Yogurt Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
In the fridgeFridge
1–2 weeks
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
1–2 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Yogurt lasts 1–2 weeks in the fridge and 1–2 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if yogurt is bad
Smell
Sour or cheesy smell when it should be clean and mild.
Texture
Lumps, curdling or a thick, slimy body.
Colour
Yellowing or a pink, green or grey tinge.
Taste
Sour or bitter at the first sip — stop and discard.
Yogurt past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened yogurt 1–2 weeks in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
For perishable yogurt, the storage clock matters more than the label: if it has been in the fridge longer than 1–2 weeks, discard it even before the printed date.
How to keep yogurt fresh longer
- Store on an inside shelf, not the door, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Close the container tightly; dairy absorbs fridge odours.
- Pour what you need and return it to the fridge right away.
More about yogurt
FAQ
How long does it take for yogurt to go bad?
1–2 weeks in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper. At room temperature, 2 hours.
Can yogurt expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened yogurt 1–2 weeks in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad yogurt?
Spoiled perishable food can cause food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhoea. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
How do you keep yogurt from going bad?
Store on an inside shelf, not the door, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number