How can you tell if Regular Yogurt has gone bad?

Signs that Regular Yogurt has gone bad: Visible mold (pink, orange, or green); Yeasty or fizzy texture; Sharp off smell beyond normal tang.

What does the date label on Regular Yogurt mean?

Regular Yogurt usually carries a "Use By" date. The last date the manufacturer recommends for peak quality — for most foods this is still quality-based, not a safety cutoff (infant formula is the one exception). See our date-labels guide for the full breakdown.

Dairy

How long does Regular Yogurt last?

Q: How long does Regular Yogurt last?

In the fridge: 1–2 weeks. In the freezer: 1–2 months. Sealed / unopened: Check date. Look for pink or green mold and off smells. Watery top is normal — stir it in.

High confidence Safety concern

How long does Regular Yogurt last? fridge 1–2 weeks, freezer 1–2 months. Plus spoilage signs, sources, and an unopened-vs-opened note.

Fridge

1–2 weeks

Pantry

Refrigerate only

Freezer

1–2 months

Sealed / unopened: Check date

Signs Regular Yogurt has gone bad

Visible mold (pink, orange, or green).
Yeasty or fizzy texture.
Sharp off smell beyond normal tang.

Discard immediately if

Any visible mold of any color
Container is bloated or hisses when opened
Greasy or oily film on top

Why guidance varies

Dairy spoilage depends on initial pasteurization, fridge temperature, and how often the container is opened; manufacturer-printed dates assume continuous storage at 40°F (4°C) or below.

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Sources for this answer

A USDA FoodKeeper — Storage windows and refrigeration guidance for this category.
A USDA FSIS — Food Product Dating — Date-label interpretation and food-safety baseline.

Reviewed: 2026-05 · Rule: if manufacturer storage instructions are stricter than category guidance, the manufacturer instructions win.