It is understood that all dairy products will spoil over time. Some will last longer, some shorter, but none will be spared spoilage when time passes.
And yes, spoiled dairy products can cause you significant digestive problems. Especially since most of them are not heat-treated before use, thus all the bacteria that have developed go straight to our stomach.
However, the fact that they are exposed to spoilage does not mean that we have to throw all dairy products in the trash as soon as the expiration date approaches.
More or less, you can use the products safely a few days after the recommended date. Just watch out for a few signs of spoilage that will tell you it’s not healthy to consume content.
How Long Does Yogurt Last?
Although there are many versions of yogurt on the market, from solid to liquid, normal or flavored, Greek, and so on, they all have approximately the same shelf life.
For most of them, the advice we will give you is valid, and be sure to pay attention to the date written on the package, because manufacturers know best in what time period they can guarantee the correctness of their product.
So how long is yogurt good for?
Unopened yogurt
All yogurts will likely be correct within a week after the expiration date. Provided, of course, that they are kept in proper conditions, in a cool place. So if your product expired a few days ago and you don’t see any signs of spoilage, it’s safe to consume.
Opened yogurt
It is best to consume yogurt as soon as possible after opening, but if you are not the biggest fan of this dairy product, you can definitely use leftover yogurt for a few days.
In principle, if the product is fresh, it should last up to a maximum of one week in the refrigerator after opening. It would be ideal to consume it within 3 to 5 days if you can. If the product was already near the end when you opened it, reduce the consumption period to a day or two.
Does Yogurt Expire?
You should not eat spoiled yogurt. At best, you will have mild digestive problems. In somewhat more severe scenarios, you may have actual food poisoning. When it comes to food safety, always watch out for possible signs of spoilage. Even though the yogurt expiration date is still valid, it can be rotten if it isn’t held in good condition.
Sign 1: Mold appeared
Mold occurs more often on open yogurt packs than on those that have not been opened yet. Still, it may be present in each of them. Yogurt is by nature a product full of bacteria, the good ones, of course, so it is certainly fertile ground for mold development.
It is sometimes apparent through green or black spots and is sometimes less noticeable through the darker yellow areas you may notice on your white dairy product.
Sign 2: It has a sour smell
If you sense a strong sour smell when you open the lid of the yogurt, it is a sure sign that it is spoiled. This means that the product has soured and is definitely not drinkable.
Sign 3: Taste is strange
Any change in taste means that some transformations in yogurt have occurred. Rather throw such a product in the trash and replace it with fresh than risk digestive problems. Your yogurt should have the same taste you are used to and enjoy.
Sign 4: Lumps appeared
It is perfectly normal for the yogurt to be separated, and the liquid appeared on top. Then just stir it back and enjoy the meal. However, the product is probably spoiled if the texture is so damaged that solid lumps are formed.
Which is the Best Way to Store Yogurt?
Here are some common tips that can help you maintain the quality of the yogurt and ensure safe consumption.
Tip 1: Always keep in the refrigerator
No matter how fresh it is, whether it’s unopened or you’ve started consuming it, yogurt needs to be refrigerated. Always. Certain products can contain yogurt in themselves without implying storage in the refrigerator, but these are not the classic yogurts we are talking about here.
Tip 2: Close well after use
It is important to close the yogurt well if you plan to eat it later. This will prevent the mold from growing faster and deter it from spoiling.
Tip 3: Use a clean spoon
As we have said, yogurt itself is teeming with bacteria present. If you use an unclean spoon, other food will come in contact, and the product will spoil in record time.
FAQs
Can I eat yogurt that expired two months ago?
Please avoid doing such a thing. Jogurt can be suitable for a week, perhaps two weeks tops after the expiration date. It is not safe to consume dairy products that expired months ago.
How long can you eat yogurt after the expiration date?
It’s still fine to eat yogurt past the expiration date, usually within a week or two, as long as there’s no sign of spoilage such as bad smell or strange taste.
How can you tell if yogurt is spoiled?
If you notice any appearance of mold on the surface, it will mean certain spoilage. In addition, you may smell a strong sour smell, or it will taste bad.
What happens if you eat expired yogurt?
If only a day or two has passed since the expiration date, the product may be suitable for consumption. However, if it is spoiled, you can get severe food poisoning, so don’t take any chances.
How to tell if Greek yogurt is bad?
Look for any sign of mold, bad sour taste and smell or if the texture seems off.
Conclusion
Yogurt is one of the products we eat throughout our lives. Whether you like plain or flavored, yogurt is a very healthy food that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
Always keep the products in the refrigerator and consume them while they are fresh. If you notice any signs of spoilage, be sure to throw everything in the trash and buy new stock.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
