How long does milk last?

Fresh milk keeps until the use-by date on the carton in a fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, and is best finished within about a week of opening. Unopened shelf-stable (UHT) milk keeps 6 to 12 months in the pantry, then 5 to 7 days in the fridge once opened.

Food	Fridge	Freezer	Pantry
Fresh milk	Until the use-by date	3 monthsfrom purchase	—
Shelf-stable (UHT) milk	—Opened: 5–7 days	—	6–12 monthsfrom purchase
Ultra-pasteurized milk, sold chilled	1–3 monthsOpened: 7–10 days	—	—
Lactose-free milk	—Opened: 1 week	Not recommended	—

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if milk has gone bad

A sour smell is the first and most reliable sign. If it smells off, pour it away; there's no need to taste it.
Lumps, a thick or slimy texture, or curdling when you pour it or add it to hot coffee.
A yellowish color instead of white.
A carton that has puffed up or a cap that hisses when opened.

How to store milk

Keep milk on a shelf at the back of the fridge, the coldest part, not in the door.
Put it back in the fridge right after pouring: every few minutes at room temperature shortens its life.
Keep the cap closed. Milk picks up the smell of strong foods like onions or cheese.
Don't pour milk from a jug or glass back into the carton.
Shelf-stable UHT milk can stay in the pantry until opened; after that, treat it like fresh milk and keep it in the fridge.

Can you freeze milk?

Yes, for about 3 months. Leave some room at the top of the container, because milk expands as it freezes. Thaw it in the fridge, not on the counter, and shake it well: the fat separates and the texture turns slightly grainy, so thawed milk is better for cooking, baking and smoothies than for drinking. The USDA doesn't recommend freezing lactose-free milk.

Questions

Can you drink milk after the date on the carton?

In the US, the date on milk is the producer's estimate of quality rather than a federal safety date, and milk kept cold can stay good a little past it. It is still a perishable food: smell it first and pour it away if it smells sour or looks lumpy.

How long can milk sit out?

No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour above 32 °C (90 °F). After that, throw it out even if it seems fine.