How long does dry pasta last?

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

How to store it

An unopened box or bag is fine as it is. Once opened, roll the bag closed or decant it, because pasta picks up smells and attracts insects.

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

Look for insects, webbing, damp patches or a musty smell. Old pasta that's only a little brittle is a quality change.

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

Worth knowing

FoodKeeper gives no refrigerator figure, because dry pasta doesn't need one. USDA gives cooked pasta 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

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 does dry pasta last unopened?

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

How long does dry pasta keep once opened?

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

Does dry pasta 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 dry pasta?