Shelf life is the period of time that a food or perishable goods may be stored before it starts to deteriorate or become potentially unsafe. Controlling the temperature during storage is specifically important for most foods especially dairy products- from market to home.

For dairy-based food, almost all products need to be stored in the refrigerator. Dairy products like ice cream, shall be stored in the freezer.

The shelf life of various dairy products varies significantly. Specifically, these are the following:

Pasteurized milk and flavored milk drink: 5-7 days. However, UHT-treated milk, unopened, can last up to 6-12 months at ambient temperature.

Yoghurt: 7-14 days

Hard and semi-hard cheese: Depending on the type, it should be kept inside the refrigerator and can last for several weeks to months.

Cottage cheese, ricotta and cream cheese: 1-2 weeks

Butter (salted and unsalted): A shelf-life of about 4 weeks.

UHT milk, ice cream and frozen yoghurt: 6-12 months in the freezer.

While the above information is the standard shelf-life of dairy products, it is highly-recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions indicated on the label. Always check the use-by and expiration date to know how long products can be safely consumed.

Meanwhile, the best-before date is the time that a properly stored, unopened package will retain its quality, freshness, taste, and nutritional value.

For more information on dairy products and services, visit the National Dairy Authority.

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(by: Jenny Rose Gabao, ATI-ISD)