How long do dried lentils last?

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

How to store it

A sealed jar or tub is best once the bag is open. Lentils need no soaking and cook faster than most dried beans.

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

Sort through them before cooking and pick out stones or damaged ones. Throw out a batch that's moldy, musty or has insects in it.

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

Worth knowing

They have the same time opened as unopened: FoodKeeper gives a year for each, so an opened bag needn't be rushed.

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 lentils last unopened?

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

How long do dried lentils keep once opened?

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

Do dried lentils 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 lentils?