Does Greek Yogurt Go Bad? A bowl of Greek yogurt can be a great way to start your day but what happens when you go to the fridge to get it and you find it past the expiration date?
It is important to know how long Greek yogurt lasts in order to determine if it is safe to consume. Today we’ll discuss how long Greek yogurt lasts before going bad and how to know if your yogurt is good to eat.
Contents
Does Greek Yogurt Go Bad?
Yes, Greek yogurt does go bad over time. Just like regular yogurt, it can spoil if not stored properly or consumed past its expiration date.
Does Yogurt Go Bad If Unopened?
Yes, yogurt, like all dairy products, can go bad even if unopened. The shelf life of unopened yogurt typically extends one to two weeks past the sell-by date.
However, it is crucial to note that if the yogurt smells, tastes, or looks off, it should be discarded regardless of its expiration date.
How Do You Know If Greek Yogurt Is Bad?
These signs will tell if Greek yogurt has spoiled, enabling you to replenish your supply with all the new flavors of Greek yogurt flips.
- Surface Liquid: While some liquid on top of your yogurt is normal, an excessive amount might indicate spoilage. Don’t eat Greek yogurt if it looks like an entire pond.
- Discoloration: Greek yogurt should maintain its original color. If it starts turning yellow or brown, it’s a sign that it’s no longer safe to eat.
- Visible Mold Growing: This is a clear sign of spoilage. Throw your yogurt immediately if you see any mold on your yogurt.
- Unpleasant Smell: Fresh Greek yogurt has a tangy but pleasing aroma. If your yogurt starts to smell rotten or has a sour smell, it’s likely gone bad.
- Change in Texture: When it comes to eating foods, your eyes are key allies in determining the safety of what you consume. Greek yogurt should have a thick and creamy consistency. These are signs of spoilage if it becomes watery, lumpy, or loses its smooth texture.
How Long Does Greek Yogurt Last At Room Temperature?
Greek yogurt should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Opened Greek yogurt can spoil quickly if not refrigerated, while unopened store-bought yogurt may slightly last longer but still shouldn’t exceed this timeframe.
Homemade Greek yogurt, like all yogurt, is particularly susceptible to bacteria growth if left unrefrigerated. Remember, not all Greek yogurt has the same shelf life, so always prioritize refrigeration.
How Long Does Greek Yogurt Last In The Fridge?
Unopened Greek Yogurt
Unopened Greek yogurt has shelf life up to 1-2 weeks past its “sell by” or “use by” date if properly refrigerated. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
Opened Greek Yogurt
Once opened, Greek yogurt lasts for about 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to keep it fresh longer.
Homemade Greek Yogurt
Homemade Greek yogurt generally lasts about 1-2 weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Like with store-bought yogurt, always inspect for any signs of spoilage before eating.
Is It Safe To Eat Expired Greek Yogurt?
If you find Greek yogurt at the end of your fridge that sits out for a long period, paying attention to the expiration dates on the yogurt container to ensure food safety is crucial.
Consuming expired Greek yogurt can lead to food poisoning caused by harmful bacteria that may grow over time. Even though some foods are safe to eat past their expiry date, it’s always better to avoid caution regarding dairy products.
What Is The Best Way To Store Yogurt?
Unopened Yogurt
- Temperature: To store Greek yogurt or any other unopened yogurt, keep it in the refrigerator between 34°F and 40°F.
- Location: Place the yogurt at the back of the fridge where the temperature is more stable. Avoid storing it on the door as the temperature varies every time the fridge is opened.
Opened Yogurt
- Cover: Once opened, ensure the yogurt is covered tightly when placed back in the refrigerator. This helps to prevent the yogurt from absorbing odors of other foods in the fridge.
Homemade Yogurt
- Cooling: After preparing homemade yogurt, let it cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator.
- Storage Containers: Use a clean, airtight container to store homemade yogurt. Glass containers are a good option as they don’t absorb flavors or odors.
Can You Freeze Greek Yogurt?
Yes, you can freeze Greek yogurt for up to two months. Freezing may alter its texture, but it’s still safe to eat yogurt after thawing. When considering shelf life compared, Greek yogurt retains quality longer when frozen than when refrigerated.
What Is The Best Way To Freeze Yogurt?
- Start by choosing either plain or flavored yogurt according to your preference.
- Fill the cube tray with the yogurt, gently tapping the tray to settle the yogurt into the compartments.
- Place the tray in the freezer until the yogurt hardens into cubes.
- If you prefer, you can also freeze yogurt directly in its original container, but be aware this may cause ice crystals to form.
- Freezing yogurt is an excellent way to extend its life and prevent food waste.
- Try consuming frozen yogurt within two months for the best taste and texture.
FAQ’S
What Does Bad Greek Yogurt Taste Like?
Greek yogurt that has gone bad exudes a sour or strange aroma and flavor. Some individuals liken the odor to being “unusual,” “peculiar,” or even akin to “fish.” It has probably spoiled if you detect any alterations in your Greek yogurt’s scent, flavor, or consistency.
What Can I Use My Greek Yogurt For?
The college kid trick – as an instant dessert: This is a simple and affordable way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Mix Greek yogurt with honey, vanilla extract, or Cocoa Powder for an instant dessert. You can also add toppings like Granola, nuts, or fresh fruit.
In baking, Plain Greek yogurt can replace fats like oil or butter in most foods. It moistens baked goods and adds a slight tanginess that enhances the flavor.
In marinades: The acidity of Greek yogurt helps tenderize meat, making it a great base for marinades. It also sticks well to the meat, allowing the flavors to penetrate more deeply.
As a base for dips, Mix Greek yogurt with herbs, spices, or even mashed Avocado for a tasty dip. It’s perfect for serving with vegetables, chips, or pita bread.
In salad dressings: You can make a creamy Salad Dressing by blending Greek yogurt with Vinegar or lemon juice, herbs, and a touch of honey or Mustard. It’s a good alternative to store-bought sour cream used salad dressings.
Greek Yogurt Shelf Life
In conclusion, like all dairy products, Greek yogurt has a limited shelf life and can go bad if not stored properly.
It’s essential to pay attention to signs of spoilage such as surface liquid, discoloration, visible mold growth, unpleasant smell, and changes in texture. Always prioritize refrigerating your yogurt and consuming it within the recommended timeframes.
