ShelfLife
Does popcorn go bad?
Unpopped kernels keep about 2 years in the pantry, and 1 year once opened. Microwave popcorn keeps 6 to 12 months. A bag of ready-popped popcorn keeps 2 to 3 months unopened and 1 to 2 weeks once opened.
| Food | Pantry |
|---|---|
| Popcorn kernels | 2 yearsfrom purchaseOpened: 1 year |
| Microwave popcorn | 6–12 monthsfrom purchaseOpened: 1–2 days |
| Ready-popped popcorn | 2–3 monthsfrom purchaseOpened: 1–2 weeks |
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 popcorn has gone bad
- Old kernels that won't pop well have dried out: still safe.
- A rancid smell in microwave or popped popcorn, from the oil or butter going off.
- Mold, damp clumps or insects.
How to store popcorn
- Keep kernels in an airtight jar in a cool, dry cupboard: they need to keep their moisture to pop.
- Keep microwave popcorn bags in their box, away from heat.
- Seal opened bags of popped popcorn tightly.
Can you freeze popcorn?
Popped popcorn freezes well in an airtight bag and can be eaten straight from the freezer. Kernels don't need freezing and may pop less well afterwards.
Questions
Why won't my popcorn kernels pop?
Old kernels have lost the moisture they need to pop. Some cooks add a teaspoon of water to the jar and leave it a few days.
Can you eat microwave popcorn after the date?
Usually yes, but the oil may taste rancid and fewer kernels will pop.
How long does homemade popcorn last?
A few days in an airtight container before it goes stale.
Add snacks to ShelfLife with the date you opened them.
Related foods
Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.