There is half a carton of eggnog left from the party, and the holidays feel a long time ago. Eggnog is a milk, cream and egg drink, so it doesn’t behave like soda or juice. It has a short refrigerator window, rules about freezing, and a few myths about what alcohol can do.
Does eggnog go bad?
The short answer: Yes. FoodSafety.gov’s chart gives commercial eggnog 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and homemade eggnog 2 to 4 days. Store-bought eggnog can be frozen for up to 6 months for best quality, but homemade should not be frozen. Check the date on the carton too.
For a complete pantry storage reference, see our Food Storage Guide.
📋 Does Eggnog Go Bad: At a Glance
| Store-bought (commercial), refrigerated | 3 to 5 days, per FoodSafety.gov’s chart. Also check the date on the carton |
| Homemade, refrigerated | 2 to 4 days, per FoodSafety.gov’s chart |
| Store-bought, frozen | Up to 6 months for best quality, per the chart. Some makers advise against freezing |
| Homemade, frozen | The chart says do not freeze |
| Almond milk and other non-dairy nog | Follow the carton. Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog’s listing says use within 7 days of opening and do not freeze |
| Out of the fridge | 2 hours at most, or 1 hour above 90°F, per USDA |
| Sour smell, mold or a bulging carton | Throw it out |
Key Takeaways
- FoodSafety.gov’s chart gives commercial eggnog 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and homemade eggnog 2 to 4 days.
- The chart doesn’t say whether the clock starts at purchase or at opening. Our rule: count from opening, and use the carton date and the chart window together, whichever comes first. Follow the carton’s own directions if they are stricter.
- Store-bought eggnog can be frozen for up to 6 months for best quality, but homemade should not be frozen.
- Non-dairy nogs have their own labels. Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog’s listing says use within 7 days of opening and do not freeze.
- Alcohol doesn’t reliably keep eggnog safe. Utah State says it can inhibit bacterial growth but can’t be relied on to kill bacteria.
- A normal look and smell doesn’t prove eggnog is safe, so the calendar matters more than your nose.
Eggnog is a milk, cream and egg drink, so it is handled more like a custard than like juice. Ohio State’s Chow Line column says store-bought eggnog can typically be expected to be pasteurized to eliminate Salmonella. Organic Valley’s eggnog page says its reduced-fat eggnog is ultra-pasteurized, “as is required by law in most states.” Not every product is the same, though: a Food Safety News editor’s note on a republished FDA column says some premixed eggnogs in refrigerated and frozen sections are not made with pasteurized eggs and have been linked to illnesses, so check the label. Pasteurization deals with what is in the carton on day one. It doesn’t turn eggnog into a pantry food, which is why even commercial eggnog gets a short window on the chart. Homemade eggnog has an extra issue, because raw eggs can carry Salmonella before any storage clock starts. Utah State University Extension says to use commercially prepared eggnog, or to use pasteurized egg product in place of raw eggs.
What Kind of Eggnog Do You Have?
Start with what is in your glass, because the sources treat each type differently.
| Eggnog | What the sources say | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Store-bought, dairy-based, refrigerated | FoodSafety.gov: commercial eggnog 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Organic Valley: keep refrigerated and use by the date stamped on top | The carton date and the day you opened it |
| Store-bought, plant-based (almond, oat, coconut) | Califia Farms’ general FAQ: drink by the date and within 7 to 10 days of opening. Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog’s listing: use within 7 days of opening, do not freeze | The label, since nogs vary by brand |
| Homemade, cooked egg base | FoodSafety.gov: homemade eggnog 2 to 4 days in the refrigerator, do not freeze | Count from the day you made it |
| Homemade, raw eggs | Utah State: use pasteurized egg product in place of raw eggs, and note that clean, uncracked refrigerated eggs can still carry Salmonella | A safety question on day one, not only a storage one |
| Spiked with rum, bourbon or brandy | Utah State: alcohol inhibits bacterial growth but can’t be relied on to kill bacteria | Use the base eggnog’s window, not a longer one |
How Long Does Eggnog Last in the Fridge?
FoodSafety.gov’s chart lists two eggnog rows. “Eggnog, commercial” is 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and “Eggnog, homemade” is 2 to 4 days. The chart is for foods held at 40°F or below, and it doesn’t say whether the clock starts when you buy a carton or when you open it. Our rule, not the chart’s: count from the day you open it, and treat the carton’s date as a second limit for unopened cartons. If the carton’s own directions are stricter, follow them.
Makers give their own guidance. Organic Valley says “Keep refrigerated.” It says the eggnog is “Freshest tasting within 7 days of opening” and “Best if used by date stamped on top.” Those are quality statements, and 7 days is longer than the chart’s 5. We follow the shorter chart window.
