Fresh milk keeps in the fridge until the use-by date on the package. Frozen, it keeps its best quality for about 3 months.
Storage times
| Milk | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain or flavored milk | Until the package use-by date | 3 months | — |
| Ultra-pasteurized, unopened | 1 to 3 months | — | — |
| Ultra-pasteurized, opened | 7 to 10 days | — | — |
| Shelf-stable (UHT), unopened | — | — | 6 to 12 months |
| Shelf-stable (UHT), opened | 5 to 7 days | — | — |
| Lactose-free, opened | 1 week | Not recommended | — |
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, freezer at 0°F (−18°C) or below. Freezer times are for best quality only: food kept frozen at 0°F (−18°C) or below stays safe indefinitely. A dash means the source gives no time.
Storage tips
- Check the use-by date when you buy it, and put milk away as soon as you get home.
- Shelf-stable (UHT) milk can live in the cupboard until you open it. After that it belongs in the fridge.
- Don't leave it out of the fridge for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). USDA advises throwing out perishable food left out longer than that.
Signs it's gone off
- A sour smell, lumps or a curdled texture mean the milk has spoiled. Pour it out.
- If it's past the times above, throw it out even if it smells fine.
Common questions
How long does milk last in the fridge?
Fresh milk keeps until the use-by date on the package, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Ultra-pasteurized milk lasts 7 to 10 days once opened.
Can you freeze milk?
Yes. Plain or flavored milk keeps its best quality for about 3 months in the freezer. FoodKeeper doesn't recommend freezing lactose-free milk.
How long can milk sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). After that, USDA advises throwing perishable food away.
Sources
- USDA FoodKeeper (FSIS, Cornell University and the Food Marketing Institute)
- FoodSafety.gov, Cold Food Storage Chart
- USDA FSIS, Leftovers and Food Safety
Guidance, not a guarantee. These times come from US government food safety sources and assume food was handled and stored safely. Always follow the date and instructions on the package, check food before you eat it, and when in doubt, throw it out. This page isn't medical advice.
