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Dairy & Eggs

How long does yogurt last?

Q: How long does yogurt last?

Yogurt lasts approximately 2 weeks in the fridge. Up to 2 weeks past printed date if unopened

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

Watch for: Excess liquid is normal — pour off or stir; Sour BEYOND normal yogurt sour; Mold (any color); Off color.

Fermented dairy product.

Quick answer

Fridge (40°F / 4°C)

2 weeks

Up to 2 weeks past printed date if unopened

Freezer (0°F / -18°C)

2 months

Texture separates — better for smoothies

After opening

1 week

After opening

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Yogurt 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)	2 weeks	Up to 2 weeks past printed date if unopened
After opening	1 week	After opening
Freezer (0°F / -18°C)	2 months	Texture separates — better for smoothies

Can you freeze yogurt?

Yes — yogurt freezes well for up to 2 months at 0°F (-18°C). Texture separates — better for smoothies

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 yogurt is past the printed date?

"Best by," "sell by," and "use by" dates are quality indicators, not safety deadlines. Yogurt is often still safe past the printed date if stored properly and showing none of the spoilage signs above. Use your senses — sight, smell, texture — and the storage times listed in this guide.

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 yogurt has any sour, ammonia-like, sulfur, or "off" smell beyond its normal aroma, discard it. Visible mold or texture changes confirm the warning.

Is yogurt 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 2 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 yogurt 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 yogurt last in the fridge?

2 weeks at 40°F (4°C). Up to 2 weeks past printed date if unopened

How long does yogurt last after opening?

1 week after opening. After opening

How can I tell if yogurt has gone bad?

Look for: Excess liquid is normal — pour off or stir; Sour BEYOND normal yogurt sour; Mold (any color); Off color.

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

"Best by" is a quality date, not a safety date. As long as yogurt has been stored properly and shows no spoilage signs, it's usually safe to eat — but quality may have declined. Use your senses to judge.

Related shelf-life guides

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How long does sour cream last?

Signs yogurt has gone bad

•Excess liquid is normal — pour off or stir
•Sour BEYOND normal yogurt sour
•Mold (any color)
•Off color

Storage tips

✓Whey separation is normal — stir back in
✓Closed yogurt lasts 1–2 weeks past date
✓Don't double-dip

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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.