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Dairy & Eggs

How long does milk last?

Q: How long does milk last?

Milk lasts approximately 1 week in the fridge. Coldest part of fridge (back, not door); about 5 days past printed date

Q: How can I tell if milk has gone bad?

Watch for: Sour smell; Lumps or chunks; Yellow tinge (in white milk); Bitter taste.

Cow's milk; whole, 2%, skim varieties.

Quick answer

Fridge (40°F / 4°C)

1 week

Coldest part of fridge (back, not door); about 5 days past printed date

Freezer (0°F / -18°C)

3 months

Freezing safe but texture changes; thaw in fridge

After opening

1 week

5–7 days from opening regardless of printed date

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Milk shelf life chart

All times are best-quality guidelines based on USDA FoodKeeper and FDA storage data. Actual shelf life depends on temperature stability, packaging, and how the food was handled.

Storage	Time	Notes
Refrigerator (40°F / 4°C)	1 week	Coldest part of fridge (back, not door); about 5 days past printed date
After opening	1 week	5–7 days from opening regardless of printed date
Freezer (0°F / -18°C)	3 months	Freezing safe but texture changes; thaw in fridge

Can you freeze milk?

Yes — milk freezes well for up to 3 months at 0°F (-18°C). Freezing safe but texture changes; thaw in fridge

Tips for freezing:

Use airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags — squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label and date everything. Frozen food all looks the same after a few weeks.
Freeze in portion sizes you'll actually use — refreezing thawed food is generally not recommended.
Thaw in the fridge overnight, never on the counter — bacterial growth restarts above 40°F.

What to do if…

What if my milk is past the printed date?

Milk is usually good 4–7 days past the 'sell by' date if continuously refrigerated. Smell test is most reliable.

What if it smells weird but looks fine?

Trust your nose. Smell is one of the most reliable indicators of spoilage — your nose evolved specifically to detect dangerous food. If milk has any sour, ammonia-like, sulfur, or "off" smell beyond its normal aroma, discard it. Visible mold or texture changes confirm the warning.

Is milk still safe after the recommended freezer time?

Frozen foods stay technically safe indefinitely at 0°F (-18°F) — bacteria can't multiply at freezing temperatures. The recommended 3 months is for **best quality**: after that, you'll notice freezer burn, texture changes, and flavor loss, but the food is still safe to eat if continuously frozen.

Can expired milk make you sick?

Yes — but the printed date isn't the trigger. Foodborne illness comes from bacterial growth (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Staphylococcus) or fungal toxins, which depend on storage temperature and time, not the calendar date on the package.

Symptoms of food poisoning typically appear within 6–48 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Severe cases — especially in young children, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised people — warrant medical attention. The safest practice: when in doubt, throw it out.

Frequently asked questions

How long does milk last in the fridge?

1 week at 40°F (4°C). Coldest part of fridge (back, not door); about 5 days past printed date

How long does milk last after opening?

1 week after opening. 5–7 days from opening regardless of printed date

How can I tell if milk has gone bad?

Look for: Sour smell; Lumps or chunks; Yellow tinge (in white milk); Bitter taste.

Can I eat milk past the "best by" date?

Milk is usually good 4–7 days past the 'sell by' date if continuously refrigerated. Smell test is most reliable.

Related shelf-life guides

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How long does heavy cream last?

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How long does sour cream last?

Past the expiration date?

Milk is usually good 4–7 days past the 'sell by' date if continuously refrigerated. Smell test is most reliable.

Signs milk has gone bad

•Sour smell
•Lumps or chunks
•Yellow tinge (in white milk)
•Bitter taste

Storage tips

✓Store in the back of the fridge, not the door
✓Don't return poured milk to the carton
✓Freeze in jugs leaving expansion space

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More dairy & eggs

Sources & review

Compiled by the BestByDates editorial team. Last reviewed: January 2025. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Disclaimer: Times shown are USDA/FDA-recommended best quality periods, not absolute safety guarantees. Storage conditions, packaging, and food handling all affect actual shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.