For homemade, count from the day you cook it. Utah State says in its recipe to cover and chill a batch for 4 to 24 hours before serving. That is the recipe’s chilling time, not a universal rule, and in our reading it comes out of the 2 to 4 days.
How Long Does Almond Milk Eggnog (and Other Non-Dairy Nog) Last?
Check the carton first, because non-dairy nogs are made and stored differently from egg-and-dairy eggnog. Take Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog. Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog page lists it under “Refrigerated Almondmilk.” Hannaford’s online listing, which reproduces the product directions, shows “Shake well. Keep refrigerated. Do not freeze.” and “Use within 7 days of opening.” Check your own carton, since directions can change.
Blue Diamond’s general Almond Breeze FAQ gives its regular almond milk 14 days after opening and says the product has no preservatives, so it can develop mold if left open at room temperature for too long. That page doesn’t mention Nog, so for Nog we go with the shorter 7 days on the listing.
Other nogs fall in a similar range. Califia Farms says to drink its products by the expiration date and within 7 to 10 days of opening, and to check the label, since the page gives no Holiday Nog storage details. Our non-dairy milk guide covers the wider category.
The raw-egg concern above doesn’t apply to a nog without eggs, and the Almond Breeze ingredient list shows none. Spoilage still does, because these are perishable. A sour smell, mold or a bulging carton means discard it. Don’t taste it to check.
Can You Freeze Eggnog?
Store-bought eggnog can. The chart gives commercial eggnog 6 months in the freezer and homemade eggnog “do not freeze.” It also says that freezer guidelines are for quality only. The catch is texture. Organic Valley says it doesn’t recommend freezing its reduced-fat eggnog, and Califia says its plant milk labels read “do not freeze” because the product changes texture once frozen. The Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog listing also says “Do not freeze.”
Our tips, not a source’s: if you freeze a commercial carton, leave room in the container for expansion, thaw it in the refrigerator and stir or shake it well before pouring. Treat thawed eggnog as an opened carton and finish it within the refrigerator window.
Does Alcohol Keep Eggnog From Going Bad?
No, not reliably. Utah State says alcohol can slow bacterial growth but can’t be counted on to kill bacteria, and that dilution weakens it further. NC State described a 2010 study of wine in which ethanol on its own wasn’t enough to eliminate Salmonella.
That includes the “aged eggnog” idea, where a spiked batch is kept in the refrigerator for weeks. NC State noted that the claim hadn’t been peer reviewed and that it was unknown whether a lower-alcohol eggnog would be safe after a shorter hold. We don’t recommend counting on it. If you’re curious how spirits themselves hold up, see our guides on rum, brandy and whiskey.
How Long Can Eggnog Sit Out?
Not long. USDA’s leftovers guidance says perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F, should be discarded. Eggnog is perishable, and a bowl on a buffet counts. Our guide to whether eggnog needs to be refrigerated covers serving it safely.
Signs Something Is Actually Wrong
- A sour, yeasty or otherwise off smell.
- Curdled or lumpy texture that doesn’t smooth out when you shake or stir it. That is a warning sign, but texture alone doesn’t prove spoilage, so check the clock too.
- Mold on the surface or around the rim.
- A bulging or leaking carton.
- Past the carton date, or past the 3 to 5 day (store-bought) or 2 to 4 day (homemade) window. Discard it even if it looks and smells fine.
No source we read lists spoilage signs for eggnog, so this checklist is ours. Eggnog can be unsafe without any change in look or smell, so the calendar and the clock come first. Don’t taste it to test.
Normal Changes That Aren’t a Problem
- Spice that has drifted to the bottom of the glass or carton.
- A slightly thicker pour when it is very cold.
- A light foam on top after shaking.
Quick Storage Reference
- Store-bought, refrigerated: 3 to 5 days, per FoodSafety.gov, and not past the carton date.
- Homemade, refrigerated: 2 to 4 days.
- Store-bought, frozen: Up to 6 months for best quality.
- Homemade: Do not freeze.
- Counter: 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F.
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Opened carton 4 days ago, date still good | Within the chart’s 3 to 5 days. Drink it soon. |
| Opened carton 6 days ago | Past the chart’s window. Discard it. |
| Homemade eggnog made 5 days ago | Past the 2 to 4 day window. Discard it. |
| Left on the counter overnight | Discard it. |
| Spiked with rum 10 days ago | Alcohol doesn’t reliably extend the window. Use the base eggnog’s window and discard it if it’s past that. |
| Store-bought carton frozen 4 months ago | Within the chart’s 6 months for quality. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir well. |
| Unopened carton, a few days past the date | We don’t give a number for this. When in doubt, discard it. |
| Homemade eggnog made with raw eggs | Don’t serve it. Pasteurized egg product or a cooked base is the safer route. |
In October 2026 we read FoodSafety.gov’s cold food storage chart, USDA’s leftovers guidance, and extension guidance from Utah State, Ohio State and NC State. We also read storage pages from Organic Valley, Califia Farms and Blue Diamond, plus a Hannaford product listing for Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog. The NC State piece was first published in 2014 and updated in 2025, and we used it only for the alcohol question. Where sources disagree, we say so. We have not tested any eggnog ourselves. Where a source gives no number, we say so and don’t invent one. Always check the carton in your hand.
