In the freezer
24 months
Yes — freezes well
Quality holds for about 24 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Quick answer
Yes: walnuts keep 24 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 9–12 months in the fridge.
How to freeze walnuts
- Freeze in an airtight container or the original sealed pack.
- Portion first (cubes or small jars) so you thaw only what you need.
- Thaw in the fridge; fats and nuts can be used straight from frozen.
How to thaw walnuts
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 24 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Walnuts Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2–4 weeks
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
9–12 months
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
24 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about walnuts
FAQ
How long can you freeze walnuts?
About 24 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen walnuts?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze walnuts?
Only if they were thawed in the fridge and have not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in walnuts?
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