How long does rice last?
In the fridge, rice keeps for 6 months after opening. In the pantry, it keeps for 2 years from the package date. Once opened, use it within 6 months. All 2 kinds are below.
2 years
from the package date
6 months
after opening
6 months
in the fridge unless noted
By kind
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| white or wild | 2 years | no guideline | 6 months | no guideline |
| brown | 1 year | no guideline | 6 months | no guideline |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
Does rice go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, rice 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 rice has gone bad
General signs for grains, beans & pasta, the group USDA lists rice under.
- Small webbing, moths or beetles inside the bag or container
- Musty or damp smell instead of a neutral, dry one
- Clumping together from moisture getting into the package
- Cooked pasta or rice turning sticky, slimy or sour smelling
- Visible mould on cooked beans or grains left too long
More on grains, beans & pasta. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
How long do other grains, beans & pasta last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.