How to Tell If Yogurt Is Bad
Quick answer
Yogurt is bad if it has any fuzzy mold, smells sharply sour or yeasty, or has a fizzy, bloated container. Opened yogurt lasts about 5 to 7 days, and unopened yogurt typically keeps 1 to 2 weeks past its date.
Signs Yogurt has gone bad
- Mold of any color. Fuzzy spots in green, pink, black, or blue mean the whole container goes, since the mold's roots extend into the yogurt.
- Yeasty or rotten smell. Yogurt should smell pleasantly tangy. A bread-like, yeasty, or rotten smell means unwanted microbes have taken over.
- Fizzy or bubbly texture. Little bubbles or a prickle on your tongue signal fermentation by yeast, not the good bacteria.
- Bulging lid or container. A swollen tub or foil lid can mean gas from bacterial or yeast growth. Don't open and taste it.
- Slimy or chunky texture. Yogurt that is lumpy, stringy, or slimy in a way you've never seen from that brand is suspect.
Looks weird, but it's fine
- Liquid on top (whey). The watery layer is whey separating out. Stir it back in or pour it off; it's harmless if everything smells fine.
- Mild extra tang as it ages. Cultures keep working after packing, so yogurt gets more sour with time. Tangy is fine; yeasty or fizzy is not.
- Fruit settling at the bottom. Fruit and sweeteners sink naturally, and stirring blends them back in.
How long does Yogurt last?
| Where | How long | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge (unopened) | 1 to 2 weeks past the date | Check the label |
| Fridge (opened) | 5 to 7 days | Cover tightly |
| Freezer | 1 to 2 months | Texture turns grainy; best for smoothies and baking |
| Counter | Max 2 hours | Discard if left out longer |
How to store it
- Keep yogurt on a main shelf rather than the door so it stays at a steady cold temperature.
- Use a clean spoon each time, since stray crumbs or saliva speed up spoilage.
- Stash any unfinished flavored cups with the lid pressed on firmly, and finish within a week.
Use it up before it turns
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to eat yogurt after the expiration date?
Unopened and properly chilled, yogurt is often fine for a week or two past the date. Check for mold, odd smell, or bubbles. If anything seems off, throw it out.
Why is there liquid on top of my yogurt?
It's whey, a natural byproduct of yogurt that separates over time. Stir it in or drain it, and it's fine to eat if it smells normal.
Can I scoop mold off the top of yogurt?
No. Yogurt is soft and wet, so mold spreads beyond what you can see. Discard the container.
More food freshness guides
General guidance based on USDA FoodKeeper. Storage times are estimates and conditions vary. When in doubt, throw it out.