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Dairy & Eggs
How long does milk last?
Cow's milk; whole, 2%, skim varieties.
Quick answer
Fridge (40°F / 4°C)
1 week
Coldest part of fridge (back, not door); about 5 days past printed date
Freezer (0°F / -18°C)
3 months
Freezing safe but texture changes; thaw in fridge
After opening
1 week
5–7 days from opening regardless of printed date
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Past the expiration date?
Milk is usually good 4–7 days past the 'sell by' date if continuously refrigerated. Smell test is most reliable.
Signs milk has gone bad
- •Sour smell
- •Lumps or chunks
- •Yellow tinge (in white milk)
- •Bitter taste
Storage tips
- ✓Store in the back of the fridge, not the door
- ✓Don't return poured milk to the carton
- ✓Freeze in jugs leaving expansion space
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More dairy & eggs
Disclaimer: Times shown are USDA/FDA-recommended best quality periods, not absolute safety guarantees. Storage conditions, packaging, and food handling all affect actual shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.