How Long Does Milk Last?
Storage method
* freezer times are best-quality windows
Milk — plain or flavored — freezer, from date of purchase
3 months in the freezer
- Freezer at 0 °F (−18 °C)
- Applies from date of purchase · plain or flavored
This freezer window is a best-quality guideline. Food kept constantly frozen at 0 °F (−18 °C) stays safe indefinitely; flavor and texture decline after this period.
Pick a valid date to calculate the recommended use-by window.
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24) · About this data · Report an issue
FoodStorageCheck — official USDA FoodKeeper guidance · foodstoragecheck.com
All official guidance for milk
Every storage entry the USDA FoodKeeper dataset lists for this food, exactly as published (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24). “No official duration listed” means the source does not provide a number for that combination — not that the food lasts forever.
Milk — plain or flavored
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | general guideline | Use by the package date |
| Freezer | from date of purchase | 3 months (best quality) |
Milk — canned evaporated or condensed
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | from date of purchase | 12 months |
| Refrigerator | after opening | 4 to 5 days |
Milk — lactose-free
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | after opening | 1 week |
| Freezer | general guideline | Not recommended |
Milk — shelf-stable
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | from date of purchase | 6 to 12 months |
| Refrigerator | after opening | 5 to 7 days |
Milk — ultra-pasteurized
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | general guideline | 1 to 3 months |
| Refrigerator | after opening | 7 to 10 days |
Common questions about milk
- How long does milk last in the refrigerator?
- Use by the date printed on the package, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. Times assume a refrigerator at or below 40 °F (4 °C).
- Can you freeze milk?
- Yes. 3 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. This is a best-quality window — food kept constantly frozen at 0 °F (−18 °C) stays safe indefinitely.
Two reminders that apply here
Keep the fridge at 40 °F (4 °C) or below.Refrigerator times in this dataset assume a refrigerator held at or below 40 °F. An appliance thermometer is the reliable way to check.
The two-hour rule.Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90 °F / 32 °C) should be discarded, per FoodSafety.gov. Storage windows assume food was refrigerated promptly.