For many people, yogurt is a must-buy ingredient during their weekly grocery run—and it’s easy to understand why. The dairy product is creamy, tangy, versatile andpacked with protein. But what happens when you get home from the store and accidentally forget to put the yogurt away? Will you have to throw it out? Luckily, yogurt is safe to eat at room temperature for a limited time. Read on for all the details, and get tips for storing yogurt properly.
How to Tell If Yogurt Is Bad
How Long Can Yogurt Sit Out?
According to U.S. Dairy, yogurt can sit out for up to two hours at room temperature before it must be stored. However, that time frame is cut in half as temperatures rise. If the temperature is 90℉ or above, yogurt can only sit out for one hour. To prevent yogurt from spoiling, it should be refrigerated immediately after returning from the store. (FYI: Bacterial growth may happen more quickly in yogurt with added sugar and fruit.) Some obvious signs that yogurt has gone bad include excessive liquid, even after stirring it, or mold. It may have gone bad if you detect a rancid or sour smell or if a small amount tastes stale or sour when you put it on your tongue. Read on for tips on how to store yogurt.
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How to Store Yogurt
For more on the dairy product, find outhow long yogurt is good for after the expiration date.
The Bottom Line
The safest place to store yogurt is on a shelf at the back of your refrigerator, not on the door, and your fridge should be at 40℉ or below according to the USDA. If yogurt is accidentally left out of the fridge, it should be safe for two hours on a cool day, but only one hour if temperatures are 90℉ or above, according to U.S. Dairy. If your yogurt contains fruit and sugar, bacteria can grow even faster, which is something to keep in mind.
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