How Long Does All Purpose Flour Last?
All Purpose Flour keeps 1 year in the refrigerator, 2 years in the freezer and 6–12 months in the pantry, according to cited USDA/FDA storage references.
- 2 cited USDA/FDA/FSIS sources
- Editorial review · Verified June 2026
- Only storage locations with source-backed entries are shown; a missing freezer or pantry card means FoodLasts does not have a supported value.
- No after-opening tab appears unless the source data has a separate opened value.
Based on USDA/FSIS guidance:
Do not eat food that is moldy — mold roots can spread invisibly in soft, porous foods like bread.
All Purpose Flour is shelf-stable: kept properly in the pantry it lasts 6–12 months, according to cited USDA/FDA storage references. A printed date is a quality guide, not a safety deadline.
When in doubt, throw it out. Refrigerate within 2 hours of purchase or cooking.
How to tell if it's gone bad
- Look:Discolouration or mould
- Smell:Sour or off smell
- Texture:Unusual slimy or mushy texture
When in doubt, throw it out. If All Purpose Flour smells, looks, or feels off — discard it. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.
Can you freeze All Purpose Flour?
Yes.All Purpose Flourkeeps 2 yearsin the freezer when stored in airtight packaging.
How to store All Purpose Flour
- Keep All Purpose Flour protected from heat, moisture, and contamination in the pantry. Use the pantry duration shown above for this food state.
- Keep All Purpose Flour covered in the refrigerator. Use the refrigerator duration shown above for this food state.
- Package All Purpose Flour tightly for the freezer and label the stored date. Use the freezer duration shown above for this food state.
Storage tips
Store in airtight container in cool dry place.
Is it still good?
Enter when you bought or opened it and where it's stored.
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