{"id":1048,"date":"2019-04-15T13:43:17","date_gmt":"2019-04-15T13:43:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/?p=1048"},"modified":"2023-01-18T09:29:13","modified_gmt":"2023-01-18T09:29:13","slug":"can-kefir-go-bad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-kefir-go-bad\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does Kefir Last and How to Know if It\u2019s Bad?"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:150.09380863039%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:150.09380863039%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Today we&rsquo;ll cover the shelf life, storage options, and spoilage of kefir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Say you&rsquo;ve just opened a fresh container, and <strong>you&rsquo;re wondering how long kefir lasts after opening<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or maybe yours has been opened for more than a couple of day, and you want to know <strong>what are the spoilage signs<\/strong> you should look out for. How to tell if kefir is bad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sounds like you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If so, this article is for you. Read on.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-carton.jpg\" alt=\"Kefir carton\" class=\"wp-image-2014\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-carton.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-carton-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20533%20800'%3E%3Crect%20width='533'%20height='800'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Kefir carton\" class=\"wp-image-2014 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-carton.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-carton.jpg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-carton.jpg.webp 533w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-carton-200x300.jpg.webp 200w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption>Kefir carton<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-tell-if-kefir-is-bad\">How to Tell if Kefir Is Bad?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Your kefir has gone bad if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>It&rsquo;s moldy.<\/strong> Mold is <a href=\"http:\/\/www.yummykefir.com\/milk-kefir-faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the most obvious sign<\/a>. It might be a noticeable fuzzy growth or just a few pink or orange spots here and there. If your kefir is in a carton, pour it into a glass before using to have a closer look at what&rsquo;s going on.<\/li><li><strong>It&rsquo;s heavily separated.<\/strong> If it looks more like water and a bunch of almost solid chunks, it&rsquo;s not good anymore. It should be similar to buttermilk in texture.<\/li><li><strong>It smells super sour or off in any other way. <\/strong>Kefir typically smells a bit sour or vinegar-like, but if it was mild after opening the carton and now it&rsquo;s sharp and biting, get rid of it. The same applies if it smells moldy.<\/li><li><strong>The taste is too sour.<\/strong> As a living product, kefir becomes stronger in flavor over time. And at a certain point, you will likely find that it&rsquo;s too much for your taste buds. If that&rsquo;s the case, discard it or perhaps try using it in a recipe where that flavor will fit right in.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-paragraph-tip\">Overly sour kefir is perfectly safe to consume, maybe just not the most taste-buds-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cooked-pancakes-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"Cooked kefir-based pancakes\" class=\"wp-image-2013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cooked-pancakes-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cooked-pancakes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cooked-pancakes-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cooked-pancakes.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cooked-pancakes-600x400.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Cooked kefir-based pancakes\" class=\"wp-image-2013 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cooked-pancakes-600x400.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cooked-pancakes-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cooked-pancakes-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cooked-pancakes.jpg.webp 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cooked-pancakes.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption>Cooked kefir-based pancakes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>I want to reiterate that <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kefir\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">kefir is a fermented milk drink<\/a>, and as such, it has all the characteristics of other fermented products, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-sauerkraut-go-bad\/\">sauerkraut<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-kombucha-go-bad\/\">kombucha<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">That means that its taste, texture, and the amount of fizz in it <a href=\"https:\/\/lifewaykefir.com\/faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">will be different from batch to batch<\/a>, and also change depending on the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact that this bottle doesn&rsquo;t taste or feel exactly like the other bottle from the same producer doesn&rsquo;t mean it&rsquo;s spoiled. Kefir is an alive and active product, and every bottle or carton is somewhat unique.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"Preparing for kefir pancakes\" class=\"wp-image-2019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-600x400.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Preparing for kefir pancakes\" class=\"wp-image-2019 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-600x400.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg.webp 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption>Preparing for kefir pancakes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-long-does-kefir-last\">How Long Does Kefir Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><strong>Kefir should retain quality for at least a couple of days past the printed date before it becomes too sour to use. After opening, kefir lasts up to two weeks, or until the date on the label, plus a few extra days.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&rsquo;s kefir&rsquo;s shelf life in a nutshell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since kefir is a fermented drink that doesn&rsquo;t go bad that easily, treat the printed date as an estimate of how long its taste should be optimal. So if you&rsquo;re okay with a pretty sour kefir, you might get a couple of extra days of storage beyond what I mentioned earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, I think having a hard stop date instead of simply storing kefir as long as it doesn&rsquo;t seem spoiled is a good idea. For that, I suggest adding a week to the printed date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if your kefir is &ldquo;expired,&rdquo; make sure to check it for all possible spoilage signs before using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore,&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.yummykefir.com\/milk-kefir-faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">remember that the flavor and sourness of kefir vary from batch to batch<\/a>. So even if your favorite kefir is usually okay for a few days past the printed date, it doesn&rsquo;t mean that will always be the case.