ShelfLife
How long does tofu last?
Tofu keeps about 1 week in the fridge from the day you buy it, and about 5 months in the freezer. Once the pack is open, keep the tofu covered in fresh water and use it within a few days.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Tofu | 1 weekfrom purchase | 5 monthsfrom purchase |
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 tofu has gone bad
- A sour smell. Fresh tofu smells of almost nothing.
- A slimy surface, or cloudy, thick water in the container.
- Yellowish or darkened color, or any mold.
- A bloated package before opening.
How to store tofu
- Keep unopened tofu in the fridge, and follow the date on the package.
- Once opened, put the leftover tofu in a container, cover it with fresh cold water and seal it. Change the water every day.
- Shelf-stable tofu in aseptic boxes can stay in the pantry until opened; after that, treat it like fresh tofu.
- Refrigerate cooked tofu dishes within 2 hours and eat them within 3 to 4 days.
Can you freeze tofu?
Yes, for about 5 months, and many cooks freeze it on purpose. Freezing turns firm tofu spongy and chewy, with a meatier texture that soaks up marinades. Drain it, press out the water, cut it into cubes or slices if you like, and freeze it in a sealed bag. Thaw it in the fridge, then squeeze out the water before cooking.
Questions
Can you eat tofu raw?
Yes, tofu is cooked during production and can be eaten straight from the pack, as in salads or cold dishes, as long as it's fresh and has been kept cold.
Can you eat tofu after the date on the pack?
An unopened pack kept cold can be fine for a short time after it, but tofu is perishable. Open it and check: a sour smell, slime or discoloration means it should be thrown out.
How long does cooked tofu last?
3 to 4 days in the fridge in a sealed container, like other cooked leftovers.
Add tofu to ShelfLife when you open the pack, and get a reminder before it turns sour.
Related foods
More in tofu and plant proteins
Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.