You can often eat yogurt a few days past its expiration or “best by” date if it has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage, such as mold, a bad smell, or an off taste[1][2][3][4]. The dates on yogurt containers are typically about quality rather than safety, so expired yogurt that still looks, smells, and tastes normal is usually safe to eat, especially if unopened and kept cold in the refrigerator.
If the yogurt is opened, it generally lasts about a week past the printed date when refrigerated[2][5][6]. Yogurt with added fruit or flavors is more prone to spoilage, so extra caution is needed—visible mold or changes in odor and texture are clear signs to throw it out[1][5]. Never eat yogurt that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as harmful bacteria can grow rapidly[2].
For safety, always use your senses: check appearance, smell, and if still unsure, taste a small amount. If anything seems off, discard the yogurt[3][4]. When in doubt, it’s better to be cautious and throw it out.
References
- [1] Women’s Health – Can You Eat Expired Yogurt?
- [2] U.S. Dairy – How Long Can Yogurt Sit Out?
- [3] Well+Good – Is It Safe To Eat That Expired Yogurt?
- [4] Too Good To Go Blog – Enjoy your yogurt past its Best If Used By date
- [5] Houston Methodist – How Long Is Yogurt Good After Its Expiration Date?
- [6] USDA – How long can you keep dairy products like yogurt, milk and cheese in the refrigerator?
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