Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
In the fridgeFridge
2 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not recommended
texture or safety suffers
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
Use-by date
follow the package date
In the freezerFreezer
Not recommended
texture or safety suffers
Quick answer
Yes. Pudding lasts 2 days in the fridge. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if pudding is bad
Smell
Sour or cheesy smell when it should be clean and mild.
Texture
Lumps, curdling or a thick, slimy body.
Colour
Yellowing or a pink, green or grey tinge.
Taste
Sour or bitter at the first sip — stop and discard.
Pudding past the expiration date
Unopened
FoodKeeper gives unopened pudding use-by date 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.
Opened
Once opened, the printed date no longer applies. Count 2 days in the fridge from the day you open it.
How to keep pudding fresh longer
- Store on an inside shelf, not the door, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Close the container tightly; dairy absorbs fridge odours.
- Pour what you need and return it to the fridge right away.
More about pudding
FAQ
How long does it take for pudding to go bad?
2 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper. At room temperature, 2 hours.
Can pudding expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened pudding use-by date 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 pudding?
Spoiled perishable food can cause food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhoea. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
How do you keep pudding from going bad?
Store on an inside shelf, not the door, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number