How can I tell if yogurt has gone bad?

Trust your senses: a sour or off smell, slimy or separated texture, or any visible mould means it has spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out.

Most dairy freezes well for quality purposes, though texture may change slightly after thawing. Check the freezer column in the table above for the recommended time.

How Long Does Yogurt Last? Storage Times & Signs of Spoilage

How Long Does Yogurt Last?

With proper storage, the typical fridge shelf life of yogurt is 14 days; at room temperature about 7 hours, and 60 days in the freezer. These are general estimates — always check the product label and trust your senses.

Yogurt in the Fridge

Dairy keeps longest in the coldest part of the fridge (the back of a middle or lower shelf), never in the door. Sealed yogurt often stays good 1–3 weeks past sell-by. Once opened, consume within a week.

Storing Yogurt at Room Temperature

At room temperature, yogurt typically keeps for about 7 hours. Warmer rooms and humidity shorten this time considerably.

Can You Freeze Yogurt?

Yogurt keeps for about 60 days in the freezer when properly sealed. Freeze in airtight containers or bags, leaving room for expansion, and thaw in the fridge.

Signs of Spoilage

Signs that dairy has spoiled include a sour smell, curdled or separated texture, and mould on the surface.

Storage Tips

Dairy keeps longest in the coldest part of the fridge (the back of a middle or lower shelf), never in the door.