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-pancakes-closeup-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"Kefir pancakes up close\" class=\"wp-image-2015\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-pancakes-closeup-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-pancakes-closeup-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-pancakes-closeup-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-pancakes-closeup.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-pancakes-closeup-600x400.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Kefir pancakes up close\" class=\"wp-image-2015 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-pancakes-closeup-600x400.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-pancakes-closeup-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-pancakes-closeup-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-pancakes-closeup.jpg.webp 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kefir-pancakes-closeup.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption>Kefir pancakes up close<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"after-opening\">After Opening<\/h3>\n\n\n<p><strong>Once you open the package,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lifewaykefir.com\/faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the shelf life of kefir doesn&rsquo;t really change<\/a>. It can still last for up to a few days past the printed date. The only thing that changes is that there&rsquo;s now a much higher chance of microbial contamination, causing the kefir to spoil.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, it&rsquo;s not a given that the kefir you opened two weeks before its date will last until that date or even a couple of days beyond it. If you&rsquo;re unlucky and the dairy product gets contaminated, it might spoil within a few days of opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, as with similar dairy products such as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-buttermilk-go-bad\/\">buttermilk<\/a>&nbsp;or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-sour-cream-go-bad\/\">sour cream<\/a>, it&rsquo;s best to consume this fermented milk drink as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Measuring-kefir-for-pancakes-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"Measuring kefir for pancakes\" class=\"wp-image-2016\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Measuring-kefir-for-pancakes-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Measuring-kefir-for-pancakes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Measuring-kefir-for-pancakes-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Measuring-kefir-for-pancakes.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Measuring-kefir-for-pancakes-600x400.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Measuring kefir for pancakes\" class=\"wp-image-2016 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Measuring-kefir-for-pancakes-600x400.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Measuring-kefir-for-pancakes-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Measuring-kefir-for-pancakes-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Measuring-kefir-for-pancakes.jpg.webp 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Measuring-kefir-for-pancakes.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption>Measuring kefir for pancakes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-store-kefir\">How To Store Kefir<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><strong>Store kefir in the fridge and make sure the leftovers are sealed tightly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your kefir doesn&rsquo;t come in a resealable container or carton, pour the leftovers into a mason jar or plastic container so you can seal them tightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aluminum or plastic wrap and a rubber band is a decent makeshift solution if you don&rsquo;t have any containers around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Leaving a half-open unsealed carton of kefir anywhere for an extended period is asking for trouble.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Refrigeration keeps kefir safe for consumption and&nbsp;<strong>prevents the fermentation process from accelerating<\/strong>. And the long shelf life I discussed above is caused by the fermentation going slowly and steadily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you leave kefir at room temperature, fermentation will pick up the pace, and your kefir will become super sour and almost vinegar-like in taste in a couple of days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what if you&rsquo;d like to keep kefir for longer?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&rsquo;s when you need to start thinking about freezing it.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancake-batter-prep-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"Pancake batter prep\" class=\"wp-image-2017\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancake-batter-prep-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancake-batter-prep-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancake-batter-prep-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancake-batter-prep.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancake-batter-prep-600x400.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Pancake batter prep\" class=\"wp-image-2017 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancake-batter-prep-600x400.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancake-batter-prep-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancake-batter-prep-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancake-batter-prep.jpg.webp 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancake-batter-prep.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption>Pancake batter prep<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-you-freeze-kefir\">Can You Freeze Kefir?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><strong>You can freeze kefir, but remember that it separates after thawing. You can mitigate the effect a bit by stirring or blending defrosted kefir, but it only helps so much. Because of that, frozen kefir works best in cooked and baked dishes, where the altered texture isn&rsquo;t a big deal.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, you will lose some of <a href=\"https:\/\/lifewaykefir.com\/faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">kefir&rsquo;s creamy consistency in the process<\/a>. That means <strong>you probably won&rsquo;t enjoy drinking that kefir on its own<\/strong>. But using it for a smoothie or in a cooked recipe should work just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The loss of creaminess won&rsquo;t be as noticeable in such a dish, as other flavors will take over, and everything should blend together just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-paragraph-tip\">In some recipes the frozen and thawed kefir might not work as well as in others. It&rsquo;s best to run a test before making a big batch.