Expired milk: how long is it still good?
Check the label first. If it says “best before”, unopened pasteurized milk kept cold the whole time is often still good for up to about 6 days past the date, and unopened UHT milk often for several weeks. Use opened milk within a few days. If it says “use by”, or if it is raw milk: do not drink it after the date. Sour, lumpy or a bloated carton: throw it out.
Milk past the date: guidelines
| Type and situation | Guideline | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Pasteurized milk, unopened, in the fridge | often up to about 6 days past the date | Only with “best before”, not with “use by” |
| Pasteurized milk, opened, in the fridge | 2–3 days | The printed date no longer applies once opened |
| UHT milk, unopened | often up to about 30 days past the date | Store dry and dark; carton not bloated |
| UHT milk, opened, in the fridge | a few days, at most about 5 | Bitter or stale taste: throw it out |
| Raw milk (farm, vending machine) | never past the date | Always boil it before drinking |
| Frozen | up to about 3 months | Freeze before the date, thaw in the fridge |
| Sour, flaky, lumpy or bulging carton | throw it out | This applies even before the date |
How to check milk in 30 seconds
- Look at the carton: Is it bloated or leaking? Then do not open it, throw it away.
- Pour some into a glass: Milk should be white and evenly liquid. Flakes, lumps or streaks: throw it out.
- Smell and taste a little: If it smells or tastes sour, bitter or stale: throw it out.
Pasteurized, UHT, raw: the difference
Pasteurized milk is briefly heated and must be kept in the fridge, at or below 4 °C (40 °F). In Switzerland it usually has a best-before date. According to the Swiss food safety authority, if stored correctly it may still be handed out up to 6 days after that date. This applies to unopened cartons.
UHT milk is heated to a very high temperature and keeps for months unopened without refrigeration. Once opened, it goes in the fridge.
Raw milk is not heated and can contain germs that make you sick, such as Salmonella, E. coli or Listeria, even if the cows are healthy. It has a use-by date: do not drink it after that. Always boil it before drinking. Young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with weak immune systems are better off avoiding raw milk entirely.
Milk that has gone sour: can you still use it?
No. Pasteurized or UHT milk that smells sour, curdles or has thickened is spoiled. Besides lactic acid bacteria, other harmful germs may have multiplied too. Do not use it for baking either: pour it away.
How to freeze milk
- Freeze milk before the date, not after.
- Pour it into plastic containers or freezer bags and leave some space. Milk expands when it freezes.
- Use it within about 3 months. Write the date on it.
- Thaw it in the fridge, never on the counter. Then shake well and use it within 2–3 days.
How to make milk last longer
- Refrigerate milk quickly after shopping, especially in summer.
- Put it on a middle shelf, not in the fridge door. The door is often noticeably warmer.
- Close the carton right after pouring and put it straight back in the fridge.
- What you will not finish: freeze it in time, or use it for pudding, sauces or mashed potatoes while it is still fine.
Frequently asked questions
How long is milk good after the expiration date?
Unopened, refrigerated pasteurized milk with a best-before date is often fine for up to about 6 days; unopened UHT milk often for up to about 30 days. Always check it before drinking. If the carton says “use by”, do not drink it after the date.
How long does opened UHT milk last?
In the fridge, a few days, at most about 5. The date on the carton no longer counts once it is open. If it tastes bitter or stale: throw it out.
Can you drink expired raw milk?
No. Raw milk has a use-by date and must not be drunk after it. Even before the date, you should always boil it.
Can you freeze milk?
Yes, for up to about 3 months. Freeze it before the date, thaw it in the fridge, shake well and use it within 2–3 days. The texture may change slightly.
All figures are guidelines for food that is stored correctly and kept chilled. No guarantee: when in doubt, throw it out. Take extra care during pregnancy and with young children, older or vulnerable people.