HowLongFreshHowLongFresh
Back to FAQ List
🧊Refrigerated Foods

Can You Safely Drink Milk After the Sell-By Date?

HowLongFresh ExpertJul 24, 2025

Key Points

  • Yes, milk that has been properly stored will generally remain drinkable for about one week after the "sell-by" date on the package
  • Keeping your milk continuously refrigerated and sealing the container well after each use will go a long way toward keeping your milk fresh
  • So too will making sure that the temperature of your refrigerator remains at or below 40° Fahrenheit at all times

Overview

Yes, milk that has been properly stored will generally remain drinkable for about one week after the "sell-by" date on the package. That’s the general case, mind you — as the Dairy Council of California points out, several factors will influence what happens in your particular fridge once the milk’s sell-by date has passed. Keeping your milk continuously refrigerated and sealing the container well after each use will go a long way toward keeping your milk fresh. So too will making sure that the temperature of your refrigerator remains at or below 40° Fahrenheit at all times. If milk develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, you should always discard it. (Note: This refers to “sell-by” terminology used in the United States; practices in other countries may differ.)Long-Lasting Produce Stock up and enjoy Your Questions Answered Steak that's changed color

Key Points

  • Yes, milk that has been properly stored will generally remain drinkable for about one week after the "sell-by" date on the package
  • Keeping your milk continuously refrigerated and sealing the container well after each use will go a long way toward keeping your milk fresh
  • So too will making sure that the temperature of your refrigerator remains at or below 40° Fahrenheit at all times

This information applies to: beef, chicken, cranberry, dairy, eggs, ground beef, hamburger, milk, pie, potatoes, salad, shrimp, steak, stuffing, turkey

Tags

cooking expiration freezing leftovers refrigeration safety storage thawing

Related Foods

beef
chicken
cranberry
dairy
eggs
ground beef
hamburger
milk
pie
potatoes
salad
shrimp
steak
stuffing
turkey