oxygen exposure
Once yogurt is opened, oxygen can degrade nutrients and allow mold to grow. Properly resealing containers reduces exposure.
Light exposure
Ultraviolet light breaks down yogurt over time. Store yogurt away from direct sunlight.
Bacterial contamination
Yogurt is susceptible to contamination from bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This is why cleanliness during yogurt production is so important.
Damage to packaging
Small tears or openings in yogurt packaging allow microbes and oxygen to enter and spoil the yogurt.
Properly storing yogurt reduces exposure to conditions that cause it to spoil quickly. Refrigeration is the best way to maintain quality after the sell by date.
How long can you safely eat expired yogurt?
Most unopened yogurts can safely be consumed 1 to 2 weeks past the expiration date, as long as it has been stored properly. Here are some guidelines:
| Type of Yogurt | Time Past Expiration Date |
|---|---|
| Unopened yogurt | 2-3 weeks |
| Opened yogurt | 1 week |
| Yogurt with live cultures | 1-2 weeks |
| Low-fat or fat-free yogurt | 1 week |
The exception is if there are signs of spoilage like mold, off-textures, or foul smells. Then it should be discarded immediately, even if unopened.
Always inspect and smell yogurt before consuming to check for signs of spoilage. When unsure, following the old adage “when in doubt, throw it out” is best.
Does spoiled yogurt make you sick?
Eating spoiled yogurt may cause symptoms like:
Food poisoning
Bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli grow as yogurt spoils and can lead to foodborne illness if consumed.
Nausea or vomiting
The toxins from spoiled yogurt can irritate the stomach and cause gastrointestinal distress.
Diarrhea
Pathogens and toxins in bad yogurt commonly cause diarrhea that may be bloody or contain mucus.
Stomach cramps and pain
Abdominal pain often accompanies nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea from eating rotten yogurt.
Headache and fever
Food poisoning can sometimes cause fever, chills, headache, and body aches after consuming contaminated yogurt.
If you experience concerning symptoms after eating expired yogurt, seek medical care. Food poisoning usually resolves on its own but may require IV fluids or medications in severe cases.
How to store yogurt correctly
Proper storage helps yogurt stay fresh longer past the expiration date. Here are some tips:
Check package integrity
Don’t purchase yogurt with damage, tears, or openings in the container. This allows microbes and oxygen to enter.
Seal containers tightly
Close yogurt lids tightly after each use to block oxygen. For cups, use plastic wrap to help prevent air exposure.
Keep yogurt cold
Refrigerate yogurt at 40°F or below. Consistent cold temperatures prevent bacterial overgrowth.
Avoid temperature fluctuations
Prevent yogurt from sitting out at room temperature. Allowing yogurt to warm then re-chilling shortens shelf life.
Use oldest yogurt first
Store yogurt with older expiration dates in front. This reduces the chances of forgetting about yogurt in the back of the fridge.
Keep yogurt away from sun
Sunlight can degrade yogurt over time. Store yogurt towards the back of the refrigerator away from light.
Following proper storage methods and checking for signs of spoilage allows you to safely enjoy yogurt past the sell by date. Discard yogurt at the first hint of an off smell, taste, appearance, or texture.
Can expired yogurt be cooked and eaten?
Cooking expired yogurt makes it safer to consume if it has started to spoil. Heat from cooking destroys harmful pathogens that cause food poisoning.
Here are some safe ways to use expired yogurt in cooking:
Yogurt smoothies
Blending yogurt with frozen fruit into a smoothie makes it safe to consume.
Yogurt sauces
Cooking yogurt into a sauce, dip, or dressing makes it safe to eat. Reheating yogurt destroys potential pathogens.
Yogurt pancakes or waffles
The heat of cooking pancakes or waffles kills any organisms growing in expired yogurt.
Yogurt breads or muffins
Baked goods made with yogurt become safe to eat after cooking fully. The oven temperatures destroy harmful bacteria.
Yogurt parfaits
Layering cooked granola and fruit with yogurt then chilling again makes a safe breakfast parfait.
So while plain expired yogurt may not be ideal, incorporating yogurt past its prime into cooked dishes eliminates risks of food-borne illness.
Can you freeze yogurt to extend its shelf life?
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of yogurt beyond the expiration date. Here’s what you need to know:
Check for signs of spoilage
Only freeze unexpired yogurt that smells and looks normal. Do not freeze if there are signs of mold or an off smell.
Use airtight containers
Prevent freezer burn by using plastic freezer containers or tightly sealed bags. Exclude as much air as possible.
Portion into small containers
Divide yogurt into serving sizes before freezing. This prevents thawing and re-freezing which reduces quality.
Label with date
Mark containers with “freeze by” dates so you know how long it has been frozen.
Freeze below 0°F
Freeze yogurt at 0°F or below. Consistent freezing temperatures prevent bacterial growth.
Use within 2-3 months
For best quality and food safety, eat frozen yogurt within 2-3 months. Discard if freezer burn develops.
Freezing gives yogurt an extended shelf life of 2-3 months past the sell by date. Frozen yogurt is safe indefinitely but may suffer texture and flavor changes over time.
Conclusion
Unopened, expired yogurt can safely be consumed 1-2 weeks past the printed date as long as it has been continuously refrigerated and there are no signs of spoilage. Look for mold, discoloration, and an off smell or texture before eating yogurt past the expiration date. While opened yogurt has a shorter shelf life of just 1 week past its expiration, incorporat