Most research suggests that, when properly refrigerated, milk can remain safe for a short time after its listed date, though how long it lasts depends on whether it has been opened and on the type of milk.
Milk doesn’t always spoil the moment it reaches its expiration date, but how long it stays safe to drink depends on factors like storage temperature, whether it’s been opened, and the type of milk.
While the printed date can be a helpful guideline, signs like smell, texture, and taste are often better indicators of freshness.
Here’s how long milk typically lasts after the expiration date and how to tell when it’s time to throw it out.
Confusion over date labeling on foods accounts for nearly
This is largely because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate date labeling for food products, except for infant formula.
Some states do regulate how expiration dates on milk should be labeled, but these rules vary.
As a result, you may see several different dates on a milk carton, none of which are meant to indicate food safety:
- Best if used by. This date indicates when to consume the milk for the best quality.
- Sell by. This date can help stores with inventory management, as it tells when to sell the milk by to ensure the best quality.
- Use by. This date is the last day you can expect the product to be at peak quality.
These dates can help indicate when milk quality may begin to decline, but they do not necessarily mean the milk becomes unsafe to drink immediately afterward.
SummaryThe FDA doesn’t require manufacturers to print an expiration date on milk. Instead, you’ll often see a “use by” or “sell by” date, which is a recommendation regarding quality, not necessarily safety.
The shelf life of milk depends on several factors, including the type of milk, whether it has been opened, and how it has been stored.
Regular milk
While there are no set recommendations, research suggests that properly refrigerated, unopened milk may stay good for several days past its listed date:
- about 5–6 days for whole milk and 2% milk
- up to 10 days for fat-free milk
How milk is stored also plays a major role in how long it stays fresh. One
Unless it is shelf-stable, milk should never be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Most milk sold in U.S. grocery stores is pasteurized, meaning it has been heated to destroy potentially harmful bacteria, including E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.
This process helps extend milk’s shelf life by about 2–3 weeks. However, pasteurization does not eliminate all bacteria, and the remaining bacteria can continue to grow over time, eventually causing the milk to spoil.
Raw milk
Raw milk has not been pasteurized, meaning it contains more naturally occurring bacteria and has a much shorter shelf life. Drinking raw milk may also increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Shelf-stable milk
Shelf-stable milk, also called aseptic or ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk, is processed using very high heat to kill harmful microorganisms. This allows unopened milk to be safely stored at room temperature.
Research from 2025 suggests unopened aseptic milk can remain shelf-stable for up to 12 months when properly stored, although flavor and quality may gradually change over time, especially at warmer temperatures.
Once opened, aseptic milk should be refrigerated and consumed within about 7–10 days.
Regardless of the printed date, always check milk for signs of spoilage before drinking it, including a sour smell, curdling, lumps, or changes in texture.
Ways to make your milk last longer
Milk may be good for several days after the sell-by or best-by date. However, you can still end up with spoiled milk if you don’t store and handle it properly.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your milk from spoiling quickly:
- unless it’s shelf-stable, place milk in the fridge as soon as possible after purchase
- keep your refrigerator temperature between 38°F (3°C) and 40°F (4°C)
- store milk on an interior shelf in your fridge rather than on a shelf in the door
- after use, always tightly seal and quickly return the carton to the fridge
SUMMARYEven after opening, most milk is safe to drink for several days past the use-by or sell-by date. Proper storage and handling may help it stay fresh and safe for longer. However, it’s always important to check for signs of spoilage before drinking.
While milk can be frozen for up to 3 months, freezing and subsequent thawing can result in undesirable changes in texture and color. That said, it will be safe to drink.
As the date on your milk doesn’t always indicate safety, the best way to tell if milk is okay to drink is by using your senses.
One of the first signs that your milk has expired is a change in smell.
Spoiled milk has a distinct sour odor, which is due to lactic acid produced by bacteria. Other signs of spoilage include a slightly yellow color and a lumpy texture.
SummarySigns that your milk has spoiled and may not be safe to drink include a sour smell and taste, change in color, and lumpy texture.
Drinking a sip or two of spoiled milk is unlikely to cause any serious side effects.
However, consuming moderate or large amounts can cause food poisoning and result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you begin experiencing signs of dehydration, it’s important to make an appointment with your healthcare professional.
SummaryWhile a sip of spoiled milk is unlikely to cause any harm, drinking moderate to large amounts could cause food poisoning and result in symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Due to confusion about milk carton labeling, many consumers throw away milk before it goes bad.
While it’s always important to inspect your milk before drinking it, most milks are safe to drink several days after the printed date on the label. That said, the flavor may start to decline.
To avoid food waste, older milk can be used in pancakes, baked goods, or soups.
