In the freezer
1–2 years
Yes — freezes well
Quality holds for about 1–2 years at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Quick answer
Yes: dates keep 1–2 years in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 12 months in the fridge.
How to freeze dates
- Wash, dry and cut into pieces; blanch most vegetables for 1–3 minutes first.
- Spread on a tray to freeze individually, then bag and press out air.
- Use from frozen in cooking or smoothies; thawed produce is soft.
How to thaw dates
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 1–2 years at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Dates Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 months
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
12 months
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
1–2 years
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about dates
FAQ
How long can you freeze dates?
About 1–2 years for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen dates?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze dates?
Only if they were thawed in the fridge and have not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in dates?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number