If you're like many people, you've been asking yourself one question lately: how long does non-dairy yogurt last? You've probably been uncertain if the expiration date on the label reflects the best-by date, or if there is even a best-by date at all. Thankfully, the days of uncertainty are over!
Non-dairy yogurt typically stays fresh for 7 to 10 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. It is recommended that you check the expiration date on your product before consuming it.
In this post, we’ll break down all your non-dairy yogurt storage and expiration questions, and finally give you the answers to the long-debated question: How long does non-dairy yogurt last? Get ready to unleash the ultimate guide to non-dairy yogurt storage, shelf-life and expiration. Let the yogurt saga begin!
Table of Contents
What is Non-Dairy Yogurt?
Non-dairy yogurt is a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy yogurt. It can be made from nuts, coconut, soy, or other plant milks and is free from animal products. Non-dairy yogurts are gaining popularity as more people are following vegan diets or just trying to limit their daily dairy intake. Some health professionals even believe that switching to non-dairy yogurts is healthier since it's made with fewer sugars and without animal products.
A debate arises when comparing non-dairy yogurt with traditional dairy yogurt. On one hand, non-dairy yogurts are high in probiotics and beneficial bacteria, while also being dairy-free and often fortified with additional vitamins like B12. On the other hand, some may argue that regular yogurt has more high nutrition values and is higher in protein than its non-dairy counterpart. Furthermore, some studies have revealed that the fermentation process during the production of regular yogurt creates more beneficial bacteria than the fermentation process for non-dairy yogurts.
To resolve this debate and figure out what is best for our health, we must consider all of the evidence before making a decision. Traditional dairy yogurts contain proteins from cow milk which provide a range of benefits including enzymes, nutrients, and probiotics that help with digestion. Meanwhile, non-dairy yogurts are full of healthy fats and carbohydrates that help aid digestion but may lack some of these additional enzymes and nutrients found in regular yogurt. However, they still provide an excellent source of a variety of vitamins depending on what type you buy.
No matter what choice you make between regular or non-dairy yogurt, it is important to keep both options in mind when shopping for your next snack food. And now that we know a bit more about what non-dairy yogurt is, let's tackle the question - how long does it last?
How Long Does Non Dairy Yogurt Last?
Non-dairy yogurt is a versatile product that provides a tasty alternative to traditional dairy yogurt. But how long does non-dairy yogurt last? Many people are hesitant to try non-dairy yogurt because of this very question. In general, opened non-dairy yogurt will last for about seven to ten days after opening if it is stored properly in the refrigerator. Unopened and sealed non-dairy yogurt can last up to two weeks beyond its “best by” date.
The length of time that non-dairy yogurt will remain edible largely depends upon how quickly the containers are opened, sealed, and stored after purchase. While it may be tempting to open a package of yogurt when finished with an earlier one, proper storage procedures should always be followed in order to ensure optimal freshness and quality. Additionally, storing non-dairy yogurt separately from traditional dairy products may further extend its shelf life as certain ingredients used in non-dairy yogurts can reduce the amount of bacteria present in dairy products.
For those who want to make sure their non-dairy yogurt lasts for as long as possible, taking extra steps such as regularly checking expiration dates and storing at refrigerator temperatures are key. Doing so will help make sure that the product remains palatable for weeks beyond its best before date. With these tips in mind, let's look at how long unopened and sealed containers of non-dairy yogurt last.
Unopened and Sealed Containers
When it comes to unopened and sealed containers of non-dairy yogurt, most expiration date information refers to the date that it was packaged, printed on the container itself or provided by the manufacturer. Therefore, if stored properly before opening, these containers can generally last for weeks or months beyond the printed expiration date. It is best practice to refrigerate yogurt immediately after purchasing it and to make sure it stays at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that not all manufacturers will provide an expiration date or “use by” label. Therefore, it is up to the consumer to use their own judgment in determining whether a yogurt product is still safe to consume.
In general, unopened and sealed containers of non-dairy yogurt will begin to turn sour as they pass their labeled expiration date, causing them to lose flavor and texture. It is also important that these containers be free from any preservatives or contaminants that could alter their consistency or safety. Furthermore, some products may contain live cultures which require special storage conditions such as freezing temperatures in order to preserve their viability.
Given the variety of potential storage variables, it can be difficult to determine the exact shelf life of unopened and sealed non-dairy yogurt containers. While some yogurts may stay fresh well past their expiration dates, others may start spoiling sooner than expected due to improper storage conditions; hence why exercising caution when consuming food past its expiration date is always advised.
With that being said, determining how long one should store non-dairy yogurt depends mainly on personal preference and risk tolerance. For those wishing to err on the side of caution, it is recommended that they discard any non-dairy yogurts left unopened after seven days past the printed expiration date have passed. With this in mind, we have now covered the question of how long non-dairy yogurt lasts, when it comes to unopened and sealed containers, but what about opened containers?
Opened Containers
When it comes to opened containers of non-dairy yogurt, the consensus among experts is that they should be consumed within 48 hours after opening. While some people feel that they can make it slightly longer, this is not recommended as a general rule, due to potential health risks as well as potential flavor and texture changes.
