Tempeh 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
6 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Tempeh lasts 3–4 days in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if tempeh is 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.
Tempeh past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened tempeh 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
Tempeh past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep tempeh 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 tempeh
FAQ
How long does it take for tempeh to go bad?
3–4 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can tempeh expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened tempeh 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 tempeh?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep tempeh 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