How to store toaster pastries
Best place: the pantry. Toaster pastries are shelf stable and keep for 6 to 12 months in a cool, dry cupboard, then 1 to 2 weeks once opened.
6 to 12 months
from the package date
No guideline
No guideline
How to tell toaster pastries have gone bad
General signs for shelf stable foods, the group USDA lists toaster pastries 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.
How to store other shelf stable foods
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.