How long does milk last after the date, and after opening?
Quick answer
USDA's FoodKeeper says to keep regular milk in the fridge until the package use-by date, and you can freeze it for up to 3 months. The date is about quality, not safety, so milk that stayed at 40°F or below can be fine shortly after it. Throw it out if it smells sour, looks lumpy, or you're not sure how it was stored.Is it safe?
Can you drink milk past the expiration date?
Sometimes, if it stayed cold. The FDA says dates like "use by" tell you when a product is at its best flavor and quality, and that "the date is not a food safety date." The exception is infant formula and some baby foods, which must be used by their date.[1]
The catch is how the milk was kept. If it sat out, rode around in a hot car, or you can't remember when you opened it, don't drink it. Milk that needs refrigeration shouldn't sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F.[1]
When in doubt, throw it out. Don't take a sip to check.
How to check
How to tell if milk has gone bad
- It smells sour
- You see lumps or curdled bits when you pour it
- The carton or jug is bulging
Any one of these means it goes down the drain. Milk that looks and smells fine still isn't guaranteed safe: the FDA notes food can make you sick even when it doesn't look, smell, or taste spoiled.[1]
Storage
How long does milk last?
| Milk | Fridge (40°F / 4°C or below) | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Regular milk, plain or flavored | Until the package use-by date | 3 months from purchase |
| Ultra-pasteurized, opened | 7–10 days | |
| Shelf-stable (UHT), opened | 5–7 days |
For regular milk, USDA's FoodKeeper doesn't give a separate after-opening window, so use opened milk soon and go by how it's been stored. Keep it cold, close the cap, and put it back in the fridge right after pouring.
Storage
How to store milk
| Where | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge shelf, not the door | 40°F (4°C) or below | The door runs warmer |
| Freezer | 0°F (-18°C) | For longer storage |
Put milk in the fridge as soon as you get home from the store.[1]
Recipes
Ways to use up milk before the date
If you've got half a jug and a few days left on the carton, cook with it:
- Pancakes or waffles: a batch uses a cup or more.
- Creamy soup: potato, corn, or mushroom soup all take milk.
- Mac and cheese: the sauce is mostly milk.
- Overnight oats: five minutes the night before.
- Rice pudding: a classic way to use up milk and leftover rice.
FAQ
Does the "sell by" date mean I have to throw it out?
No. A "Sell-By" date tells the store how long to display the product for inventory management. It isn't a safety date.[2]
How long does unopened ultra-pasteurized milk last?
Unopened ultra-pasteurized milk keeps 1 to 3 months in the fridge, and 7 to 10 days once opened. (USDA FoodKeeper)
Does heating spoiled milk make it safe?
No. If milk smells sour or has curdled, don't use it, even in cooking.
Sources
These are general guidelines. If it smells, looks, or feels off, don't eat it.