How long can eggnog be stored in the refrigerator?
According to USDA's egg storage chart, commercial eggnog keeps 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator or 6 months in the freezer, and homemade eggnog 2 to 4 days in the refrigerator and should not be frozen.
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In this article
Eggnog is made with eggs and milk or cream, so storage time matters. The numbers below come from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), not from a guess.
How long can eggnog be stored in the refrigerator?
USDA’s egg storage chart (Food Safety and Inspection Service) gives these times:
| Eggnog | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial (store-bought) | 3 to 5 days | 6 months |
| Homemade | 2 to 4 days | Do not freeze |
The chart does not say whether the days count from opening or from the day it was made. For a carton, our advice is to count from opening and to follow any use-by date printed on the carton if it is sooner.
Can you freeze eggnog?
According to the same USDA chart, commercial eggnog can be frozen for up to 6 months. Homemade eggnog should not be frozen.
How can you tell eggnog has gone bad?
Our general advice, not a USDA statement: throw it away if it smells sour or off, looks lumpy or separated in a way that does not return when stirred, or if the carton is bulging. Do not taste it to check. Eggnog is a dairy and egg drink, so when you are unsure, throw it out.
Why is homemade eggnog shorter?
The USDA chart gives homemade eggnog a shorter time (2 to 4 days) than commercial eggnog (3 to 5 days). The chart does not explain why. Commercial products are made and packed under controlled conditions, which is the usual reason for the difference, but that part is our explanation.
Quick summary
- Commercial eggnog: 3 to 5 days in the fridge, 6 months in the freezer (USDA).
- Homemade eggnog: 2 to 4 days in the fridge, do not freeze (USDA).
- If it smells or looks wrong, throw it out.
Is homemade eggnog with raw eggs safe?
FDA’s guidance on raw shell eggs says to substitute pasteurized eggs or egg products for raw shell eggs in foods such as eggnog. If you make eggnog at home, using pasteurized eggs is the FDA-backed way to cut that risk. Ask a doctor if you are pregnant, older, very young or have a weakened immune system.
Does alcoholic eggnog expire?
We found no official source that gives a shelf life for eggnog with alcohol added, or that says alcohol changes the USDA times above. The page we opened does not mention alcohol. Until an official source says otherwise, do not assume that alcohol makes eggnog last longer, and follow the date on the carton or bottle.
Does eggnog need to be refrigerated, and can you freeze it?
The USDA chart quoted above gives eggnog storage times for the refrigerator and freezer, not for the counter. We found no official statement about leaving it out, so keep it in the fridge as that chart assumes. On freezing eggnog, the same chart says commercial eggnog can be frozen for 6 months and homemade eggnog should not be frozen.
People also ask
How long does eggnog last in the fridge?
USDA lists commercial eggnog at 3 to 5 days and homemade eggnog at 2 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze eggnog?
USDA lists commercial eggnog as freezable for 6 months. Homemade eggnog should not be frozen.
How do you know if eggnog has gone bad?
Our general advice: a sour or off smell, lumps or separation that do not stir back, or a bulging carton. Do not taste it to check; throw it out.
Can you use raw eggs in eggnog?
FDA says to substitute pasteurized eggs or egg products for raw shell eggs in foods such as eggnog.
Does alcoholic eggnog expire?
We found no official source that gives a shelf life for eggnog with alcohol. Follow the date printed on the bottle or carton.
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