How long can yogurt sit out
How long can yogurt sit out? The answer depends on the brand of yogurt, the type of container it’s sitting in, and whether or not you have refrigeration available at the time. If you’re going to be away from home for longer than a day, these are some factors you’ll want to consider before taking that trip without refrigeration. Knowing how long yogurt can sit out will help keep your delicious snack from spoiling!
Keep Yogurt Fresh: Storage & Handling
Yogurt is a dairy product made from milk, cream, buttermilk, or a combination of two or all three. The word ‘yogurt’ comes from the Turkish word yoğurt, which means sour milk.
Yogurt should not be left out on the counter at room temperature for more than two hours, as it starts to grow bacteria that may cause food-borne illnesses.
KEEP YOGURT IN THE FRIDGE! This will slow down bacterial growth and make it last longer. In addition, yogurt’s high protein content slows bacterial growth even more.
If you have leftover yogurt in your fridge, use it within seven days or freeze it for later use.
How to Tell If Yogurt Is Spoiled?
Spoiled yogurt will have a sour, curdled, or lumpy consistency. In addition, if the expiration date has passed, it is best to discard the product because bacteria may have had enough time to grow and cause spoilage. Lastly, smelling your yogurt can also tell if it has gone wrong. If it smells sour or like vinegar, throw it away, as this means that there is not much more you can do with the product.
How to Store Yogurt
The good news is that the answer is not a cut-and-dry yes or no. The bad news is that many factors are at play, meaning you must consider a few things. Here’s what you need to know:
- Temperature: If your house temperature fluctuates or you’re storing it in an area with significant temperature changes, don’t leave your yogurt on the counter for more than four hours. Otherwise, it may spoil.
- Exposure to light: Exposure to light and air causes the milk proteins in yogurt to break down over time, causing the taste and texture of your yogurt to change.
Storage Life Of Yogurt
The pH level of the milk affects how long the yogurt will last. The higher the pH, the less bacterial activity and the longer it will last. The bacterial activity also depends on how much sugar is in the milk and how warm it is when you mix it.
There are three stages: (1) acidifying, (2) setting, and (3) curing. Acidification happens first when bacteria convert milk sugars into lactic acid; this makes milk more acidic, slowing down bacterial growth. Next, lactic acid causes milk to thicken into a custard-like texture called curdling or setting.
How Long Does Yogurt Last Out of the Fridge?
How long does yogurt last? Yogurt lasts in the fridge for about 7-10 days after it has been opened. Once you open a carton of yogurt, it is best to consume it within three days. If you don’t finish your yogurt container before that three days, don’t worry! You can still safely eat the remaining amount by putting it in an airtight container, storing it in the fridge, or freezing the carton.
Risks of Eating Stale Yogurt
Yogurt is a great snack, and many like to keep it in the fridge. But how long does yogurt last? And, how much time does it take for yogurt to go wrong? There are risks to eating old or stale yogurt. You might want to avoid these risks by storing your yogurt correctly. If you’re not sure how to store your yogurt, here are some tips:
- Store in the fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below;
- Check the expiration date before opening; and
- Check for any unusual smells.
