How To Store Yogurt

Today, we’re going to talk about something that’s crucial for keeping your yogurt just the way you like it.

That’s right, we’re talking about how to store yogurt. Yogurt is a fantastic snack, but to make sure it stays fresh and tasty, we have to store it the right way.

Yogurt in a canning jar with blackberries on a wooden cutting board.

Answer

Store yogurt in the refrigerator immediately after purchase, ideally at a temperature of 40°F or lower. For opened yogurt, reseal tightly and consume within 5-7 days. Unopened yogurt lasts 2-3 weeks past its sell-by date. Yogurt can be frozen to extend its shelf life up to 2 months.

Storing yogurt is not as hard as it might sound. Here’s a simple three-step process:

Keep It Cool: The first rule of storing yogurt is to keep it cool. The best place for your yogurt is in the refrigerator, where it’s nice and cold. Heat can make yogurt spoil quickly, so it’s always a good idea to put your yogurt in the fridge as soon as you get home from the grocery store.
Seal It Up: Once you’ve opened a yogurt container, be sure to seal it tightly when you’re done. You can use the original lid or plastic wrap to cover the container. This will help keep out any bad smells from other foods and keep your yogurt tasty!
Avoid the Door: The door of the fridge is the warmest part because it gets opened a lot. So, try to store your yogurt on a shelf towards the back of the fridge where it’s coldest.

How long can yogurt be stored in the refrigerator?

The length of time you can store yogurt in the refrigerator really depends on whether it’s been opened or not.

Unopened Yogurt: Unopened yogurt can last in the fridge for 2-3 weeks past its sell-by date. Keep an eye on it, though. If it starts to smell or look different, it’s probably time to toss it.
Opened Yogurt: Once you’ve opened the container, you have about 5-7 days to finish it. After this time, the yogurt might start to taste sour or grow mold, so it’s best to eat it before that happens.

It is also important to know how long yogurt can sit out before it should be thrown away. I have a post about just that for you!

Can you freeze yogurt?

Yes, freezing yogurt is absolutely possible and can be a practical solution for preventing wastage if you’re unable to finish it before the expiration date.

When freezing, always remember to leave a bit of space at the top of the container as yogurt tends to expand when frozen.

Additionally, it’s important to note that while freezing may alter the texture of the yogurt, making it a bit more grainy, it doesn’t affect its nutritional value.

So, you can enjoy it frozen, or use it in smoothies, baking, and cooking!

How long does yogurt last in the freezer?

If you’ve frozen your yogurt, it can last a lot longer! Here’s a breakdown:

Regular Yogurt: Regular yogurt can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember, the longer it’s in there, the more likely it is to develop freezer burn or ice crystals, which can change its texture and flavor.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. After that, it might not taste as good or have the same creamy texture.

Learn the signs of yogurt gone bad so that you can identify it before it’s too late and you have to find out by tasting spoiled yogurt.

What is the best way to thaw frozen yogurt?

Thawing frozen yogurt is easy. Here are two simple ways:

In the Fridge: The best way to thaw frozen yogurt is in the fridge. Just move it from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw slowly. This can take several hours or overnight.
In a Bowl of Cold Water: If you’re in a hurry, place the container in a bowl of cold water. It will thaw quicker this way, but be sure to check it often to avoid it getting too warm.

Remember, never use a microwave to thaw yogurt as it can make it go lumpy and lose its creamy texture!

Frequently asked questions about how to store yogurt

Freezing yogurt does not kill probiotics; it simply makes them dormant. Once consumed and back at body temperature, they become active again and continue to provide health benefits.

No, Greek yogurt should be stored just like regular yogurt. Keep it in the fridge and consume it within 5-7 days of opening. You can also freeze Greek yogurt, but its texture may change slightly.

Yogurt left out at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded as it may have become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Conclusion

Storing yogurt the right way is really important for keeping it fresh, tasty, and safe to eat

. Remember, keep it cool, seal it up, avoid the fridge door, and know when it’s time to toss it. And don’t forget that you can freeze yogurt to make it last even longer. Just be sure to thaw it properly when you’re ready to eat it. Happy yogurt-eating, everyone!

How To Store Yogurt