Is It OK to Drink Expired Milk?
Milk is often safe for several days past the sell-by or best-by date if properly refrigerated. These dates indicate peak quality, not safety cutoffs. However, spoiled milk can cause digestive upset. Always check for sour smell, curdled texture, or off taste before consuming.
Key Takeaways
- Milk date labels are quality indicators, not strict safety deadlines.
- Ultra-pasteurized milk lasts much longer (up to 2 months unopened) than regular pasteurized milk.
- Once opened, all milk types should be consumed within 7-10 days regardless of the printed date.
Explanation
Milk date labels are quality indicators, not strict safety deadlines. Properly stored milk (at 40°F or below) typically remains good for 5-7 days past the printed date. The dates are conservative to ensure stores sell milk at peak freshness.
To determine if milk is still good, use your senses. Spoiled milk has a distinctly sour or unpleasant odor, even when cold. It may also appear lumpy, curdled, or have an unusual color. Fresh milk should smell neutral or slightly sweet.
Drinking slightly soured milk is unlikely to cause serious illness in healthy adults - it may taste unpleasant and could cause minor stomach upset. However, visibly spoiled milk with chunks or mold should always be discarded.
Things to Know
- Ultra-pasteurized milk lasts much longer (up to 2 months unopened) than regular pasteurized milk.
- Once opened, all milk types should be consumed within 7-10 days regardless of the printed date.
- Lactose-free milk often lasts longer than regular milk due to additional processing.