Can You Put Yogurt in a Glass Container? Yes, and Here's Why It's Better

According to food safety experts, glass is a non-reactive material, making it an excellent choice for storing dairy products. This confirms that yes, you can put yogurt in a glass container and, in many ways, it is a superior option compared to plastic for preserving taste and safety.

Quick Summary

Storing yogurt in glass jars is safe and can help maintain its pure taste and texture longer than plastic. Glass is non-porous and non-reactive, preventing chemical leaching and odor absorption, which is ideal for both homemade and store-bought varieties. Always use an airtight, sealed glass container for optimal freshness and safety.

Key Points

• Glass is Non-Reactive: Glass is an inert material that will not leach chemicals into or react with acidic yogurt, preserving its taste and ensuring food safety.

• Airtight is Key: Always use a glass container with a tight-fitting, airtight lid to prevent air and moisture from spoiling the yogurt.

• Reusable and Eco-Friendly: Glass jars are durable, reusable, and recyclable, making them a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic containers.

• Freezing Requires Precaution: While you can freeze yogurt in glass, use tempered, freezer-safe containers and leave headspace to prevent cracking from expansion.

• Ideal for Homemade and Commercial Yogurt: Glass is the top choice for storing homemade yogurt due to its sterile environment and temperature regulation, and it also works well for transferring store-bought yogurt.

• Prevents Flavor Transfer: Unlike porous plastic, glass does not absorb odors or stains, ensuring your yogurt's pure flavor remains untainted.

Why Glass is a Superior Choice for Yogurt Storage

Choosing the right container for yogurt is crucial for maintaining its quality, taste, and safety. While plastic is convenient and lightweight, glass offers numerous benefits that make it a superior option for both long-term storage and daily use. The inert nature of glass means it will not interact with the acidic properties of yogurt, ensuring the flavor remains pure and untainted.

Benefits of Using Glass Containers

• Prevents Chemical Leaching: Unlike certain plastics that can leach chemicals like BPA into food, glass is entirely inert and non-toxic, providing the highest level of safety. This is especially important for those who prefer to avoid contact with plastic, particularly when heating or storing food for extended periods.
• Maintains Pure Flavor: Glass is non-porous, meaning it does not absorb or retain odors or flavors from previous contents. A glass container used for storing spicy curry one day can be thoroughly washed and used for yogurt the next without any lingering taste. This preserves the clean, unadulterated flavor of your yogurt batch after batch.
• Airtight and Consistent Temperature: For both homemade fermentation and cold storage, glass jars with airtight lids provide a stable environment. The thickness of the glass helps maintain a consistent temperature, which is beneficial for the healthy development of beneficial bacteria during the yogurt-making process. Tightly sealed lids are essential for keeping out air and moisture that could lead to spoilage.
• Environmentally Friendly: Glass is infinitely recyclable and can be reused for years, significantly reducing plastic waste and supporting a more sustainable lifestyle. Reusing glass containers like mason jars is a simple, eco-friendly habit that benefits the planet.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: For those who enjoy an organized and visually appealing kitchen, storing yogurt in clear glass jars provides an attractive and uniform look. It also makes it easy to see the contents and track how much yogurt you have left.

How to Store Yogurt in Glass Containers for Maximum Freshness

1. Select the Right Container: Choose food-grade glass containers with tight-fitting, airtight lids. Mason jars are a popular and reliable choice due to their durability and secure sealing mechanisms.
2. Sterilize if Needed: For homemade yogurt, sterilizing your glass jars before use is a critical step to ensure a clean fermentation environment and prevent contamination. This can be done by boiling the jars or running them through a dishwasher's sanitizing cycle.
3. Ensure a Good Seal: After filling, ensure the lid is sealed tightly to prevent air exposure. For homemade yogurt, filling the jar to the brim before sealing can help minimize the air trapped inside, which can lead to quicker spoilage.
4. Use Clean Utensils: Always use a clean spoon or utensil when scooping yogurt from the container to avoid introducing foreign bacteria that could accelerate spoilage.
5. Store in the Coldest Part of the Fridge: Keeping your yogurt in the main body of the refrigerator, rather than the door where temperatures fluctuate, will help it stay fresh longer.

Comparison: Glass vs. Plastic for Yogurt Storage

Feature	Glass Containers	Plastic Containers
Chemical Leaching	Non-existent; glass is inert and non-toxic.	Possible, especially with heating or acidic foods.
Flavor Absorption	Non-porous; does not absorb odors or flavors.	Porous; can absorb smells and may affect yogurt's taste.
Eco-Friendliness	Highly sustainable, reusable, and recyclable.	Significant environmental concern due to plastic waste.
Durability	Prone to breaking if dropped, but very durable otherwise.	Shatterproof, but can scratch, stain, and degrade over time.
Temperature Control	Excellent insulation; helps maintain consistent temperature.	Less effective insulation; temperature can fluctuate more easily.
Cost	Often a higher initial investment.	Generally more affordable and lightweight.
Convenience	Heavier, less ideal for on-the-go.	Lightweight and shatterproof, very convenient for portability.

