There are a LOT of different flours out there, but all-purpose flour is by far the most popular among kitchens across the country. All-purpose flour is versatile and most standard recipes call for it.
Unless you’re an avid cook or baker, that bag of all-purpose flour might be sitting in your pantry for a while. How long until you should throw it out because it’s gone bad?
All-purpose flour should last around 6-8 months past its printed best-by date when stored in the pantry. That increases to around one year in the fridge and two years in the freezer (still past the best-by date)!
What is the shelf life of all-purpose flour?
Most types of flour come with a “best by” or “use by” date, which helps you determine how long the flour will remain at its ideal freshness and quality. All-purpose flour will generally last around 6-8 months past its printed date if it’s been stored correctly at room temperature.
If you freeze all-purpose flour, expect it to last up to two years. Storing all-purpose flour in the fridge will likely extend its life by one year past the printed date, assuming it’s been stored correctly (more on the best storage techniques soon!).
How long does all-purpose flour last after opening?
We did our research, and there doesn’t seem to be any difference in the shelf life of all-purpose flour for sealed vs. opened bags. That being said, if your flour is stored poorly (not sealed, open to pests, etc.) then it won’t last as long as flour that has been opened but has been properly re-sealed/stored.
| Pantry | Fridge | Freezer | |
| All-purpose flour – SEALED | 6-8 months past the best-by date | 1 year past the best-by date | Up to 2 years past the best-by date |
| All-purpose flour – OPEN | 6-8 months past the best-by date | 1 year past the best-by date | Up to 2 years past the best-by date |
Can you use all-purpose flour after its expiration date?
All-purpose flour lasts much longer past the best-by date than some flours thanks to the refining process it’s undergone. Refining removes some of the fats and other aspects of the wheat kernel that would otherwise spoil more quickly. That’s one reason all-purpose flour doesn’t last as long as whole wheat flour or other high-fat flours like almond flour or coconut flour.
You can use all-purpose flour well beyond its best-by or expiration date, especially if you’ve taken care to seal the package and keep it in cool, dry areas.
How to tell if all-purpose flour went bad
If it’s been a bit since you used your all-purpose flour, how do you know if it’s still good?
Some signs that all-purpose flour has gone bad include:
- It has a stale, sour, or musty odor when you give it a sniff – fresh all-purpose flour shouldn’t have any specific aroma!
- There are large, moist clumps in the flour.
- Mold is present.
- There are signs of bugs or other pests that have come into contact with the flour.
What’s the danger in using all-purpose flour after it’s gone bad?
All-purpose flour has a pretty impressive shelf life, but what happens if you happen to use some past its prime?
If the flour is only slightly past its prime, you might notice a decline in the quality of the taste and/or texture of your baked goods (or whatever else you’re using the flour for).
If all-purpose flour has gone really bad, you likely won’t be able to eat much of it before you realize it because the taste will be so off-putting. If you do happen to eat some all-purpose flour that has gone bad, you might come down with a sour or upset stomach. Otherwise, there isn’t a significant health risk from consuming bad flour.
Best storage practices for all-purpose flour
- All-purpose flour loves to absorb moisture, so be sure to keep it in a tightly sealed container. A sealed plastic storage bag (like a Ziploc), storage container with a locking lid, or something along those lines can help keep unwanted moisture out, helping to keep your flour fresh longer.
- If you’re not going to use that new bag of all-purpose flour very quickly, consider popping it in the freezer where it will last up to two years past the expiration date. Once you go to use it, let it come back to room temperature before incorporating it into your recipe – otherwise, your baked goods might not rise correctly.
FAQs:
If your all-purpose flour has been stored in the freezer, then you can use it even if it’s two years past the printed “best by” date. However, it might be worth it to buy a new bag at that point since two years is the maximum shelf life.
Whole wheat flour will last up to a year when stored in the freezer, whereas all-purpose flour can last twice as long (two years) in the freezer!
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