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How long does milk last?
Updated 2026-05-13 · USDA FoodKeeper & FDA guidelines
Refrigerator
1 week
Coldest part of fridge (back, not door); about 5 days past printed date
After opening
1 week
5–7 days from opening regardless of printed date
Freezer
3 months
Freezing safe but texture changes; thaw in fridge
The short answer
Milk lasts as long as you store it correctly — which can mean anywhere from a few days on the counter to a year in the freezer. The numbers above represent best quality per USDA and FDA guidelines, not absolute safety limits.
Why these numbers vary
Cow's milk; whole, 2%, skim varieties. Storage life depends on temperature consistency, humidity, packaging, and how fresh it was when you got it. Refrigerators that swing between 38°F and 45°F shave days off these numbers; vacuum-sealing or freezing extends them.
How to tell if milk is bad
- Sour smell
- Lumps or chunks
- Yellow tinge (in white milk)
- Bitter taste
Past the expiration date?
Milk is usually good 4–7 days past the 'sell by' date if continuously refrigerated. Smell test is most reliable.
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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Frequently asked questions
How long does milk last in the refrigerator?
Milk lasts 1 week in the refrigerator. Coldest part of fridge (back, not door); about 5 days past printed date
How long does milk last in the after opening?
Milk lasts 1 week in the after opening. 5–7 days from opening regardless of printed date
How long does milk last in the freezer?
Milk lasts 3 months in the freezer. Freezing safe but texture changes; thaw in fridge
How can you tell if milk is bad?
Watch for: Sour smell; Lumps or chunks; Yellow tinge (in white milk).