Do yogurts expire? The definitive answer
Surely you have ever come across a yogurt in the refrigerator that has passed the date printed on the container. But do yogurts really expire? According to the Spanish Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the answer is no. Although this may be surprising, it is important to understand the difference between the expiration date and the best before date.
Since 2014, the regulation changed and the expiration date on yogurts was eliminated. Now, what appears on the packaging is the best before date, which indicates how long the yogurt maintains its properties and quality. After that date, yogurt may lose some of its characteristics, but it does not necessarily become unsafe to consume.
When is it safe to consume yogurt after the best before date?
According to the popularizer Boticaria García, yogurt can be safe even weeks after the date printed on the container has passed. The way to know if a yogurt is in good condition is to open it and check that its color, texture and smell are normal. If any of these aspects have changed, it is advisable to discard it.
Factors that influence the shelf life of yogurts
It is important to note that the shelf life of yogurts can vary depending on a number of factors. For example, natural yogurts tend to be more resistant and long-lasting than those containing fruit pieces. In addition, the way the yogurt has been preserved, especially if the cold chain has been maintained, can influence its shelf life.
The acidic pH of yogurt, which is equal to or less than 4.6, hinders the growth of pathogenic microorganisms that can affect our health. Additionally, the yogurt-making process, which includes pasteurization of milk, eliminates the harmful microbial load from the beginning.
General recommendations
In short, yogurts do not expire, but their quality may be affected after the best before date. However, if a yogurt looks, smells, and tastes good, it is safe to consume even after that date. On the other hand, if the yogurt shows changes in its appearance, texture or smell, it is better to discard it to avoid health risks.
Remember that each yogurt is different, so it is important to trust your senses and use common sense when deciding whether to consume it or not. It is always better to be safe and throw away questionable yogurt than to risk food poisoning.
