Dairy & eggs: how long does it last?

45 dairy & eggs items with published storage times, 16 of them with a specific after-opening window.

Updated 2026-08-07 · Free · No sign-up

ItemAfter openingUnopened / otherStore at
Butter1–2 monthsRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Buttermilk1–2 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cheese (hard such as cheddar, swiss, block parmesan)3–4 weeks6 monthsRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cheese (parmesan; shredded or grated)12 monthsRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cheese (processed slices)3–4 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cheese (shredded; cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)1 monthRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cheese (soft such as brie, bel paese, goat)1–2 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cheese Curds (fresh, unaged)2 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Coconut milk (dairy & eggs)7–10 daysUntil the package use-by dateRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Coffee creamer (liquid refrigerated)3 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Coffee creamer (powdered)2–3 months2 yearsCool, dry pantry, sealed — refrigerating after opening is optional and mainly preserves quality
Cottage cheese5–7 days1–2 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cream (half and half)3–4 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cream (heavy)10 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cream (light)1 weekRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cream (whipped, sweetened)1 dayRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cream (whipping, ultrapasteurized)1 week1 monthRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cream cheese2 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Dips (sour cream based)2 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Egg dishes3–4 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Egg substitutes (liquid)3 days7 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Eggnog (commercial)3–5 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Eggs (hard boiled cooked)1 weekRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Eggs (in shell)3–5 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Eggs (raw whites, yolks)2–4 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Ghee1–2 yearsCool, dry pantry, or refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below to keep it longer
Kefir (fermented milk)1–2 days1 weekRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Margarine6 monthsRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Milk (lactose-free)1 weekNot recommendedRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Milk (plain or flavored)Until the package use-by dateRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Nacho cheese (store bought)2 weeks2 yearsCool, dry pantry unopened; refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below after opening
Pimento cheese (packaged)4 weeksUntil the package use-by dateRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Powdered milk3 months3–5 yearsCool, dry pantry, sealed — refrigerating after opening is optional and mainly preserves quality
Pudding2 daysUntil the package use-by dateRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Quark (fresh cheese)7–10 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Rice milk7–10 daysUntil the package use-by dateRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Ricotta1 week2 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Sour creamUntil the package use-by dateRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Soy milk7–10 daysUntil the package use-by dateRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
String Cheese5 monthsRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Vegan Cheddar Cheese3–7 days4 monthsRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Whipped cream (aerosol can)3–4 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Whipped topping (aerosol can)3 monthsRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Whipped topping (tub)2 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Yogurt1–2 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below

Tap any item for its full storage table, spoilage signs, and storage tips. A dash means no figure is published for that situation — not that it keeps forever.

Spotting spoilage in dairy & eggs

General guidance for the category, not a per-product finding. When in doubt, throw it out.

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