Does cereal go bad?

An unopened box of breakfast cereal keeps 6 to 12 months in the pantry. Once opened, it's best within 2 to 3 months. Cereal and granola bars keep 6 to 12 months.

Food	Pantry
Breakfast cereal	6–12 monthsfrom purchaseOpened: 2–3 months
Cereal and granola bars	6–12 months

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if cereal has gone bad

Soft, chewy or stale cereal is past its best but not unsafe.
A rancid, musty or off smell, especially in cereals with nuts or oils.
Mold, damp clumps, or insects in the box: throw it out.

How to store cereal

Roll the inner bag down tightly and close it with a clip after each use, or move the cereal to an airtight container.
Keep it in a cool, dry cupboard, away from the stove.
Keep cereals with nuts, seeds or dried fruit somewhere cool: they go rancid sooner.

Can you freeze cereal?

It isn't necessary for most cereals. Granola and cereals with nuts can be frozen in an airtight bag to slow rancidity; let them come to room temperature before opening so they don't get damp.

Questions

Can you eat cereal after the best-by date?

Usually yes: the date is about quality. If it smells and tastes normal and shows no bugs or mold, it's fine, though it may be less crunchy.

How do you make stale cereal crunchy again?

Spread it on a baking sheet and toast it in a low oven for a few minutes, then let it cool.

How long does granola last?

Store-bought granola keeps several months unopened; once opened, keep it airtight and eat it within a few weeks. Homemade granola, without preservatives, keeps for less time.

Add cereal to ShelfLife with the date you opened it.

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