More Than 53,000 Cases of Horizon Chocolate Milk Recalled

Chocolate milk may be a lunchbox staple, but, if you have Horizon Organic cartons in the pantry, you’ll want to check the label before you pack the next one.

Horizon Organic Dairy has recalled 53,760 cases of its shelf-stable 1% chocolate milk because a packaging issue could cause the milk to spoil before its best-by date.

The Horizon chocolate milk recall covers 8-ounce cartons sold in 12-count and 18-count cases in the U.S.

With best-by dates extending into February 2027, the danger is that some of this milk could still be sitting in pantries for months to come.

Is Your Horizon Chocolate Milk Included?

The Horizon Organic recall involves Shelf-Stable 1% Chocolate Milk sold in two package sizes:

• 12-count case: UPC 742365002700

• 18-count case: UPC 742365208867

The recall includes 34,524 of the 12-count cases and 19,236 of the 18-count cases.

Together, that means 53,760 cases of this milk were distributed nationwide.

Check Those 2027 Best-By Dates

This is one recall where the date on the package could easily throw you off.

The affected milk isn't close to expiring. In fact, every recalled package has a best-by date in 2027.

For the 12-count cases, check for:

• January 28th, 2027

• January 30th, 2027

• January 31st, 2027

• February 1st, 2027

• February 2nd, 2027

• February 3rd, 2027

The 18-count cases have fewer affected dates:

• January 31st, 2027

• February 1st, 2027

• February 2nd, 2027

Just remember that, since we're dealing with shelf-stable milk, an affected case could be stored in the pantry, rather than taking up space in your fridge.

Why Is Horizon Recalling the Milk?

This chocolate milk recall isn't related to an allergen or known contamination from a pathogen. The problem involves the packaging. It seems a seal issue may cause some cartons to become bloated or start leaking. 

As a result, the milk inside could also spoil earlier than expected, leading to an unpleasant taste, smell, or texture. The company initiated the voluntary recall on Aug. 7th after receiving consumer complaints. 

Horizon says it's investigating the root cause and plans to take steps to prevent the problem from happening again.

What Should You Watch For?

A best-by date months in the future doesn't necessarily mean one of these cartons is fine to drink.

Some signs of a problem may be noticeable before the milk ever reaches a glass.

Watch for:

• Bloated or swollen packaging

• Leaking cartons

• An unpleasant smell

• An unusual taste

• Changes in texture

Even if the carton looks normal, don't drink it if the UPC and best-by date match the recalled chocolate milk.

What Should You Do With the Recalled Milk?

If your chocolate milk is included in the recall, Horizon says to throw it away.

Keep your receipt and any available packaging information if you have them.

You can call Horizon Organic Consumer Relations at 1-888-494-3020, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm CST, for more information and to see if you’re eligible for a refund.

Don't Let the Best-By Date Fool You

Shelf-stable milk is convenient because we can buy it now and save it for later.

In this case, though, those 2027 dates aren't enough to give the cartons an automatic green light.

If Horizon chocolate milk is waiting for its turn in a lunchbox at your house, check the UPC and best-by date before sending it on its way.

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