Goat milk might not be the most popular milk choice in the United States, but it accounts for 2% of the world’s milk supply, which is saying something!
Goat milk is preferred by some for different reasons. Whatever your reason for choosing goat milk, you should know – when does goat milk go bad?
Store-bought goat milk (the kind we refer to in this article) will last until its best-by or expiration date when sealed, possibly a few days longer. Once opened, aim to use goat milk within 5-7 days, or freeze it for up to 6 months.
We’ll explain what to look for to determine when goat milk goes bad (and much more) next!
What is goat milk?
Goat milk is milk from goats (pretty simple, right?!). It’s a common alternative to cow’s milk for people who have a cow’s milk allergy (the most common milk protein allergy) – but it might not be tolerated by all people with a milk protein allergy.
Contrary to popular belief, goat’s milk isn’t lactose-free, so it might not be the best alternative if you have lactose intolerance. It IS lower in lactose than cow’s milk, though.
Compared to whole cow’s milk, goat milk is very similar nutrition-wise. Some people find goat’s milk easier to digest than cow’s milk, which is another reason some people choose goat milk over cow’s milk.
For this article, we’re referring to store-bought, pasteurized goat milk, not raw or farm-fresh goat milk.
What is the shelf life of goat milk?
When sealed and stored in the refrigerator, goat milk will likely last a couple of days past the best-by or expiration date. Once opened, the USDA recommends using goat’s milk within seven days.
Goat milk shelf life summary
*If you freeze goat milk, store it in an airtight container. Glass canning jars are an ideal choice, but plastic storage bags with the air removed will also work. Allow some room for expansion during freezing as well!
| Refrigerator – SEALED | Refrigerator – OPEN | Room temperature | Freezer* | |
| Pasteurized goat milk | Until the best-by date; possibly a few days after (check for freshness) | 5-7 days | Less than 2 hours | 2-6 months; use within 3-4 days of defrosting |
How long does goat milk go bad after opening?
For ideal freshness, try to use goat milk within a week after you open it. If you open it close to or after its best-by date, use it within a day or two for optimal flavor.
Can you use goat milk after its expiration date?
If the goat milk has been sealed, it’s likely fine to use for a few days past its best-by or expiration date. Always check for signs of spoilage if you choose to use goat milk past its expiration date, though – it’s better to be safe than sorry!
How to tell if goat milk went bad
Consistency
Fresh goat milk should be smooth and creamy. If there are chunks, curdles, or any solid parts within goat’s milk, it’s likely going bad. If you spot mold or mildew, toss it ASAP!
Smell
If goat milk takes on a sour or cheesy smell, it’s past its prime and needs to be discarded.
(If you don’t know what fresh goat’s milk smells like, make sure you smell it when it’s within its optimal shelf life so you know what to compare spoiled goat milk to!)
Taste
Fresh goat milk should have a mild, sweet flavor with minimal aftertaste. The flavor can also be described by some as a bit “tangy” compared to cow’s milk.
If bacteria begin to spoil the goat milk, acid will form and it will take on an “off” or “goaty” flavor. This can also occur over time due to natural enzymes present in goat milk.
Similar to the smell, always taste fresh goat milk so you know what to compare spoiled goat milk to!
What’s the danger in using goat milk after it’s gone bad?
Drinking a small amount of goat milk after it’s gone bad isn’t likely dangerous. If you happen to drink a large amount of goat milk past its prime, you might get an upset stomach from food poisoning (ingesting large amounts of bacteria or viruses).
If you develop severe signs of food poisoning, always reach out to your healthcare provider!
Best storage practices for goat milk
- Keep goat milk refrigerated at all times, ideally between 33-38 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Store goat milk toward the back of the refrigerator where it’s coldest and most consistent in temperature.
- Avoid keeping goat milk outside the refrigerator for longer than two hours – ideally nowhere close to that long.
- Store goat milk in sealed glass containers whenever possible. This helps the milk retain a fresh flavor.
FAQs:
How long does goat milk last in the fridge?
Once opened, aim to use goat milk within one week (7 days).
Does goat milk go bad if left out of the fridge overnight?
If goat milk was left outside of the fridge overnight, then toss it. Being outside of refrigerated temperatures for more than two hours increases the risk of bacterial growth in the milk.
