Shelf Life Tips
- How long does a package of croutons last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions -to maximize the shelf life of croutons, store in a cool, dry area.
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How long do croutons last at room temperature? Properly stored, a package of croutons will generally stay at best quality for about 8 to 10 months.
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To maximize the shelf life of opened croutons, keep package tightly closed.
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Are croutons safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided they are properly stored and the package is undamaged - commercially packaged croutons will typically carry a " Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the croutons will remain at peak quality.
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Pantry storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the croutons' texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, they will still be safe to consume if they have been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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Can you freeze croutons? Yes, to freeze: place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long do croutons last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 1 year, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only — croutons that have been kept constantly frozen at 0° F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How to tell if croutons are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the croutons: discard any that have an off smell or appearance; if mold appears, discard the croutons.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
