Milk is a staple in most households, but it’s also one of the foods people waste the most. If you’ve ever opened the fridge and wondered how long does milk last, whether it’s still safe after the expiration date, or how to tell if milk has gone bad, you’re not alone.
The answer depends on several factors, including the type of milk, whether it’s opened or unopened, how it’s stored, and the temperature of your refrigerator. This guide explains how long milk lasts in the fridge, after opening, past the expiration date, and even in the freezer so you can reduce waste and stay safe.
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Quick Answer: How Long Does Milk Last?
In general:
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Unopened milk lasts 5–7 days past the printed date if properly refrigerated
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Opened milk lasts 7–10 days in the fridge
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Frozen milk lasts up to 3 months (best quality)
These are averages. Let’s break it down in detail.
How Long Does Milk Last in the Fridge?
How Long Does Unopened Milk Last in the Fridge?
Unopened pasteurized milk typically lasts 5 to 7 days after the sell-by or best-by date, as long as it has been stored consistently at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Factors that affect unopened milk shelf life:
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Fridge temperature stability
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Storage location (back of fridge vs door)
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Transportation time after purchase
Milk stored in the fridge door often spoils faster due to temperature fluctuations.
How Long Does Milk Last After Opening?
Once opened, milk usually lasts 7 to 10 days when kept refrigerated.
Opened milk shelf life depends on:
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How often the carton is opened
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Whether it’s left out at room temperature
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Cross-contamination from cups or utensils
To make opened milk last longer:
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Seal the lid tightly
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Return it to the fridge immediately after use
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Store it on a back shelf, not the door
How Long Does Milk Last If Left Out?
Milk should not be left at room temperature for more than:
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2 hours at normal room temperature
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1 hour if temperatures are above 90°F (32°C)
If milk sits out longer than this, bacteria multiply rapidly, even if the milk smells fine afterward.
How Long Is Milk Good After the Expiration Date?
Understanding Milk Date Labels
Milk cartons usually display:
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Sell-by date – for retailers, not consumers
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Best-by date – quality indicator, not safety
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Use-by date – last recommended date for peak quality
These dates do not automatically mean milk is unsafe.
How Long Does Milk Last After the Expiration Date?
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Unopened milk: often safe 5–7 days past the date
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Opened milk: usually no more than 5 days past the date
Always check for spoilage signs before drinking milk past its expiration date.
How to Tell If Milk Is Bad
Milk doesn’t always go bad exactly on schedule. Use these tests to check milk freshness.
Smell Test
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Sour or rotten odor = spoiled milk
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Fresh milk smells neutral or slightly sweet
Look Test
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Yellowing
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Separation that doesn’t mix when shaken
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Mold near the cap
Texture Test
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Lumps or chunks
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Slimy or thick consistency
Taste Test (Only If It Passes Other Tests)
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A small sour taste means discard immediately
If you’re unsure, it’s safer to throw the milk away.
Why Does Milk Spoil?
Milk spoils because of bacterial growth, which accelerates when:
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Milk warms above 40°F
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Air enters the container
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Light exposure degrades nutrients
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Bacteria are introduced from mouths or utensils
Ultra-pasteurized and UHT milk last longer because they undergo higher heat treatment, killing more bacteria.
How Long Does UHT and Shelf-Stable Milk Last?
Unopened UHT Milk Shelf Life
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6–9 months in the pantry
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Keep away from heat and sunlight
Opened UHT Milk
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7–10 days in the fridge, similar to regular milk
Once opened, shelf-stable milk behaves like fresh milk.
How Long Does Lactose-Free Milk Last?
Lactose-free milk generally lasts slightly longer than regular milk because it’s usually ultra-pasteurized.
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Unopened: 7–10 days past date
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Opened: 7–10 days in the fridge
Shelf life still depends on storage conditions.
How Long Does Raw Milk Last?
Raw (unpasteurized) milk has a much shorter shelf life and higher safety risks.
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Unopened raw milk: 5–7 days
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Opened raw milk: 3–5 days
Raw milk must be discarded immediately if it smells off or shows separation.
How Long Does Plant-Based Milk Last?
Almond Milk
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Unopened shelf-stable: 6–12 months
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Opened: 7–10 days
Oat Milk
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Unopened: up to 12 months
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Opened: 5–7 days
Soy Milk
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Unopened: 6–12 months
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Opened: 7–10 days
Always refrigerate plant-based milk after opening and discard if the carton bulges or smells sour.
Can You Freeze Milk to Make It Last Longer?
Yes, you can freeze milk.
How Long Does Milk Last in the Freezer?
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Up to 3 months for best quality
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Safe beyond that but texture may degrade
Tips for Freezing Milk
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Leave space for expansion
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Freeze in airtight containers
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Label with date
Thawing Frozen Milk
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Thaw in the fridge
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Shake well to recombine fat and liquid
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Use thawed milk within 3–5 days
Frozen milk works best for cooking, baking, and smoothies.
How to Make Milk Last Longer
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Store milk on the back fridge shelf
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Keep fridge temperature at ≤40°F (4°C)
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Avoid drinking directly from the carton
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Close the lid tightly
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Don’t leave milk out during meals
Choosing ultra-pasteurized or shelf-stable milk also helps extend shelf life.
Is Sour Milk Safe?
Spoiled milk should not be consumed, even if only slightly sour. Drinking bad milk can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and food poisoning symptoms.
Do not cook with milk that:
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Smells sour
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Has visible chunks
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Is past date and shows texture changes
When in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does milk last in the fridge?
Unopened milk lasts about 5–7 days past the date. Opened milk lasts 7–10 days.
Can you drink milk 7 days after opening?
Sometimes, if properly stored and no spoilage signs appear.
Can you drink milk past the expiration date?
Yes, if unopened and it passes smell, look, and texture tests.
How can you tell if milk is bad?
Check for sour smell, chunky texture, discoloration, or mold.
How long does milk last once opened?
Typically 7–10 days in the fridge.
Does lactose-free milk last longer?
Yes, slightly longer due to ultra-pasteurization.
How long does milk last in the freezer?
Up to 3 months for best quality.
Conclusion
So, how long does milk last? With proper refrigeration and handling, milk often lasts longer than people expect. Understanding expiration dates, spoilage signs, and storage methods can help you reduce food waste while staying safe.
When stored correctly, milk is one of the most forgiving refrigerated foods but when in doubt, safety should always come first.
