Yes, you can often eat yogurt past its "sell-by" date, provided there are no visible signs of spoilage. Yogurt can typically remain safe to consume for a period after this date if stored properly.
Understanding Yogurt Date Labels
The term "expired" can be misleading when it comes to yogurt and many other foods. Food product dates, like "sell-by," "best if used by," or "use-by," serve different purposes:
- Sell-By Date: This date is primarily for retailers to manage inventory. It indicates how long a store should display the product for sale. It's not an expiration date dictating when the food is no longer safe to eat.
- Best If Used By/Before Date: This suggests when the product will be at its best quality and flavor. It's a recommendation for peak quality, not food safety.
- Use-By Date: This is the only date that truly indicates when a product should be consumed for optimal safety and quality. However, for many dairy products like yogurt, even this can be a guideline, with actual spoilage depending on storage and handling.
For yogurt, the "sell-by" date is the most common one seen, and it's generally safe to consume yogurt past this date if it shows no signs of spoilage.
How to Tell if Yogurt Is Bad
Even if a yogurt is past its "sell-by" date, it can still be perfectly safe to eat. The key is to trust your senses and look for clear indicators of spoilage. If you notice any of the following, it's best to discard the yogurt:
- Off Odor: Fresh yogurt usually has a mild, slightly tart, and pleasant smell. If your yogurt smells distinctly sour, putrid, or like yeast or mold, it has likely gone bad.
- Visible Mold Growth: This is a definitive sign of spoilage. Mold can appear as fuzzy spots of various colors (green, black, pink, blue) on the surface of the yogurt. Unlike hard cheese, mold on yogurt means the entire container should be discarded, as mold can have roots unseen beneath the surface.
- Significant Texture Change: While some liquid separation (whey) is normal in yogurt, especially natural or Greek varieties, excessive liquid or a grainy, lumpy, or unusually thick texture that is not typical for the product are red flags.
- Unusual Taste: If you're unsure after checking smell and appearance, a very small taste can confirm spoilage. If it tastes unusually sour, bitter, or "off," discard it.
Shelf Life After Opening
Once you open a container of yogurt, its shelf life significantly decreases due to exposure to air and potential contaminants. To reduce the risk of mold or yeast growth, it is generally recommended to consume opened yogurt within 7 to 14 days after opening. Always keep it sealed tightly and refrigerated.
Risks of Eating Spoiled Yogurt
Consuming spoiled yogurt, particularly if it contains mold or harmful bacteria, can lead to foodborne illness. Symptoms can range from mild digestive upset like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to more severe conditions, depending on the type and amount of bacteria or mold ingested.
Tips for Extending Yogurt's Freshness
Proper storage is crucial for maximizing yogurt's shelf life:
- Refrigerate Promptly: Always store yogurt in the coldest part of your refrigerator (typically the back of the top or middle shelf) at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Keep Sealed: Ensure the container is tightly sealed after each use to prevent air exposure and contamination.
- Use Clean Utensils: Always use a clean spoon to scoop out yogurt to avoid introducing bacteria from other foods or saliva.
- Don't Freeze (Unless Intended): While you can freeze yogurt, it often alters the texture, making it more watery or grainy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider using it in recipes or smoothies.
Good vs. Bad Yogurt at a Glance
| Feature | Good Yogurt | Bad Yogurt |
|---|---|---|
| Smell | Mildly tart, fresh, pleasant | Sour, putrid, yeasty, moldy |
| Appearance | Smooth, consistent, some natural whey separation | Visible mold (fuzzy spots), unusual discoloration |
| Texture | Creamy, thick, consistent | Excessive liquid, lumpy, grainy, overly thick/gelatinous |
| Taste | Slightly tangy, fresh, as expected | Overly sour, bitter, "off" |
By paying attention to these sensory cues, you can safely determine whether your yogurt is still good to eat, even if its "sell-by" date has passed.
