DecodedGuides

How long do pies last?

In the fridge, pies keep for 1 week after opening. Once opened, use it within 1 week. All 3 kinds are below.

Pantry

No guideline

Fridge

1 week

after opening

After opening

1 week

in the fridge unless noted

By kind

KindPantryFridgeAfter openingFreezer
mincemeatno guidelineno guideline1 week8 months
pecanno guidelineno guideline3 to 4 days1 to 2 months
pumpkinno guidelineno guideline3 to 4 days1 to 2 months

No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.

Do pies go bad?

Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, pies 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 pies have gone bad

General signs for baked goods: bakery, the group USDA lists pies 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.