Whey can last for 3-6 months in the refrigerator or freezer when stored properly in an air-tight container. However, the shelf life is significantly reduced if the whey is cloudy and contains yogurt solids.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Clear Whey (byproduct of cheesemaking): If you are making cheese or straining yogurt and the resulting whey is clear, it can be stored in an airtight container for 3-6 months in the refrigerator or freezer.
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Cloudy Whey (containing yogurt solids): If your whey is cloudy and contains any yogurt solids (as might be the case when straining Greek yogurt), it will only last as long in the fridge as the yogurt itself, which is approximately 2 weeks.
It's important to always inspect whey before using it. If it has an off odor, visible mold, or any signs of spoilage, discard it.
