Dates last 2 months in the pantry, 12 months in the fridge, and 1–2 years in the freezer.
Shelf life at a glance
Bars show the longest recommended time for each place. Scale runs from 1 hour to 2 years.
- 1Use within days
- 2Keeps a week or two
- 3Keeps for months
- 4Keeps a long time
Based on the longest fridge or pantry time.
About 180 more days in the fridge.
About 90 more days in the fridge.
Past the recommended fridge time. Even if it looks and smells fine, throw it out.
Past the recommended fridge time. Even if it looks and smells fine, throw it out.
Counted from the day it was cooked, opened or bought. Assumes a fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder.
Dates storage times by method
| Method | Duration | Temperature | Container | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pantry / counter | 2 months | 68–72°F | Airtight | cool, dry place |
| Refrigerator | 12 months | ≤ 40°F / 4°C | Airtight | at or below 40°F (4°C) |
| Freezer | 1–2 years | 0°F / -18°C | Freezer bag or wrap | at 0°F; quality, not safety |
Where to store dates
The crisper drawer holds humidity, which keeps produce from wilting.
Dates shelf life, answered
How long do dates last in the fridge?
12 months at 4°C (40°F) or colder. Keep it sealed so it does not pick up moisture or odours.
How long do dates last in the freezer?
1–2 years for best quality at -18°C (0°F). Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; after that, texture and flavour fade.
How long do dates last at room temperature?
2 months in a cool, dry place.
How long is dates good for past the expiration date?
Dates past their best-by date are usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How can you tell if dates are bad?
Fermented, sour or musty odour. Soft, mushy or leaking spots, or wrinkled skin with soft flesh. Dark bruising that spreads, or browning inside.
Signs dates have gone 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.
Can you freeze dates?
- 1Step 1
Wash, dry and cut into pieces; blanch most vegetables for 1–3 minutes first.
- 2Step 2
Spread on a tray to freeze individually, then bag and press out air.
- 3Step 3
Use from frozen in cooking or smoothies; thawed produce is soft.
How to thaw dates
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; texture holds best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable foods; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Dates left out overnight
Dates are shelf-stable. A night on the counter is fine — keep them cool, dry and away from sunlight.
Best-by and use-by dates on dates
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened dates 2 months in the pantry or 12 months 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
Dates past their best-by date are usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to store dates
- Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
- Keep ethylene producers (apples, bananas, avocados) away from produce that over-ripens.
- Refrigerate once cut, in a covered container.
Dates vs similar foods
- Dates 12 months
- Apples 4–6 weeks
- Grapes 1 week
- Watermelon 3–4 days
- Avocado 3–4 days
- Bananas 3 days
- Strawberries 2–3 days
Same scale as the timeline above: 1 hour to 2 years.
Check any food in seconds: when your leftovers expire, and whether something left out is still safe.
Similar foods
All fruits → Can you freeze… hub → Leftover calculator →Freezer time calculator →Left-out checker →