Can You Freeze Yogurt in a Glass Container?

Freezing yogurt in glass is possible with the right precautions to prevent the container from cracking. Frozen yogurt can last for up to two months, though the texture may become grainy or watery upon thawing.

To safely freeze yogurt in glass:

• Choose Freezer-Safe Glassware: Not all glass is created equal. Use tempered glass containers or jars specifically rated for freezer use, as they are more resistant to thermal shock.
• Leave Headspace: Since yogurt expands as it freezes, leave ample space (at least one inch) at the top of the container to prevent cracking or shattering.
• Label and Date: Clearly label the container with the date of freezing to track its freshness.
• Thaw Slowly: For best results, thaw frozen yogurt slowly in the refrigerator rather than on the counter. Stir it well after thawing to restore its consistency.

Conclusion

Putting yogurt in a glass container is not only perfectly safe but offers several advantages over plastic, including better taste preservation, zero risk of chemical leaching, and environmental benefits. While freezing yogurt in glass requires careful attention to the container's type and proper headspace, it remains a viable option for extending its shelf life. Whether for homemade or store-bought varieties, choosing a clean, airtight glass jar is the best practice for maintaining freshness, safety, and flavor.

The Best Way to Store Yogurt in Glass Jars

When storing yogurt in glass jars, the best method is to ensure the container is airtight and sterile before use. This involves using a clean, well-sealed lid to protect against air exposure and placing the jar in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain a consistent temperature. For homemade yogurt, this approach is particularly crucial for maximizing shelf life.

Practical Storage Tips for Glass Jars

• Fill to the Top: When transferring yogurt to a jar, filling it as much as possible helps reduce the amount of trapped air, which can encourage the growth of unwanted bacteria.
• Ensure a Secure Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential. Some glass jars come with plastic or metal lids, so check for a secure seal. Rust-resistant lids are preferable if you are reusing old jars.
• Keep it Cold: The refrigerator door is the warmest part of the fridge. Place your yogurt jars on a main shelf to ensure they stay consistently cold, prolonging their freshness.
• Use for Meal Prep: Glass jars are ideal for preparing yogurt parfaits or overnight oats in advance, making for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. The transparent glass makes it easy to see your creations.
• Reusability: After finishing the yogurt, simply wash and sterilize the jar to use it again for a new batch or for storing other items like spices, grains, or sauces. This eco-friendly practice reduces waste.

Sourcing and Selecting Your Jars

For both homemade and store-bought yogurt storage, mason jars are an excellent choice. Their design is specifically for canning and storage, providing a durable, airtight solution. When buying new jars, look for sets from reputable brands that include tight-sealing lids. If you are repurposing jars from other products, such as Oui yogurt jars, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and have a secure lid before use. Always check for cracks or chips before using any glass container to prevent breakage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to store yogurt in a glass container?

Yes, it is very safe to store yogurt in a glass container. Glass is a non-reactive and non-toxic material, which means it will not leach chemicals into your food or affect the yogurt's pure taste.

How long can yogurt be stored in a glass container?

For homemade yogurt, it can last up to two weeks in a tightly sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. Opened store-bought yogurt should be consumed within 5 to 7 days, regardless of the container.

Can I use any glass jar for yogurt storage?

You should use food-grade glass jars with airtight lids, such as mason jars. For freezing, specifically use tempered or freezer-safe glass to prevent cracking.

Do I need to sterilize glass jars before storing homemade yogurt?

Yes, for homemade yogurt, it is crucial to sterilize your glass jars to prevent contamination and ensure a safe fermentation process. This creates a sterile environment for the good bacteria.

Does freezing yogurt in a glass container kill the probiotics?

No, freezing yogurt does not kill the probiotics, but it may cause some to become dormant. A slow thaw in the refrigerator will help preserve the most cultures. The texture may become grainy upon thawing.

What is the best way to prevent a glass jar from breaking when freezing yogurt?

To prevent a glass jar from breaking when freezing yogurt, use tempered or freezer-safe glass and leave at least one inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. Thaw the yogurt slowly in the refrigerator.

Can I transfer store-bought yogurt into a glass jar?

Yes, you can transfer store-bought yogurt into a clean, sterile glass jar. This is a good practice if you want to avoid plastic or if the original container is too large and you want to reduce air exposure after opening.