How long does yogurt keep?

United States Reviewed May 2026 Method v1.1 EU/UK: package use-by dates govern

Keep yogurt refrigerated at 40 °F (4 °C) or below and use it within 1–2 weeks of purchase — or by the printed date, whichever the label requires. Best freezer quality is 1–2 months, with separation on thawing.

In the EU/UK, yogurt usually carries a use-by (safety) or best-before (quality) date — check which one your pot has, because they mean different things. In the US most yogurt dates are quality dates.

Pantry
Not safe
Max 2 h at room temperature
Refrigerator ≤ 40 °F (4 °C)
7–14 days
Safety guidance · Package date governs if sooner
Freezer 0 °F
1–2 months
Best quality · safe indefinitely
Calculate a date for yogurt
Pick an event and date for a labeled result — never a bare “expiry date.”

Can I freeze it?

Safe, with quality loss

Safe to freeze; thawed yogurt separates and turns grainy. Fine for smoothies and baking, poor for eating plain.

Freeze in portions destined for the blender. Frozen yogurt cubes go into smoothies without thawing at all.

Prepare & portion. Portion into ice-cube trays or small containers; leave headspace.

Package. Airtight containers or trays transferred to a freezer bag once solid.

Thaw & use. Use frozen in smoothies, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well.

Thawing and post-thaw handling

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; stir before use. Use within a few days.

Refreezing

Do not refreeze thawed yogurt. The general rules are in the refreezing guide and the Refreezing Decision tool.

Common mistakes

  • Reading an EU use-by date as a suggestion — it is a safety limit.
  • Expecting thawed yogurt to look like fresh — the separation is normal and harmless.
Package exception: The printed date governs; EU/UK use-by is a safety limit.
Source-to-claim map
Yogurt refrigerator and freezer guidance — USDA FoodKeeper (FoodSafety.gov) · Use-by versus best-before meaning — EFSA — Food Date Labelling · All sources · Change history · Report a correction