How long do doughnuts last?
In the fridge, doughnuts keep for 2 days after opening. In the pantry, they keep for 1 to 2 days from the package date. Once opened, use it within 2 days.
1 to 2 days
from the package date
2 days
after opening
2 days
in the fridge unless noted
Do doughnuts go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, doughnuts may still be safe for a short while but quality drops and spoilage signs start. The date on the package is the maker's quality promise; the times here count from purchase unless marked "from the package date".
Two numbers to keep in mind: a fridge at 40 F (4 C) or below, and no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90 F / 32 C) for anything perishable.
How to tell doughnuts have gone bad
General signs for baked goods: bakery, the group USDA lists doughnuts under.
- Fuzzy green, white or black spots anywhere on the surface
- Musty or sour smell instead of a baked, yeasty scent
- Hard, dry crumb that crumbles instead of springing back
- Sticky or slimy patches on cut surfaces
- Filling that separates, weeps liquid or smells sour
More on baked goods: bakery. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
How long do other baked goods: bakery last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.