TempoLife › Features › How long food keeps: fridge, freezer and pantry › milk
Milk (opened) shelf life
Milk (opened) keeps 5-7 days in the fridge, 1-3 months in the freezer. Spoilage signs and the safe-handling notes, from the USDA Cold Food Storage Chart.
Storage at a glance
| Where | How long |
|---|---|
| Fridge (0-4 °C) | 5-7 days |
| Freezer (-18 °C) | 1-3 months |
Signs it has gone off
Sour smell, curdling, lumps.
Safe handling
Freezing changes the texture; fine for cooking.
Storage times are guidance, not a guarantee. If it looks or smells wrong, do not taste it to check.
Source: USDA Cold Food Storage Chart / FDA-USDA FoodKeeper · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
How long does milk (opened) last in the fridge?
5-7 days — stored sealed, at 4 C or below.
Can you freeze milk (opened)?
Yes — about 1-3 months for quality. Frozen at a constant -18 C it stays safe longer; the time is about taste and texture.
How do you know when milk (opened) has gone off?
Sour smell, curdling, lumps. Trust the signs over any date.
Yogurt (opened)
Fridge: 1-2 weeks · freezer: 1-2 months
Butter
Fridge: 1-3 months · freezer: 6-9 months
Hard cheese, cheddar type (opened)
Fridge: 3-4 weeks · freezer: 6 months
Soft cheese, brie type (opened)
Fridge: 1 week · freezer: —
Cream cheese (opened)
Fridge: 2 weeks · freezer: —
Cottage cheese (opened)
Fridge: 1 week · freezer: —
Know the shelf life, plan the week
TempoLife puts the food plan next to your goals, so what you bought gets eaten, not binned.