How long do walnuts last?
In the fridge, walnuts keep for 9 to 12 months from the package date. In the pantry, they keep for 2 to 4 weeks from the package date.
2 to 4 weeks
from the package date
9 to 12 months
from the package date
No guideline
Do walnuts go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, walnuts 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 walnuts have gone bad
General signs for shelf stable foods, the group USDA lists walnuts 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.
How long do other shelf stable foods last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.