FAQs
“What does the date on the container mean, and is it safe to eat yogurt past this date?”
The date stamped on the container is the use-by-date. For the best quality and freshness, we urge folks to use the product by this date. Yogurt must be refrigerated or kept chilled. Under proper storage temperatures, yogurt can last up to 7 days past the use-by-date.
“How long does yogurt keep after it’s been opened?”
We recommend using the product within 7 days after it’s been opened.
“Why is liquid sometimes on the top of my yogurt when I open it?”
It’s normal for a little bit of liquid (whey) to separate from our yogurt. It occurs when there has been any type of pressure applied or when the product has undergone a temperature change. We also don’t use any artificial thickeners that might prevent this. Whey contains many of the important vitamins and nutrients in yogurt, so we recommend that you simply stir it back in.
“Can I freeze yogurt?”
Yes. Just keep in mind that yogurt that has been frozen and thawed will have a different look and texture than fresh yogurt. Freezing can also destroy some of the beneficial cultures in our yogurt, but there are billions, so there’ll still be plenty to give you added health benefits. The cultures become dormant when frozen, but once thawed, either in the refrigerator or in the body once consumed, will become live and active once again. If you choose to freeze our yogurt, we still recommend that you use the product by the use-by-date stamped on the container.
“Does heating the yogurt when cooking affect the cultures?”
It can. Heating yogurt to high temperatures destroys the beneficial cultures. To prevent this, never add yogurt directly to a boiling or extremely hot mixture. Instead, stir a few tablespoons of the hot food into the yogurt, warming it gradually. Then stir the warmed yogurt into the hot mixture. Do this near the end of the cooking process, so the yogurt won’t be heated for a long time. If the temperature is higher than 120° F, as it is in baking, the live active cultures will not survive, but the yogurt will still provide valuable nutrients such as calcium and protein.
“Is Stonyfield yogurt gluten-free?”
All of our yogurts, smoothies, and soy yogurts except YoBaby Plus Fruit & Cereal are certified gluten-free. Our certification tells folks with gluten intolerance (celiac disease) that they can enjoy these yogurts without worry. Most of our gluten-free products have a small Certified Gluten-Free Symbol printed on the container (on the side or back panel of cups and smoothies, and on the top of the multipacks.)
“Why do you add sugar to your yogurts?”
Almost half of the sugar listed in the nutrition legend is not added sugar, but sugar that occurs naturally in our milk and fruit ingredients. We do add some naturally milled, organic sugar for taste. Still, we add less sugar per ounce than other leading yogurt makers. We offer nonfat, low-fat, whole-milk, and YoBaby plain yogurts without added sugar for those who want to limit their sugar intake. The sugar contained in any of our plain yogurts is what’s found naturally in the milk.
“When can I start feeding yogurt to my baby?”
The American Academy of Pediatricians says you can begin to add yogurt to a baby’s diet as early as six months of age. Since every child is different, you should check with your pediatrician before feeding yogurt to your baby.
What type of plastics are used for Stonyfield's yogurt packaging?
Click here to learn about our packaging choices.
Click here to learn how to recycle our yogurt cups.
