Spaghetti squash Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 months
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
1–2 weeks
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not listed
no FoodKeeper figure
Quick answer
Yes. Spaghetti squash lasts 2 months in the pantry. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if spaghetti squash is bad
Smell
Fermented, sour or musty odour.
Texture
Soft, mushy or leaking spots, or wrinkled skin with soft flesh.
Colour
Dark bruising that spreads, or browning inside.
Mould
White, grey or green fuzz — discard soft produce; cut firm produce generously.
Spaghetti squash past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened spaghetti squash 2 months in the pantry or 1–2 weeks 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
Spaghetti squash past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep spaghetti squash fresh longer
- Storage temperatures below 50 degrees (as in a refrigerator) will cause the squash to spoil more rapidly.
- Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
- Keep ethylene producers (apples, bananas, avocados) away from produce that over-ripens.
More about spaghetti squash
FAQ
How long does it take for spaghetti squash to go bad?
2 months in the pantry, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can spaghetti squash expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened spaghetti squash 2 months in the pantry or 1–2 weeks 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 spaghetti squash?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep spaghetti squash from going bad?
Storage temperatures below 50 degrees (as in a refrigerator) will cause the squash to spoil more rapidly.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number