How Long Does Yogurt Last?
Yogurt lasts 1–2 weeks in the fridge, and an opened tub is best used within about 1 week. It can be frozen for 1–2 months, though it thaws thinner and grainy.
Yogurt — unopened
shelf life- Opened: 1 week in the fridge
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below · freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; frozen food stays safe longer.
Yogurt is milk fermented with live bacterial cultures that turn lactose into lactic acid. That acidity is a natural preservative, so yogurt outlasts the milk it was made from. It still spoils eventually, mostly from yeasts and molds that arrive after the foil is peeled back, and fruit-on-the-bottom styles go first.
How to store yogurt
- Spoon yogurt out of large tubs into a bowl instead of eating from the container, because saliva on the spoon introduces bacteria that spoil the rest.
- Press the foil or lid back on tightly and store tubs on an inner shelf rather than in the door.
- Stir the clear liquid on top back in rather than pouring it off; it is whey, and it carries protein and keeps the yogurt creamy.
- Freeze yogurt in ice cube trays or small portions for smoothies and baking, since thawed yogurt is too grainy to enjoy plain.
How to tell if yogurt has gone bad
- Mold of any color on the surface or under the rim of the lid; do not scoop it off and eat the rest.
- A yeasty, beer-like or strongly sour smell, or a fizzy, prickly feel on the tongue.
- A bulging lid or foil seal on an unopened cup, which points to gas from yeast growth.
- A curdled, lumpy texture with a large pool of liquid that will not stir back in.
Bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the look, smell or taste of food. Go by the time limits first, and the signs above second.
Yogurt shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unopened | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 months | Not safe |
| Opened | 1 week | 1–2 months | Not safe |
| A conservative figure for large tubs; every spoonful that goes in adds yeast and mold spores. | |||
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers or it serves no purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Is yogurt still good after the expiration date?
Usually for a short while, if it is unopened and has stayed cold. USDA's FoodKeeper gives yogurt 1–2 weeks in the fridge, and the printed date is mostly about peak quality. Check for a bulging lid, mold or a yeasty smell, and do not push it with yogurt that has already been opened.
Why is there liquid on top of my yogurt?
The liquid is whey, a natural part of milk that separates out as yogurt sits, and it is completely normal. Stir it back in or pour it off if you like thicker yogurt. It only signals spoilage when it comes with curdled lumps, mold or an off smell.
Can you freeze yogurt?
Yes, for 1–2 months at best quality. Freezing does not make yogurt unsafe, and many of the live cultures survive, but thawed yogurt separates and turns grainy. Use it in smoothies, marinades, pancakes and baking. Yogurt tubes frozen for lunchboxes thaw by midday and are fine to eat.
How long can yogurt sit out of the fridge?
Yogurt can sit out for up to 2 hours, or 1 hour when it is above 90°F (32°C). Its acidity slows some bacteria but does not make it shelf-stable. For packed lunches, use an insulated bag with an ice pack, or freeze the cup the night before.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek Yogurt Opened |
1 week | 1–2 months | Not safe |
| Kefir Opened |
1–2 weeks | 1–2 months | Not safe |
| Sour Cream Opened |
1–3 weeks | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Buttermilk Opened |
1–2 weeks | 3 months | Not safe |
| Cottage Cheese Opened |
1 week | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Smoothies Homemade |
1–2 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
Reviewed 2026-09-20. Times follow published USDA FoodKeeper / FSIS, FDA and CDC storage guidance; where sources differ we use the shorter time. How we compile this data.