The Truth about Sell By Dates on Yogurt

Have you ever found yourself staring at the sell by date on a tub of yogurt, wondering if it's still safe to eat? Sell by dates can often be confusing, leading to unnecessary food waste. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of sell by dates on yogurt, uncovering the truth behind them and providing you with essential information to make informed decisions about your yogurt consumption.

Understanding Sell By Dates

Sell by dates are not expiration dates, as many people mistakenly believe. Instead, they indicate the date until which the yogurt is expected to be at its peak quality. After this date, the yogurt may still be safe to consume, but it might not taste as fresh or have the same texture.

Different Types of Sell By Dates

Sell By: This date is primarily for retailers, indicating the last day on which the yogurt should be sold. It is not a safety date but rather a guideline for optimal quality.
Use By: This date is recommended by the manufacturer for the best quality of the product. It is still safe to consume yogurt after this date, but the quality might have started to deteriorate.
Best If Used By: This date suggests the period during which the yogurt will be at its best quality in terms of taste and texture. Consuming the yogurt after this date is generally safe but might not be as enjoyable.

How Long Can You Keep Yogurt After the Sell By Date?

Yogurt is a dairy product that can last beyond the sell by date if stored properly. Here are some general guidelines for keeping yogurt after the sell by date:

Refrigerated Yogurt: If stored in the refrigerator at the correct temperature (below 40°F or 4°C), yogurt can typically be consumed 1-2 weeks after the sell by date.
Frozen Yogurt: Frozen yogurt can last for 1-2 months past the sell by date if kept frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or lower.

Signs that Yogurt Has Gone Bad

While yogurt can be safe to eat beyond the sell by date, it's essential to check for signs of spoilage before consuming it. Here are some indicators that your yogurt may have gone bad:

Unpleasant Odor: If the yogurt has a sour or off-putting smell, it's best to discard it.
Mold: Any visible mold on the surface of the yogurt indicates spoilage, and it should be thrown away.
Texture Changes: If the yogurt appears watery, curdled, or has an unusual texture, it's best not to consume it.

Tips for Properly Storing Yogurt

To ensure the longevity and safety of your yogurt, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerate Promptly: After purchasing yogurt, refrigerate it promptly to maintain its freshness.
Check the Temperature: Make sure your refrigerator is set to the proper temperature to keep yogurt and other perishable foods safe.
Keep Sealed: Store yogurt in its original container with the lid tightly sealed to prevent contamination.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep yogurt away from raw meat, poultry, and seafood to prevent any potential pathogens from spreading.

Conclusion

Sell by dates on yogurt are meant to guide consumers and retailers on the product's quality, rather than its safety. Understanding the different types of sell by dates and knowing how to properly store and handle yogurt can help reduce food waste and ensure that you enjoy your yogurt safely. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can make informed decisions about when to consume yogurt beyond the sell by date. Remember, when in doubt, trust your senses – if the yogurt looks, smells, or tastes off, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it.