How long does milk last?
Unopened, it keeps in the cupboard for about 3 months. Once opened, in the fridge for about 4 days.
This refers to: UHT (long-life) milk.
Shelf life of milk at a glance
| Storage | Unopened | Opened |
|---|---|---|
| Cupboard | 3 months | – |
| Fridge | – | 4 days |
Unopened UHT milk keeps several months without refrigeration, fresh milk only about 7 days and ESL milk about 20 days in the fridge. Once opened, any milk belongs in the fridge and should be used within a few days.
Past its date does not mean spoiled
These are guide values for food stored correctly. A best-before date is not a throw-away date: many products are still fine after it. Check how it looks, smells and tastes. Mould, an unusual smell or a bulging can are reasons to throw it away. A use-by date is different: do not eat the food after it.