Is Expired Yogurt Still Safe to Eat?

If you’ve ever stared at a container of yogurt in your fridge days (or even weeks) past its best-by date, you’re not alone and you might be wondering if you really need to toss it. With grocery prices higher than ever, many of us are paying closer attention to food waste. The good news? When it comes to fermented foods like yogurt, there’s often more wiggle room than you think.

According to food scientists, most of the dates printed on packaging like “best by,” “use by,” and “sell by” are indicators of quality, not safety. That means expired yogurt may still be totally fine to eat. Still, there are a few key things to consider before digging in.

What Exactly Are Fermented Foods?

You probably know kombucha is fermented, but so are common staples like cheese, yogurt, pickles, hot sauce, beer, and even wine. “Fermented foods are nature’s original preservation method,” explains food scientist Vincent Candrawinata, PhD. Before refrigeration, fermentation helped extend the shelf life of perishable items by creating an acidic or alcoholic environment that limits the growth of harmful microbes.

That means fermented foods often last longer than non-fermented ones especially if they’re unopened and stored properly. But once you open them, it’s a different story. Each use introduces new bacteria from the air or utensils, which can affect freshness and safety.

What Do Food Label Dates Really Mean?

Let’s decode those labels:

• Best By: Refers to when the product is at peak quality. Not a safety deadline.

• Sell By: Meant for stores to rotate inventory.

• Use By: Suggests when to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

• Freeze By: Tells you when to freeze to maintain quality.

“These are not federally regulated for most foods and do not indicate spoilage,” says food scientist Abbey Thiel, PhD. “The exception is infant formula, which does have a true expiration date for safety.”

So... Can You Eat Expired Yogurt?

Yes if it passes the sniff and sight test. “Unopened yogurt stored in the fridge at or below 40°F typically stays fresh for one to two weeks past the best-by date,” says certified food scientist Jessica Gavin. If it’s already been opened, use it within five to seven days for the best results, especially if you’re following good food hygiene (i.e., not double-dipping).

Use these tests to tell if it’s still good:

• Smell: It should smell tangy not rancid or rotten.

• Look: Watch for mold on the lid or surface.

• Texture: Some liquid separation is normal (just stir it), but slimy texture or discoloration is not.

Greek yogurt may last a bit longer than other varieties because of its lower moisture content, notes registered dietitian Jennifer Maeng, MS, RD.

What About Other Fermented Foods?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you navigate the fridge:

• Cheese: Hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan can last weeks after opening. Soft cheeses should be tossed sooner, especially if you see slime or mold.

• Pickles: Unopened, they can last years. Opened jars last 1–3 months if refrigerated. Discard if slimy or moldy.

• Hot Sauce: Vinegar-based sauces are highly shelf-stable. Store in the fridge and toss only if it smells or tastes off.

• Charcuterie Meats: Stick closely to the use-by date, especially if you're pregnant or immunocompromised. Don’t eat anything left out for more than two hours.

• Wine & Beer: Expired wine may taste off, but it’s rarely harmful. Sour or flat beer isn’t dangerous just not enjoyable.

• Kombucha: Unopened, it can last several months past the date. Opened? Use within 7–10 days. If it smells like rotten eggs or you see mold, toss it.

How to Tell If Fermented Foods Have Gone Bad

Rely on your senses. If it smells weird, looks moldy, feels slimy, or tastes off, it’s better to be safe than sorry. “Spoiled food typically has a foul odor or flavor and a texture change from the growth of spoilage microorganisms,” says Thiel.

When in doubt, follow this general rule of thumb If it’s moldy, smells bad, or looks odd toss it.

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can often eat expired yogurt and other fermented foods as long as they pass the look-and-sniff test. “The dates are guidelines for optimal quality, not hard expiration rules,” says Maeng. Fermented foods are designed to last, but once opened, they do require a little extra attention.

If something smells rotten, looks fuzzy, or makes you raise an eyebrow trust your gut (before putting something in it). And remember: It's okay to lean into food preservation traditions while still keeping food safety top of mind.

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