Meat substitutes Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
3–4 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
12–18 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Meat substitutes last 3–4 days in the fridge and 12–18 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, they spoil: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if meat substitutes are bad
Freezer burn
Dry, greyish-white patches. Safe, but trim them off.
Ice crystals
Heavy ice inside the pack means it has thawed and refrozen.
Smell
Off smell after thawing — discard.
Package
Torn packaging lets air in and speeds quality loss.
Meat substitutes past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened meat substitutes 3–4 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
Meat substitutes past their best-by date are usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep meat substitutes fresh longer
- Recommendation is for storage after cooking.
- Keep frozen. For safety, cook as directed.
- Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or colder.
More about meat substitutes
FAQ
How long does it take for meat substitutes to go bad?
3–4 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can meat substitutes expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened meat substitutes 3–4 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad meat substitutes?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep meat substitutes from going bad?
Recommendation is for storage after cooking.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number