Can You Eat Yogurt After Its Expiry Date?

Can you Eat Yoghurt After It's Best Before Date

Yogurt is a popular and nutritious snack, but what happens when it’s past its expiry or best before date? Can you still enjoy it, or is it best to toss it out? The good news is that yogurt can often be safely consumed after its expiry date, as long as it’s been stored properly. Here’s how to check if your yogurt is still good to eat and how to make the most of it without risking your health.

Understanding Best Before Date on Yogurt

The expiry date or best before date on yogurt is a guideline for freshness. It’s an indicator of how long the manufacturer believes the yogurt will maintain its optimal taste and texture. However, yogurt can often remain safe to eat for some time after this date, especially if it has been stored correctly.

How to Tell If Yogurt Is Still Safe to Eat

Here are a few ways to check if yogurt is still good:

• Smell Test: Fresh yogurt has a clean, slightly tangy smell. If it smells sour, rancid, or off, it’s time to discard it.
• Visual Inspection: Look for any mold growth on the surface or inside the lid. If you notice any unusual growth or discoloration, throw it out.
• Texture and Consistency: Yogurt naturally separates into liquid and solid components. Stirring it up should return it to a creamy texture. However, if it’s excessively watery, lumpy, or has an abnormal texture, it’s a sign that it’s no longer good.
• Taste Test: If the yogurt passes the smell and visual checks, try a small spoonful. If it tastes sourer than usual, or unpleasant in any way, it's better to discard it.

How Long Can Yogurt Last After Its Best Before Date?

When properly stored in the refrigerator, unopened yogurt can last 1-3 weeks past its expiry date. Once opened, yogurt typically lasts 5-7 days beyond the printed date if it’s kept sealed tightly and stored at a consistent fridge temperature of 4°C (40°F).

Tips for Storing Yogurt

To maximize the shelf life of yogurt and prevent spoilage:

• Keep it Refrigerated: Yogurt should always be stored in the fridge at the correct temperature. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Seal it Tightly: After opening, keep the lid tightly sealed to prevent air and bacteria from getting in.
• Store in the Coldest Part of the Fridge: Place yogurt in the back of the fridge, where temperatures are most consistent, rather than in the door, where temperatures fluctuate.

What to Do with Expired Yogurt

If your yogurt is past its best before date but still appears good, there are plenty of ways to use it up:

1. Smoothies: Blend it into a smoothie with fruit and veggies.
2. Baking: Use yogurt as a substitute for butter or oil in baking recipes.
3. Dips: Make a creamy dip by mixing yogurt with herbs and spices.
4. Face Masks: Yogurt can also be used for skincare! It has moisturizing and exfoliating properties, making it an excellent base for homemade face masks.

When to Toss It

You should discard yogurt if:

• It has a strange, off-putting smell or taste.
• It has mold or significant discoloration.
• It’s been sitting out of the fridge for an extended period.
• The container is severely damaged or bloated, indicating potential bacterial contamination.

Conclusion

Yogurt can still be safe to eat after its expiry date, as long as it shows no signs of spoilage. Always check the smell, texture, and appearance before consuming. By storing yogurt correctly and knowing how to assess its freshness, you can reduce food waste and enjoy a nutritious snack for longer. Just remember to trust your senses—if it looks, smells, or tastes off, it’s time to throw it out!