Opened milk keeps about 1 week in the fridge at 40°F or below. You can freeze it for 1-3 months; it may separate, so thawed milk is best for cooking.
Storage times from USDA, FoodSafety.gov, FDA and university extension services. Checked .
How long does milk last in the fridge?
7 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Can you freeze milk?
Yes. For best quality use it within 1–3 months. Texture may separate; best for cooking; best quality; safe indefinitely at 0°F.
- Leave headspace in the container; milk expands.
- Thaw in the fridge and shake well.
After thawing: Thaw in the fridge, shake well and use within a few days; best for cooking or baking.
How long can milk sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.
How to tell if milk has gone bad
- Sour smell
- Lumpy or curdled texture
- Yellowish color or sour taste
Bacteria that cause food poisoning don't always change the look or smell of food, so go by the storage times above. When in doubt, throw it out.
Questions people ask
Is milk good after the sell-by date?
Often yes. UK Extension notes fluid milk keeps 5-7 days past the sell-by date if kept cold; trust smell and taste.
Can milk sit out overnight?
No. Like other perishables, milk should not sit out over 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F).
How long can milk stay out of the fridge?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.
How long can milk sit out before it goes bad?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.
How long milk out of fridge?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.
How long can milk be out of fridge?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.
How long can milk last out of the fridge?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.