What can happen if I eat expired yogurt?

He Yogurt It’s one of those foods that stands out for its versatility and that you can always find in the refrigerator. However, sometimes we completely forget that we left one or more inside the device and they end up expiring, depending on the date that appears on its packaging.

Facing this situation can be disappointing and can also raise several doubts: what would happen if I ate it the same? Would this present a danger to my health?

Yogurt does not have an expiry date, but the legend “best before”, established by the manufacturer, is indicated. These are two different concepts, which is why it is essential to know them in detail.

Specifically, The expiration date is the moment from which the food can no longer be consumed for any reason. , as this could pose a significant risk to the health of the consumer. This term is generally used for fish and meat.

On the other hand, The expiration date refers to the fact that after the indicated day, the product may only undergo changes in its organoleptic properties. , that is to say its flavor, its aroma, its appearance or its temperature. However, this poses no health risk.

“This is useful for brands because they guarantee that their product will be consumed at its maximum freshness and organoleptic quality,” said nutritionist-dietitian Ramón Cangas to Spanish Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics .

Considering the above, it is technically safe to consume yogurt after the expiration date, although it may not have the same quality as during its optimal period.

It should also be taken into account that there is a limit to the shelf life of yogurt whose expiration date has already passed. The Spanish Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics stated that If the product was properly stored and refrigerated, it could last two to three weeks beyond the date indicated.

Another point to consider is that if yogurt contains additional ingredients, such as fruit or nuts, the time it can be consumed also decreases significantly.

Although it is possible to consume the product when it is not in its most optimal state, experts recommend that consumers always identify and respect the day indicated on the packaging.

As described on the site CuidatePlus , There are very decisive signs to identify if yogurt is already bad and should not be consumed.

First, yogurts with partially open, damaged, or damp lids should be discarded completely. The reason is that it increases the risk of poisoning.

On the other hand, when the yogurt pot has already been opened and it is found that its consistency is different or that it contains more liquid than normal, the product must also be thrown away for safety reasons.

Another negative sign that the product is not in good condition is when its smell or taste is different from the usual, that is, if it is more sour or acidic.