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancakes-and-kefir-in-background.jpg\" alt=\"Pancakes and kefir in background\" class=\"wp-image-2018\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancakes-and-kefir-in-background.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancakes-and-kefir-in-background-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancakes-and-kefir-in-background.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Pancakes and kefir in background\" class=\"wp-image-2018 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancakes-and-kefir-in-background.jpg.webp 533w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancakes-and-kefir-in-background-200x300.jpg.webp 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pancakes-and-kefir-in-background.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption>Pancakes and kefir carton in background<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>To reduce the texture change effect, <a href=\"https:\/\/lifewaykefir.com\/faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">try freezing kefir using an ice cube tray<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pour the liquid into the tray, freeze the cubes, and transfer them to a freezer bag once rock solid. You will probably still need to blend it after thawing, but the effects should be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, if you need to freeze a few cups of kefir, you might not want to bother with an ice cube tray. Or at least I couldn&rsquo;t be bothered with it. And that&rsquo;s when you&rsquo;re left with freezer bags or containers, and a more significant texture change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to the question of whether or not the probiotics survive the freezing, it&rsquo;s difficult to tell. Chances are some of them will become dormant when frozen and activate again once thawed, but I didn&rsquo;t find any legitimate research or tests on this subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, if what you care about the most when drinking kefir is your health, drink your kefir fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kefir-shelf-life-and-spoilage-summary\">Kefir Shelf Life and Spoilage Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Thanks for reading this primer on kefir. Here are the key takeaways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>If your kefir is moldy, heavily separated, or smells or tastes super sour, it&rsquo;s no good. That said, kefir is a living product that varies in taste, consistency, and amount of fizz in every bottle. A slightly different flavor or mouthfeel from what you&rsquo;re used to doesn&rsquo;t mean it&rsquo;s spoiled.<\/li><li>Kefir typically retains quality for a few days past the date printed on the label. Once you open the container or carton, you should use it within two weeks or a couple of days beyond the use-by date, whichever comes first.<\/li><li>Keep kefir refrigerated and always appropriately sealed.<\/li><li>Frozen and thawed kefir works well in smoothies and cooked dishes but not doesn&rsquo;t taste that well on its own. Freeze in an ice cube tray and stir or blend after thawing.<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today we&rsquo;ll cover the shelf life, storage options, and spoilage of kefir. Say you&rsquo;ve just opened a fresh container, and you&rsquo;re wondering how long kefir &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2019,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[259],"tags":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",800,533,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-600x400.jpg",600,400,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",800,533,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",546,364,false],"mv_trellis_1x1":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",728,485,false],"mv_trellis_3x4":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",546,364,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",546,364,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_med_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",360,240,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_low_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",240,160,false],"mv_trellis_4x3":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",728,485,false],"mv_trellis_16x9":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",615,410,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-960":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",800,533,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-1080":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",800,533,false],"1200x1200":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",800,533,false],"mv_create_1x1":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",200,133,false],"mv_create_1x1_medium_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",320,213,false],"mv_create_1x1_medium_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",480,320,false],"mv_create_1x1_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",720,480,false],"mv_create_4x3":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",320,213,false],"mv_create_4x3_medium_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",480,320,false],"mv_create_4x3_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",720,480,false],"mv_create_3x4":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",240,160,false],"mv_create_3x4_medium_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",360,240,false],"mv_create_3x4_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",540,360,false],"mv_create_16x9":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",270,180,false],"mv_create_16x9_medium_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",405,270,false],"mv_create_16x9_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",608,405,false],"mv_create_no_ratio":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",735,490,false],"mv_create_vert":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes.jpg",735,490,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Marcin Skrzypiec","author_link":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/about\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Today we&rsquo;ll cover the shelf life, storage options, and spoilage of kefir. Say you&rsquo;ve just opened a fresh container, and you&rsquo;re wondering how long kefir &hellip;","mv":{"thumbnail_id":2019,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prep-for-kefir-pancakes-300x200.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1048"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1048"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1048\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2019"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1048"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1048"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1048"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}