How long does popcorn last?
Popcorn keeps for 2 years in the pantry. USDA lists 3 kinds of popcorn; the first is shown here and all are in the table below.
dry kernels in jar
2 years
from the package date
No guideline
No guideline
All kinds of popcorn, side by side
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dry kernels in jar | 2 years | no guideline | 1 year | no guideline |
| commercially popped in bags | 2 to 3 months | no guideline | 1 to 2 weeks | no guideline |
| microwave packets | 6 to 12 months | no guideline | 1 to 2 days | no guideline |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
- microwave packets: After opening time applies to prepared product.
How to tell popcorn has gone bad
General signs for shelf stable foods, the group USDA lists popcorn under.
- Crackers or cereal that have gone soft or stale, not crisp
- Rancid, paint-like smell from nuts, oils or nut butters
- Small insects or webbing inside a box or bag
- Spices that have lost their smell and colour
- Fermented or boozy smell from honey that has picked up moisture
More on shelf stable foods. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
Storage habits that make the difference
Store dry pantry staples in a cool, dry cupboard away from the stove and direct sunlight, ideally in airtight containers once opened. Reseal cracker and cereal bags tightly with a clip or transfer them to a container to keep them crisp. Label opened jars with the date so older ones get used first.
More in shelf stable foods
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). Times assume a fridge at 40 F (4 C) and a freezer at 0 F (-18 C). How we decode the data.