How long do dried beans last?

FoodKeeper gives dried beans 1 to 2 years unopened, as a guide to quality. Once opened, that's 1 year in the pantry.

How to store it

Keep them in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Old beans can take much longer to soften, so use the oldest ones first.

Keep it cool and dry. USDA says temperatures below 85°F are best, and to avoid anywhere above or beside the stove, under the sink, or in a damp garage or basement. Reseal opened packs, or decant them into something airtight.

What to look for

Throw them out if there's mold, or a musty smell, or if you see small holes from insects. USDA says to discard moldy legumes.

USDA says spoiled food develops an off odor, flavor or texture, and that if it has, you shouldn't eat it.

Worth knowing

Dried beans must be cooked properly. The FDA says to soak them for at least 5 hours, then boil them in fresh water for at least 30 minutes, because raw or undercooked beans can contain a toxin that causes severe vomiting. Canned beans are already cooked.

Similar foods

From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.

How it works

FoodKeeper is USDA's food storage database. Its figures are guides to quality for food stored at cool room temperature, not safety cut-offs, and we show them as USDA gives them. FoodKeeper counts this from the date of purchase. Opened times start when you open the pack.

Where FoodKeeper gives no figure, we say so instead of guessing. The date printed on a package is the manufacturer's, and it's about quality except on infant formula.

Common questions

How long do dried beans last unopened?

1 to 2 years, according to USDA FoodKeeper, as a guide to best quality. FoodKeeper counts this from the date of purchase.

How long do dried beans keep once opened?

1 year in the pantry. FoodKeeper gives no refrigerator figure.

Do dried beans go bad after the date on the package?

USDA says dates are about quality, except on infant formula. A product should still be safe if handled properly until spoilage shows, so check for an off smell, taste or texture.

What should I look for before using dried beans?