How long does milk last?
Someone opened the new gallon before the old one was gone, and now there are two in the fridge. Here's how long milk lasts once it's open, and what to do with the extra.
By Justin and Mary KatzmanUntil the use-by date in the fridge (about seven days once opened) and three months in the freezer. Keep it in the fridge, not the pantry.
Milk, case by case
After opening
About seven days in the fridge, or until the date if that comes first. Keep the cap tight and pour straight from the carton rather than drinking from it, to keep bacteria out.
Left out at room temperature
No more than two hours, or one hour above 90°F. Milk is a perishable food, so throw out milk that sat out longer, even if it smells fine.
Signs milk has gone bad
- It smells or tastes sour.
- It's lumpy or thick when you pour it.
- It has a yellowish tint.
Before you toss it
Past its best but still safe? Try one of these.
- Just past its best but not sour? Use it in pancakes, muffins or a white sauce, where heat and other flavors take over.
- Freeze it in ice-cube trays for smoothies and coffee. It separates when thawed, so shake it or use it for cooking.
How to store milk
- Put it back in the fridge right after you pour.
- To freeze, leave room at the top. Shake it after thawing, since it separates.
Milk by the numbers
The average American goes through about 0.2 gallons a week. If your household eats less than that, buy smaller and less ends up in the trash.
A gallon at $4.11 keeps about two weeks in the fridge. Frozen, it keeps three months. Buy the bigger pack only if you'll use it in time.
What milk costs now
$4.11 a gallon, up 26% since January 2020. Its price barely moves with the seasons.
National average price per gallon, monthly. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Cook it before it turns
35 Haivenly starter recipes use milk. Here are a few to start with.
Questions about milk
How long does milk last in the fridge?
USDA FoodKeeper says to go by the use-by date on the package. Once opened, use it within about seven days, going by USDA guidance. Check it before you use it.
Can you drink milk after the date on the carton?
Often, yes. The date is about peak quality, not safety, and USDA notes that most product dates aren't safety dates (infant formula is the exception). If it smells and tastes normal and has been kept cold, it's usually fine for a few days past the date.
Can you freeze milk?
Yes, for about three months. Leave room at the top of the container because milk expands as it freezes. Thawed milk can look grainy or separated, so shake it well. It's best for cooking or smoothies.
Why does milk go bad before the date sometimes?
Usually temperature. Milk left out during a meal, stored in the door, or carried home in a warm car loses days of life. Keep your fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Is ultra-pasteurized milk different?
Yes. Ultra-pasteurized milk is heated higher, so it lasts much longer unopened, often weeks. Once opened, treat it like regular milk and use it within about a week.
How can you tell milk has gone bad?
Smell it first. Sour milk has a sharp, unpleasant smell, and it may look lumpy or thick. If it smells off, pour it out. Don't rely on tasting it to find out.
Use every last bit of your milk.
The average American tosses about $10 of milk a year. Haivenly learns how fast your household goes through it, so you hear about it while there's still time to cook it.
More foods to check
Eggs
Dairy & eggs- Fridge
- 3–5 weeks
- Freezer
- Not advised
- Pantry
- Keep cold
Cheddar cheese
Dairy & eggs- Fridge
- 6 months
- Freezer
- 6 months
- Pantry
- Keep cold
Cooked chicken
Leftovers- Fridge
- 3–4 days
- Freezer
- 2–3 months
- Pantry
- Keep cold
Raw chicken breast
Meat & poultry- Fridge
- 1–2 days
- Freezer
- 9 months
- Pantry
- Keep cold
Cooked rice
Leftovers- Fridge
- 4–6 days
- Freezer
- 6 months
- Pantry
- Keep cold