How long do nuts in jars or cans last?

FoodKeeper gives nuts in jars or cans 1 year unopened, as a guide to quality. Once opened, that's 4 to 6 months in the refrigerator.

How to store it

Heat turns nuts rancid quickly, so don't keep them near the stove. If you buy in bulk, FoodKeeper gives them 6 to 12 months in the freezer.

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

Bitter, sharp or stale-tasting nuts have gone rancid. USDA says to discard moldy nuts. Discard any with a dark or shrivelled look.

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

Worth knowing

The range for an opened jar or can is wide: 2 to 9 months in the pantry, or 4 to 6 months 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 do nuts in jars or cans 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 nuts in jars or cans keep once opened?

2 to 9 months in the pantry. 4 to 6 months in the refrigerator.

Do nuts in jars or cans 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 nuts in jars or cans?