Dairy Products & Eggs
How long does milk last?
USDA’s answer for milk is the package use-by date — keep it cold and trust the carton, not a guess.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge | Package use-by date |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 3 months |
Can you freeze milk? FREEZES, BUT… →
Can it sit out?
Milk is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if milk has gone bad
- A sour smell before it even hits the glass
- Lumps or a curdled ribbon in the pour
- A yellowed tint or sour taste
When in doubt, throw it out.
Milk keeps best on a cold middle shelf — the fridge door swings it in and out of the danger zone all day.
Quick answers
How long does milk last?
USDA’s answer for milk is the package use-by date — keep it cold and trust the carton, not a guess.
Can you freeze milk?
Milk freezes safely for 3 months — it separates when it thaws, so shake it hard and expect a cooking milk, not a drinking milk.
How long can milk sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to milk. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).