Yogurt is made from a process that involves fermenting of milk. It’s possible to make yogurt out of all types of milk. Nonetheless, cow milk is the best and most popular around the world. Good bacteria is used to convert the milk lactose to lactic acid. This then reacts with the protein content in the milk and solidifies the milk. Once the yogurt is made, it can be taken through a pasteurization process to kill off bacteria, even though this is not necessary. If the yogurt is not pasteurized, it is said to contain live cultures.
Like all other dairy products, yogurt too can go bad after a while. Most people are unable to tell if the yogurt has gone bad or not. Here is how to tell if yogurt is bad.
Does Yogurt Go Bad?
Yes, yogurt does go bad. However, this does not happen as fast as it does in milk. This is a dairy product formed by the fermentation of milk and contains live cultures. This prolongs its shelf life. Also, yogurt can still be good for consumption up to 3 weeks after the expiration date. Therefore, don’t be too quick to dispose it off once the expiration date reaches.
How long yogurt takes before it expires also depends on how it is stored. If you keep it refrigerated, you can consume it days past its expiration date. If stored at room temperature, it will not go for long before it develops signs of going bad.
Steps to Follow to Tell If Yogurt Has Gone Bad
- Check expiration date
It is always advisable to start by checking the date of expiration. While this may not necessarily be a definite sign of going bad, it is a strong indicator that the yogurt has probably gone bad or is in the process. It is important to understand that open yogurt can go bad sooner than it is indicated on the expiry date.
- Molds and fungus
Fungus and molds can also be clear indicators that the yogurt has gone bad. If you notice green or brown spots in your yogurt, avoid consuming it as these are molds and fungus. This is how to tell if yogurt is bad. Do not try to eat around the affected areas as the fungus will have spread even if it is not visible.
- Smell
Check the smell. This does not apply to yogurt only, but to most other products as well. When yogurt begins to go bad, it develops a rancid smell. The smell can be the same as that of soured milk. Also, it will have a runny consistency which is not natural for fresh yogurt. If you sense the foul smell, try stirring it using a spoon. If the consistency is runny or is lumpy, then the yogurt has definitely gone bad.
Tips for Preserving Yogurt and Making Good Use of It Before Expiration
Extending Yogurt Shelf Life
It is possible to extend the life of your yogurt by ensuring you refrigerate it as soon as it is purchased. Once you open the package, you can still keep the yogurt for a few more days ensuring the foil seal remains in the lid. A tight container can also preserve yogurt. This blocks out moisture and prevents the yogurt from contamination.
If you want to preserve yogurt for even longer, you should consider freezing it. In this condition, you can extend the life of the yogurt by a month or two and still maintain its amazing taste.
When you properly store your yogurt, you will be able to enjoy the same nutritional value and great taste without worrying about it going bad soon.
Using Yogurt Before It Goes Bad
Now that you know how to tell if yogurt is bad, you need to find out how to use it before it goes bad. You can use yogurt in the place of oil in cake mixes. It is especially ideal for chocolate cake mixes or coffee cakes. You can also blend it together with assorted fruits, and ice to create a healthy smoothie. Yogurt can also be used as a substitute for mayonnaise when you need to dress your salads. It is also an excellent topping for strawberries and lettuce.
Health Benefits of Yogurt
There are numerous benefits associated with the consumption of yogurt.
- Since yogurt is a milk product, it comes loaded with healthy amounts of animal protein as well as other nutrients like minerals and fats.
- As mentioned above, yogurt contains live cultures or probiotics. These are healthy bacteria that help with various digestive functions and also boost the immune system.
- Intake of yogurt can also aid in weight loss. This is because it gives you a feeling of fullness that lasts for a while. This ensures you avoid binge eating.
- In women, the intake of yogurt is associated with controlling and preventing the development of yeast infection. The live cultures in yogurt work to fight the bacteria that causes yeast infections.
- Yogurt has also been found to be effective in preventing the development of osteoporosis. This is because yogurt is a good source of all the nutrients required to fight the effects of this condition.
Before you can use it, you need to learn how to tell if yogurt is bad to avoid food poisoning.