In this brief guide, we will address the query, “Can you eat yogurt after the expiration date?”. We will discuss the signs of spoilage of yogurt. Moreover, we will also discuss the shelf life of different kinds of yogurt.
Can you eat yogurt after the expiration date?
Yes, yogurt is edible after passing the expiration date. Good bacteria are present in yogurt that help to keep us healthy. You can use it even after passing the “Expiration date” labeled on its package.
You can use it from one to three weeks even after passing the expiration date. Each type of yogurt has a different shelf life than another type.
Some types can have a long shelf life and you can use them after the expiration date, while some have a short shelf life and you can’t use them after the expiration date.
What are the types of yogurt and their shelf life?
If you know the type of yogurt, then you can easily identify whether it is safe to eat it or not even after passing the expiration date. If you properly store yogurt, then it can last for a long time.
If you want to increase its shelf life, then it is better to keep it in a sealed container. In this way, it can have a longer shelf life than the opened container yogurt.
You can know the shelf life of yogurt by the chemical, physical and microbiological structure of yogurt. If any change occurs in its chemical, physical and microbiological structure, then it also changes the color, smell, and texture of yogurt. Due to which yogurt goes bad.
Frozen yogurt
Frozen yogurt can have a shelf life of up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Drinkable yogurt
- Drinkable yogurt can have a shelf life of up to 1 to 2 months if it is kept in the freezer.
- If you keep it in the fridge, then it can last for 10 days.
Greek yogurt
- Greek yogurt can last for up to 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
- In the fridge, it will go for upto 2 weeks without getting spoiled.
Low-fat yogurt
- It also has some shelf life in the freezer just like the Greek yogurt which is upto 2 months.
- It can last for 1 to 2 weeks if it is kept in the fridge.
Yogurt containing fruit
- Yogurt-containing fruit can last for up to 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
- If you keep it in the fridge, then it can last for 1 week to 10 days.
Regular yogurt
- If you keep regular yogurt in the freezer, then it can last for up to 1 to 2 months.
- If you keep it in the fridge, then it can last for 2 to 3 weeks.
Opened yogurt
- Opened yogurt can last up to one week in the fridge.
- If the package is tightly sealed and kept in the freezer, then it can last for one month.
You can use some food items even after passing the expiration date.
How would you know if yogurt has gone bad?
Rancid smell
You can know whether yogurt has gone bad or not by checking its smell. If you notice any rancid or sour smell, then it’s time to get rid of it.
If there is a light tangy scent in plain yogurt, then throw it out. If you are confused about whether yogurt has gone bad or not, then it will be better to discard it.
Curdled texture
You can know about the spoilage of yogurt by checking the texture of yogurt. Yogurt contains a smooth texture. If you notice any curdled texture of yogurt, then immediately discard it. Because yogurt has gone bad. A curdled texture means yogurt has some curds.
Excess amount of liquid
Sometimes, yogurt contains liquid. Sometimes, it is considered water. But actually, it is whey. You don’t need to worry if whey is present in the container of yogurt. But if it contains an excess amount of liquid, then it will be better to avoid consuming it. Because yogurt has gone bad.
Appearance
You can check whether yogurt has gone bad or not by checking its appearance. If you notice the presence of mold on the surface of yogurt, then know that it is time to immediately discard. Because yogurt has gone spoiled. As harmful bacteria can grow due to the mold. By eating that yogurt, you can become ill.
Other FAQs about Yogurt that you may be interested in.
Can you eat low-fat yogurt when pregnant?
Can I eat greek yogurt after the expiration date?
Can you freeze Activia yogurt?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query,” Can you eat yogurt after the expiration date?”. We have discussed the signs of spoilage of yogurt. Moreover, we have also discussed the shelf life of different kinds of yogurt.
References
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030207717599
https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7967354/how-long-is-yogurt-good-for-after-the-expiration-date/
