How Long Does Rice Last? (In Freezer Or Cabinet)

How long will rice last before it goes bad for you? When you’re checking to ensure all your food items in your pantry and cabinets are in good shape, There are likely to be certain varieties of food you will be looking over. In particular, you don’t think much about flour, rice sugar, salt, or rice. In the end, they aren’t things that can go bad fast. Some believe these food items aren’t going to go bad in the least. Although these foods can last long, they’ll eventually become rotten.

Take a look at rice. Rice typically lasts for 4 to 5 years. However, many factors affect this. Based on the way you store your rice, the location you keep it, and the kind of rice you’re storing and storing, the length of time your rice can last could be quite different. In this regard, it’s beneficial to use this time to determine the length of time your rice will endure and how you can keep it in good condition.

How Long Does Rice Last in your cabinet?

The storage location for the rice, the condition that the rice is in, the kind of rice you are using, and the way you keep your rice. The time it lasts can vary from 4 days to 30 years. The first step is to be aware of the rice you’re keeping. The most popular varieties are brown rice, white rice, wild rice, and small rice. If you keep them in your kitchen pantry, these kinds of rice can last for as long as:

  • Brown rice is available for approximately six to eight months after the date on the label.
  • Wild rice is available for approximately six to eight months after the date on the label.
  • White rice is usually 4 to 5 years after its date.
  • Minute rice can last for 4 to 5 years beyond printing.

However, there is something to consider regarding the storage method for rice. If you are using white rice, you can keep your rice in an oxygen-free container. If you buy your rice in large quantities, this is an option worth considering since oxygen-free white rice can last between 25 and 30 years after the date printed on it. If you’re looking to be sure you’re stocked with enough rice to provide your family with food for years to come purchasing a vacuum sealable container and white rice in bulk can be among the most beneficial options you can make for yourself.

However, the situation is completely different once you begin storing the excess grains in your fridge or the freezer.

How Long Does Rice Expire within the Fridge or Freezer?

Most people also understand that putting food items in the freezer or fridge dramatically alters the length of time this type of food will last. Although rice is considered a grain, there are certain kinds of rice for which this is. In the case of brown rice, for instance. You could keep brown rice in the refrigerator, which will last between 8 and 12 months after the date on the label, in contrast to the six or eight months within the pantry. It is also possible to store the oxygen-free white rice inside the freezer, which will likely last for 30 years or more.

All of this state, things are drastically different when you think about cooked rice. As you are aware, rice that has been cooked is no longer robust and solid; however, it is flexible and soft. This means that rice won’t last as long, regardless of where you store it. There is, however, an important difference between the freezer and the fridge. The length of time cooked rice will last in the refrigerator, and the freezer is as follows:

  • Brown rice will last about four or five days in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer.
  • White rice will last up or seven days in the refrigerator and for six to eight months in the freezer.
  • Wild rice can last for up 7 days or more in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer.

It is also worth the fact that you should not keep cooked rice in your pantry. This can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold in your food, and nobody would want this to occur in their meals made from rice. But because the taste of rice can degrade in a short time after it is cooked, it is important to only cook rice you are sure will be consumed. Rice isn’t expensive, but it’s never an ideal idea to throw away food just because you do not know how much rice will be served for dinner.

What Can You Tell When the Rice has gone Poor?

People can indeed forget sometimes. It is possible that you don’t know how long the box of rice was sitting on your counter, so it’s never a good idea to take the risk of eating rice that is long over the expiration date. It can be difficult to discern when uncooked rice is in danger of spoiling. The indicators of rotten rice can depend on the type of rice you’re dealing with. For Dry rice, the primary aspect you should be watching out for is a tiny bug known as the rice weevil. These bugs are reddish brown in appearance. If you find them, you must throw away all the rice in the container and thoroughly clean the container, adjacent containers, and shelves surrounding it. Everyone doesn’t want to eat food that is contaminated with bugs.

When brown rice is used, it is easy to determine whether or not it’s spoilt. Brown rice is typically oily and sticky to the touch and will emit an unpleasant odor of rancidity. This is due to the fatty acids found in brown rice. And when they become oxidized (due to the passage of time or poor storage), the fatty acids become stale, which is evident in the tiny rice grains.

When rice is cooked, it’s simpler to know when it’s gone bad or is not. The first indications will be seen on the surface of the rice when it starts to become hard. The soft rice texture that many enjoy will disappear when the rice grain becomes a pellet. In time, it will start to develop the appearance of mold. It will indicate that your rice is bad, and you should eliminate it all.

The Facts About Rice

Sometimes, it’s nice to be aware of a fact to know about the food you consume. Rice is an extremely typical food that can serve as the basis of one dish or even the entire portion of the other. It is a versatile food that is unlike other types of food items and is one of the main reasons for it being an essential ingredient in certain regions across the world. Different varieties of rice differ in their characteristics. For example, white rice is known to have a very low moisture content. This is why it will last for a long time as long as it is kept in a dark, cool area. This is just one of the many reasons it is a very popular food item.

Brown rice, however, is quite different. It’s a natural grain, with the shell removed. This means that the fats left in the other layer of rice can be ruined much faster because the hard outer shell doesn’t protect them. Most rice is milled and taken away from all its layers and nutrients, giving it an easier texture and nuttier taste. Rice that is enriched may have certain nutrients that are chemically transferred to it, but brown rice can retain most of the nutrients, giving its distinctive taste and appearance.

Did you find this guide helpful?
YesNo
Norah Clark

Norah Clark

Norah Clark, the founder and editor of YummyTasteFood! She's a seasoned food writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry as a former pastry chef, sous chef, and barista. When not writing about food, she explores new recipes or travels the world for culinary inspiration.

Exclusive Coupons & Discounts and Yummy Recipes!

Sign up to our free newsletter!