How Long Does Greek Yogurt Last in the Fridge?
Supermarkets sometimes have big sales on Greek yogurt. You might buy several containers. But then you worry about them expiring. Putting the yogurt in the fridge is the right thing to do. But how long will it actually stay fresh? Keep reading to get all the answers you need.
Shelf Life of Greek Yogurt Under Normal Conditions
Store-bought Greek yogurt lasts longer. Factories use yogurt filling machine to fill and seal containers. This process keeps out air and bacteria. An unopened container from a store can last one to two months. Look for the "best by" date on the package. This date is about quality, not safety. If the seal is not broken, the yogurt should be fine.
Shelf Life: Opened vs. Unopened
Once you open the yogurt, its shelf life gets shorter. Air and bacteria can get inside the container. Always use a clean, dry spoon. Do not put a used spoon back in. Your saliva has bacteria. If you close the lid tightly after each use, opened yogurt can last five to ten days in the fridge. Do not leave the container on the counter. Room temperature makes it spoil faster.
An unopened container is very stable. The seal protects it. Commercial yogurt is safe for one to two months. It might even be okay a few days after the "best by" date if it looks and smells normal. Homemade yogurt is different. Even unopened, it only lasts five to seven days. The live cultures inside slowly change it. You should eat homemade batches quickly.
How Long Does Greek Yogurt Last in the Fridge?
The fridge is the best place for yogurt. Cold temperatures slow down bacteria. Your fridge should be at 40°F (4°C) or colder. Do not store yogurt in the door. The temperature there changes too much. Put it on a shelf in the back. This area is colder and more stable. If you have many containers, use the oldest one first. This practice helps prevent waste.
How to Tell If Greek Yogurt Is Bad?
You can tell if yogurt is bad by using your senses. First, look at it. Good yogurt looks smooth. If you see mold, which can be green, white, or black, throw it away. A little liquid on top is normal. You can stir it in. But a lot of liquid or a curdled look is a bad sign.
Next, smell the yogurt. Fresh yogurt has a mild, tangy scent. A strong, unpleasant, or rotten smell means it has spoiled. Finally, feel the texture. Bad yogurt can be slimy or have strange lumps. If the yogurt seems off in any way, do not eat it. It is better to be safe.
Can You Eat Expired Greek Yogurt?
Opened yogurt is different. Do not eat it if it is past the recommended time. Spoiled yogurt can make you sick. You could get a stomachache or feel nauseous. This is especially dangerous for children or older people. If you are not sure, throw it away. Safety is the most important thing.
What to Do If You Eat Expired Greek Yogurt
If you eat expired Greek yogurt, you should watch for signs of sickness. Not all old yogurt is dangerous. But it can sometimes grow bad bacteria like Listeria or E. coli. You might feel mild effects. These include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. Symptoms often start within a day. Some people need to be more careful. This includes people with weak immune systems, young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. For them, symptoms can be more serious. They might get a fever, feel dizzy, or become dehydrated. Watch yourself closely. These problems can last from one day to several days.
Your next steps depend on how you feel. For mild symptoms, stop eating the yogurt right away. Then, drink plenty of fluids. Water, electrolyte drinks, and clear broth are good choices. This replaces water lost from vomiting or diarrhea. You should also avoid heavy, spicy, or dairy-rich foods. Resting helps your body recover. But some signs mean you need a doctor. Seek help if you have a high fever over 101°F, bloody diarrhea, or can't stop vomiting. You should also get help if you show signs of dehydration or are in a high-risk group. A doctor can give you medicine like antibiotics and treat dehydration.
How to Properly Store Greek Yogurt?
After opening, always seal the container tightly. If the original lid is damaged, use a new airtight container. Only use clean spoons. Do not add toppings like fruit or granola to the whole container. Add them to your bowl instead. Toppings can make the yogurt spoil faster.
Can Frozen Greek Yogurt Be Refrozen After Thawing?
You should not refreeze Greek yogurt. Freezing changes it. Ice crystals form and break the structure. When you thaw it, the yogurt becomes watery and grainy. Refreezing makes this even worse. The texture will be very poor.
Refreezing can also be risky. Bacteria can grow while the yogurt thaws. Freezing again does not kill these germs. It is safer to use thawed yogurt within a day or two. You can put it in a smoothie or use it for baking. This hides the change in texture.
Knowing how long Greek yogurt lasts helps you avoid waste. Unopened store yogurt lasts one to two months. Homemade yogurt lasts five to seven days. Once opened, eat it within five to ten days. Always check for signs of spoilage. Store it correctly, and do not refreeze it. Following these tips will keep your yogurt fresh and safe.