{"id":2075,"date":"2026-06-26T16:21:06","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T14:21:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.regioneo.com\/?p=2075"},"modified":"2026-06-26T16:22:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T14:22:26","slug":"consume-milk-past-its-sell-by-date","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.regioneo.com\/en\/consume-milk-past-its-sell-by-date\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you drink milk after the expiry date?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In France, each French person consumes on average around 40.7 litres of milk per year, which is nearly five glasses per week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shows how central milk is to our daily diet, and why the question of its preservation deserves a clear answer. Every year, millions of litres are thrown away while they are still perfectly drinkable, often due to a lack of understanding of what the dates on the packaging really mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DLC or DDM: the distinction that changes everything<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before deciding if your milk is still good, there's a crucial question to ask: what does the packaging say? Because when it comes to expiry dates, not all of them are equal. And it's precisely this confusion that leads to a large part of the food waste<\/a> in France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use By Date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The DLC is indicated by the mention \u00abUse by...\u00bb<\/strong>. This is a strict limit set by the manufacturer after laboratory microbiological testing. It applies to highly perishable fresh products that are susceptible to the development of pathogenic bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once this date has passed, the health risk is real, particularly for vulnerable people: young children, pregnant women, the elderly or immunocompromised individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Before Date (BBD)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The DDM, however, is formulated by the mention \u00abBest before...\u00bb<\/strong>. This is an indicative date. Once passed, the product may lose flavour, texture, or nutritional value, but it is not a health hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To fully understand the difference between these two mentions and their impact on what you can still eat, consult our dedicated article on the Expiry date and best before date<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UHT milk, pasteurised, raw: each type has its own rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The answer to the question \u00abcan you drink expired milk?\u00bb therefore depends directly on the type of milk you have on hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UHT milk (long-life)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

UHT milk is sterilised at ultra-high temperature, which eliminates most micro-organisms. It has a best-before date. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unopened and stored in good conditions (away from heat and light), it remains consumable for several weeks, or even up to two months after the date shown. Once opened, it must be placed in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 5 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh pasteurised milk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This milk is treated at a lower temperature than UHT milk. It retains more flavour, but it is also more delicate. It has a use-by date, and it is strongly advised not to consume it past this date. If the date is only a day or two out, trust your senses (appearance, smell, taste), but if in doubt, don't take any risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raw milk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is milk that has not undergone any heat treatment. It is therefore the most susceptible to bacterial contamination. Its use-by date is short, and it must be strictly adhered to. The risks in the event of exceeding this date are the highest of all types of milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type of milk<\/th>Date displayed<\/th>Usable after the date?<\/th>Precautions<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
UHT milk (unopened)<\/td>DDM<\/td>Yes, until about 2 months afterwards<\/td>Check appearance and smell<\/td><\/tr>
UHT Milk (opened)<\/td>\u2014<\/td>No, 3 to 5 days in the fridge max<\/td>Keep refrigerated<\/td><\/tr>
Pasteurised milk<\/td>DLC<\/td>Not recommended<\/td>Real bacterial risk<\/td><\/tr>
Raw milk<\/td>DLC<\/td>No<\/td>To be strictly observed<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The tell-tale signs: has your milk turned?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the date, your senses remain your best allies for assessing milk. Here are the clues to look out for before consuming milk that is close to its sell-by date or has passed it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n