All About Plain yogurt
Your complete guide to plain yogurt - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Plain yogurt Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for plain yogurt in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened in fridge1-2 weeks past 'best by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging lid, strong 'off' or unusually sour smell upon opening, visible mold (rare for unopened, but possible near the seal).
How to Check
First, check the 'best by' or 'use by' date. Visually inspect the container for any signs of a bulging lid. When ready to use, open the container and perform a smell test; it should have a fresh, tangy aroma, not an overly strong sour, yeasty, or rotten smell. Look for any visible mold on the surface.
Storage Tips
The 'best by' date indicates optimal quality, but yogurt can often be safe to consume for a short period beyond this date if stored properly. Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically towards the back, rather than in the door, which experiences more temperature fluctuations.
opened in fridge5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (fuzzy green, pink, or black spots on the surface or sides), a very strong sour, yeasty, or 'off' smell (beyond its normal tang), excessive liquid separation that is cloudy or discolored (beyond normal clear whey), very lumpy, grainy, or slimy texture.
How to Check
Visually inspect the surface and sides of the yogurt for any signs of mold growth or unusual discoloration. Perform a smell test: if it smells strongly sour, like old milk, yeast, or rotten, it's likely spoiled. Check the texture with a clean spoon; if it's excessively lumpy, slimy, or unusually grainy, it's a red flag. Safety warning: If in doubt about any of these signs, it's best to discard the yogurt to avoid potential foodborne illness. Do not taste if spoilage is suspected.
Storage Tips
Always use a clean spoon to scoop out yogurt to prevent introducing bacteria. Reseal the container tightly after each use to minimize air exposure. Store in the main body of the refrigerator, not the door, for more consistent temperature.
frozen1-2 months for best quality, up to 3-4 months for safety
Signs of Spoilage
Spoilage is halted when frozen. Upon thawing, if the yogurt exhibits any of the spoilage signs mentioned for 'opened in fridge' (mold, strong off-smell), it was likely spoiled before freezing or contaminated during the thawing process. The texture will change significantly (more liquidy, grainy, or separated) upon thawing, which is a normal quality change, not a sign of spoilage.
How to Check
Before freezing, ensure the yogurt is fresh and shows no signs of spoilage. After thawing (always thaw in the refrigerator), use visual and smell tests to check for any signs of mold or off-odors, as you would with opened refrigerated yogurt. The altered texture is normal and does not indicate spoilage.
Storage Tips
Freezing changes the texture of yogurt, making it less smooth and more liquidy or grainy upon thawing. It's best used in smoothies, baking, or cooking rather than eaten plain. Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight.