There is no denying the fact that people of all age groups enjoy eating yogurt. Indeed, it is one of the staple food items for many people around the world.
Yogurt is essentially a food created by the fermentation of milk with the help of beneficial bacteria.
There are several benefits of consuming yogurt regularly that ranges from healthy bone growth to weight management, among many others.
Further, a study has revealed that kids, who consumed yogurt and other dairy products, had overall enhanced health than those kids who did not eat it. Then, does yogurt go bad?
The answer to this question is yes. Consuming bad yogurt can result in many health complications such as intestinal problems, food poisoning, and diarrhea, among others.
If you want to explore more on this concerned topic, then you should continue reading this write-up.
It aims to answer some of the central questions related to yogurt, which can help you to identify if it has gone bad. Further, it will help you to store your yogurt properly.
Does Yogurt Go Bad? How Long Does Yogurt Last Once Opened?
Shelf life refers to the period for storing a commodity before it begins to deteriorate or become unfit for consumption, use, or sale.
The factors that influence the shelf life include the quality of raw materials, storage conditions, and manufacturing processes, among others.
Determining the precise shelf life of yogurt is quite difficult as the expiration dates will differ greatly depending on the kinds of yogurt.
The following are some essential factors that you should consider when answering the question of how long does yogurt last:
- The kinds of yogurt (for example, Greek yogurt, drinkable yogurt, and reduced-fat yogurt).
- Whether the yogurt contains preservatives.
- Storage conditions before you buy it.
The best period for consuming any kind of yogurt is the first week of shelf life. After this period, the reduction in quality of yogurt occurs.
For opened yogurt, it can last for a month when stored in the freezer. But it can only last for a week if you store it in the refrigerator.
On the other hand, unopened yogurt can last for two to three weeks in the refrigerator, while it can last up to two months in the freezer.
The following table shows an estimate of shelf life for both opened and unopened yogurt:
| Type |
Fridge |
Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Opened yogurt |
1 week |
1 month |
| Unopened yogurt |
2-3 weeks |
1-2 months |
How to Tell If Yogurt Is Bad? Yogurt Shelf Life!
Identifying if your yogurt has gone bad will significantly depend on the kinds of yogurt. Nevertheless, there are some ways by which you can know if it is not suitable for consumption.
You should avoid the yogurt if any of these factors are present. The following are the signs that indicate unusable yogurt:
Unpleasant Odor: One of the most common ways is by using your sense of smell. Opened and unopened yogurt can develop an unpleasant odor after the date of expiration.
If it has developed a weird smell, then you should immediately get rid of it.
Mold: Another sign that indicates unusable yogurt is the formation of mold on the surface of your yogurt. It is worth noting that it is the most common cause of spoilage.
The colour of the growing mold on your yogurt can vary from green to black or white to orange. You should never risk it if this sign is visible on your yogurt.
Surface Liquid: Note that it is normal to have some liquid on the surface of your yogurt.
But if it contains an excessive amount of liquid, then it is a clear sign that your yogurt is not fit for consumption.
It can be due to the growth of harmful microbes on your yogurt; as such, you should avoid it.
Shelf Life: You can determine whether your yogurt is safe to eat by comparing shelf life, which can vary from one type of yogurt to another.
Note that you can consume certain food past the expiration dates. However, once you open the seal, you should not store for later consumption.
Conclusion
To summarize things up, yogurt is a healthy food item when stored properly. Does yogurt go bad? The answer is yes.
However, opened yogurt usually spoils faster than unopened yogurt. Further, you should note that sealed yogurt can last for one week after the expiration dates.
To identify if your yogurt has gone bad, you should ask these questions.
Does it have an unpleasant smell? Is there any growth of mold? Does it contain an excessive amount of liquid?
If any of these questions is visible, then you should discard your yogurt.
Does Yogurt Go Bad? How Long Does Yogurt Last Once Opened?
Ingredients
- Yogurt
- Air-tight containers
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
- If frozen, thaw in the fridge before use. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
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