FAQs
Guidelines from agricultural programs at various universities recommend consuming buttermilk within three weeks of the date stamped on the package. In the test kitchen, we've found that buttermilk won't turn truly bad (signified by mold growth) until at least three weeks after opening.
How can I tell if buttermilk has gone bad? ›
Pour some into a cup and look at its consistency. It should be smooth, but if it's really thick and has clumps or chunks, the buttermilk has gone bad. The buttermilk smells strong and sour.
Is it OK to cook with expired buttermilk? ›
Opened buttermilk can last up to 14 days in the fridge and slightly longer than its expiration date if unopened. It can be frozen opened or unopened in an airtight container for up to 3 months. If you notice any changes to the smell or look of your buttermilk, it's best to toss it to avoid getting sick.
Why does my buttermilk look like yogurt? ›
Sometimes overculturing (too long or too warm) can cause the buttermilk to curdle or become lumpy before it separates fully. To make a smooth consistency, simply whisk it. (Remove some of the whey if you like, or stir it back in.)
Does buttermilk have mold? ›
Most dairy products, like cheese, sour cream and buttermilk, contain mold because they've undergone fermentation. Baked goods may also contain dairy products that underwent fermentation. Check labels before you eat.
When should you throw out buttermilk? ›
Once your buttermilk is chunky, and you can't pour it, or if it has visible mold, it's time to throw it out.
What can I do with old buttermilk? ›
Whisk It into a Dip, Sauce, or Dressing
another cake. For an easy savory option, drizzle some buttermilk into your next salad dressing or creamy dip. You can whip up a simple, herby ranch dressing or any easy buttermilk dressing. Drizzle some into bean dips or caramelized onion dips.
Can I use 2 month expired buttermilk? ›
How long is Buttermilk good for after the expiration date? Buttermilk is good for about a week past its expiration date if it has been kept refrigerated. This is due to the fermentation in buttermilk allowing the buttermilk to last longer.
Can you use buttermilk 2 months after expiration date? ›
If stored properly, unopened store-bought buttermilk can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks past its "sell by" date. To maximize its shelf life, it's important to store buttermilk in the main compartment of the refrigerator, as opposed to the door, where the temperature can fluctuate more frequently.
How many days after buttermilk expires can you use it? ›
Buttermilk can still remain good for up to an additional two weeks after its stamped date of expiration.
Once you've opened the buttermilk, it should be used within 7-10 days to ensure its quality and taste. If the buttermilk has a sour or off odor, it's best to discard it, as this can indicate spoilage.
What should buttermilk look like? ›
Buttermilk is a little thicker than regular milk and it has natural little lumps in it. So, yes, buttermilk is supposed to be a little chunky, just like me. If it's supposed to be chunky and it smells a little sour, how can you tell if buttermilk is bad? If it's super thick and smells super sour, that's not good.
Does buttermilk have good bacteria like yogurt? ›
The fermentation process involved in making buttermilk produces beneficial bacteria that are similar to those found in yogurt. These probiotics can help promote digestive health by improving the balance of gut bacteria and aiding in the absorption of nutrients.
Can you bake with moldy buttermilk? ›
Typically, only mould would make buttermilk unusable. Unless it does go mouldy, it won't really go bad, it will just become more and more acidic. These days buttermilk is made with bacterial cultures so it just keeps working. It may eventually get so sour it can't be used but that will take quite some time.
What is the yellow stuff in buttermilk? ›
Lactic acid in the milk produced a bacteria that fermented milk.
Does buttermilk go bad serious eats? ›
There's nothing wrong with using buttermilk well past the sell-by date; its acidic nature and complement of beneficial bacteria make buttermilk much less perishable than fresh milk. And if it gets a bit tangier over time, that's a win for most recipes.
Can buttermilk go bad in the refrigerator? ›
Once you've opened the buttermilk, it should be used within 7-10 days to ensure its quality and taste. If the buttermilk has a sour or off odor, it's best to discard it, as this can indicate spoilage.
How long does buttermilk last in the refrigerator? ›
How long is buttermilk good for? An opened container of buttermilk will last 14 days in the refrigerator and can last slightly longer than its expiration date.
Does buttermilk go bad in the fridge? ›
While an expiration date can help provide some insight as to when it will spoil, it often doesn't take into consideration whether the buttermilk was opened. Since quality fades quicker after opening, buttermilk will last a maximum of 2 weeks in the fridge.
How long does buttermilk go bad? ›
It's quite common for a quart of buttermilk to be opened for a one-off recipe, like a batch of buttermilk pancakes with lemon and ricotta -- then, sadly, the remaining jug of buttermilk is left to languish in the fridge. But just how long can buttermilk sit there without spoiling? The short answer is about two weeks.
