How to store yeast
Best place: the pantry until opened, then the fridge. Unopened, yeast keeps for 2 years in the pantry. Once opened, the fridge gives 4 months, and the freezer 6 months.
2 years
from the package date
Store in cool, dry place. Must be refrigerated or frozen once opened.
4 months
after opening
6 months
best quality within
USDA notes for yeast
- Store in cool, dry place. Must be refrigerated or frozen once opened.
How to tell yeast has gone bad
General signs for baked goods: baking and cooking, the group USDA lists yeast under.
- Small moths, beetles or larvae in the flour or grains
- Clumping or hardening from moisture getting into the bag
- Sharp, crayon-like or paint-like smell from oil
- Baking powder that no longer fizzes when mixed with water
- Chocolate chips with a dull grey bloom or waxy smell
More on baked goods: baking and cooking. 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 flour, sugar and baking powder in airtight containers in a cool, dry cupboard away from the stove. Keep oils away from direct sunlight and heat, and refrigerate nut oils and opened specialty oils to slow rancidity. Label containers with the purchase date so older stock gets used first.
How to store other baked goods: baking and cooking
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.