There are numerous uses for yogurt that is past its use-by date. However, some people wonder if you can bake with yogurt that has expired.
Yogurt that has passed a week or two after its expiration date can still be used in baking for as long as it has been stored in the refrigerator and doesn’t have mold or a sour smell. However, if expired yogurt contains fruit or has been kept in room temperature, it should be tossed out.
Expired yogurt should meet certain criteria before deciding if you can bake with it. Read on below to learn more.
Is It Safe To Use Expired Yogurt for Baking?
Yogurt is one of those foods that can be eaten and baked with for up to 2 weeks expiration date. The best-by and use-by date provided by manufacturers serves as a guideline and isn’t an absolute rule that guarantees it will become dangerous to eat once expired.
Exposure to air and warm temperatures will affect yogurt quickly. This is why it’s always recommended to transfer yogurt to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator or freezer after opening. However, yogurt made with fruits will only last for around a week after its expiration date because the fruit and sugar content causes mold and bacteria growth at a much faster rate.
You can bake with yogurt past its expiration date as long as it:
- Has been kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator in temperatures lower than 40F
- Has been stored in an airtight container in the freezer for 1-2 months
- Does not contain fruits
- Does not have any visible signs of rotting:
- Sour, unpleasant smell
- Curdled or lumpy texture
- Mold (may be green, white, or other colors)
- Bitter or extremely sour taste
Conclusion
Expired yogurt that is still good condition can be used in baking. Just remember to use your senses to tell if it has spoiled or not; if it has spoiled, it’s much better to toss it out and use fresh yogurt.