Not only do opened containers of non-dairy yogurt lose flavor and texture quickly, but according to the USDA National Food Safety Database, foodborne disease-causing bacteria can form quickly in foods when they’re exposed to the air outside of their sealed container. That’s why it’s important to store any opened containers of non-dairy yogurt in the fridge and make sure that the temperature is consistently cold at 40ºF or lower.
It's also important to note that since dairy alternatives like coconut-, cashew-, and almond-based yogurts don’t contain as much preservatives as dairy-based yogurts, the expiration date for them will shorten significantly after being opened due to their high content of fat and moisture which can spoil easily when mixed with air. Therefore, it's best to consume opened non-dairy yogurts within 2 or 3 days of opening for maximum freshness.
This is why it's important to factor in how much you expect yourself or your family to finish a container when purchasing non-dairy yogurt at the grocery store—and if you know that you're going to need more than a few days to eat through it all, then you should choose an appropriately sized container so that none of it goes bad.
While there may be debate among individuals regarding how long opened containers of non-dairy yogurt last, opting for proper storage methods such as refrigeration, taking into account its shorter shelf life than unopened varieties, and choosing containers wisely are all great ways to keep your Yogurt fresher and safer for longer. And now let us move on to factoring in other aspects that affect the shelf life of non-dairy yogurt.
Factors that Affect Shelf Life of Non-Dairy Yogurt
There is a range of environmental factors that affect the shelf life of non-dairy yogurt. Temperature, environment, and exposure to air will all play a factor in determining how long the yogurt remains safe to eat. For example, exposure to sunlight can cause a reduction in vitamins A and D levels, and even exposure to oxygen can reduce yogurt’s shelf-life depending on the individual product. Therefore, it is essential to read the expiration date clearly printed on containers of non-dairy yogurt in order to fully understand its expected shelf-life.
When considering temperature as a factor, some argue refrigeration is necessary in order to maintain their quality despite an opened container. It is important that yogurts be stored at temperatures between 35 – 45°F because bacteria known as psychrotrophs begin growing at temperatures higher than that.
In addition to this, contamination can occur if open containers of yogurt sit at room temperature for too long before being refrigerated, as bacteria found in the environment can thrive at these temperatures making them unsafe for consumption. Consequently, these claims suggest that containers should be returned to the refrigerator immediately after being opened rather than leaving them sitting out or consuming them within the same meal timeframe.
However, others debate that non-dairy yogurts are expected to have long shelf lives if not exposed to extreme temperatures and remain unopened. Non-dairy yogurts are frequently treated with cultures of live microorganisms as well as preservatives such as guar gum and pectin which can act as natural barriers against bacteria growth. Through these treatments, it is argued that even when replicating affected environmental conditions such as heat or oxygenation there would still be no bacterial growth (Girón et al., 2019). Therefore, it is suggested that minimal changes occur with storage outside of cold temperatures albeit not ideal storage practices.
Both arguments provide valid evidence relating to the shelf life duration of non-dairy yogurts; however, it is important to note caution should be taken and follow good storage practices properly labeled on packaging regardless of your argument choice. Bad practices and environments can both lead often lead to spoiled products so it is important to always check expiration dates closely as well as remembering not all products are created equal when considering their shelf life length based on their ingredients list and manufacture process alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the length of time non-dairy yogurt lasts depend on the type of yogurt?
Yes, the length of time non-dairy yogurt lasts does depend on the type of yogurt. Like any other type of food, different ingredients and production methods can affect how long a non-dairy yogurt will last before spoiling. For example, organic or live cultured yogurts tend to last longer than those with added stabilizers or thickening agents.
Yogurt that contains preservatives can also have a longer shelf life than those without them. Additionally, storing your yogurt in a warm environment or at room temperature can shorten its lifespan as opposed to keeping it in the refrigerator. The container the yogurt is in will also play a role, with yogurts stored in airtight containers lasting longer than those exposed to air.
Are there any special storage conditions needed for non-dairy yogurt to last longer?
Yes, there are special storage conditions needed if you want your non-dairy yogurt to last longer. It's important to keep your yogurt stored in a cool and dry location such as your refrigerator. Heat and moisture can accelerate the oxidation process, which will shorten the lifespan of your yogurt. Additionally, make sure the container is closed securely. Exposure to oxygen can cause bacteria growth and affect the flavor and consistency of your yogurt. Keeping all these factors in mind will help ensure that your non-dairy yogurt lasts for its full shelf life!
How can I tell if non-dairy yogurt has gone bad?
The clearest sign that your non-dairy yogurt has gone bad is the presence of mold – if you can spot small discolored particles or a fuzzy white, green, or black coating on the surface of the yogurt, it's time to discard it and buy a new one.
In addition to visual cues, you can usually tell if non-dairy yogurt is no longer safe to consume if it smells strange or sour. Non-dairy yogurt with an off-putting odor should not be eaten and should be discarded immediately.
If the yogurt looks and smells normal, you can do a little taste test by taking a spoonful of it and waiting for any signs it has gone bad. If it tastes sour or strange, then it is likely no longer safe to eat.
While these steps are good ways to tell if your non-dairy yogurt has gone bad, always check the expiration date printed on the container before consuming any product.