Does Eggnog Go Bad FAQ
How long does eggnog last in the fridge?
FoodSafety.gov’s chart gives commercial eggnog 3 to 5 days and homemade eggnog 2 to 4 days. Also check the date on the carton.
How long does opened store-bought eggnog last?
The chart’s 3 to 5 days is the safest guide, and we count it from opening. Organic Valley says its reduced-fat eggnog is freshest within 7 days of opening, which is a quality statement.
Can you drink eggnog past the expiration date?
We wouldn’t gamble on it. The chart gives no number for unopened cartons past their date, and opened eggnog has a short window anyway. If the carton is past its date and you’re unsure, discard it.
How long does homemade eggnog last?
2 to 4 days in the refrigerator, per FoodSafety.gov. Count from the day you cooked it.
Can you freeze eggnog?
Store-bought eggnog can be frozen for up to 6 months for best quality, according to the chart. Some makers advise against it because the texture changes. Homemade eggnog should not be frozen.
Can you freeze homemade eggnog?
The chart says do not freeze it. Make a smaller batch, or share the extra within the 2 to 4 day window.
How can you tell if eggnog has gone bad?
Look for a sour or off smell, mold, or a bulging carton. Curdled or lumpy texture that won’t smooth out is a warning sign too, but texture alone doesn’t prove spoilage. No source we read lists signs for eggnog, so these are common warning signs, not a guarantee, and we don’t suggest tasting it to check.
Is it normal for eggnog to separate?
Spice settling and a thick layer from the cold can happen, and a good shake or stir usually evens it out. Lumps that stay, or a sour smell, are different. We found no source on separation, so this is our reading, not a rule.
Does alcohol keep eggnog from going bad?
Not reliably. Utah State says it can slow bacterial growth but can’t be counted on to kill bacteria.
Is it safe to age eggnog for weeks?
We don’t recommend counting on it. NC State said that the claim hadn’t been peer reviewed. Utah State and the other sources we read still point to pasteurized eggs or a cooked base.
Can old eggnog make you sick?
Eggnog made with raw, unpasteurized eggs could contain Salmonella, according to Ohio State’s Chow Line column. We found no source describing what a spoiled carton will do, so we don’t guess.
Is eggnog safe during pregnancy?
Ohio State’s Chow Line column says the risk from raw-egg eggnog matters most for people with weakened immune systems, young children, pregnant women and older adults. Store-bought eggnog is typically pasteurized, so check the label, and skip homemade eggnog unless it was made with a cooked base or pasteurized egg product. Your doctor can give advice for your situation.
Is store-bought eggnog pasteurized?
Typically, yes, according to Ohio State, which says to confirm on the label. A Food Safety News editor’s note on a republished FDA column adds that some premixed refrigerated and frozen products are not made with pasteurized eggs and have been linked to illnesses. Organic Valley says its reduced-fat eggnog is ultra-pasteurized.
How long can eggnog sit out?
No more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F, per USDA. Overnight on the counter is far past it. Throw it out.
How long does almond milk eggnog last?
Check the carton. Hannaford’s listing for Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog shows “Use within 7 days of opening,” and Blue Diamond lists it as a refrigerated almondmilk. Blue Diamond’s general Almond Breeze FAQ gives 14 days for its regular almond milk and doesn’t mention Nog, so we go with the shorter number.
Can you freeze almond milk eggnog?
The Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog listing says “Do not freeze.” Califia says its plant milk labels read “do not freeze” because the texture changes once frozen.
How long does dairy-free eggnog last?
Check its label. Califia Farms’ general FAQ says to drink its products within 7 to 10 days of opening and by the expiration date. Oat, coconut and other nogs vary by brand.
Can you use leftover eggnog in recipes?
Yes, while it’s still within the window. Our eggnog latte is one way to use a glass that’s left over.
Does eggnog need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Store-bought and homemade both belong in the refrigerator. Read the full breakdown in our guide to whether eggnog needs to be refrigerated.
Further Reading
- Does Eggnog Need to Be Refrigerated?
- Eggnog Latte
- Do Eggs Go Bad?
- Does Milk Go Bad?
- Does Heavy Cream Go Bad?
- How Long Do Leftovers Last?
- Food Storage Guide
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