How long do potato chips last?

FoodKeeper gives potato chips 2 months unopened, as a guide to quality. Once opened, that's 1 to 2 weeks in the pantry.

How to store it

Keep the bag sealed. Once it's open, roll it tightly and clip it. Moisture makes them soft, and oil makes them stale.

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

Soft chips have only lost their crunch. A bitter or paint-like smell means the oil has gone rancid.

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

Worth knowing

They're a short-life item, not a long-term store. FoodKeeper says to go by the date on the pack, and gives 2 months from purchase and 1 to 2 weeks once open.

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 potato chips last unopened?

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

How long do potato chips keep once opened?

1 to 2 weeks in the pantry. FoodKeeper gives no refrigerator figure.

Do potato chips 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 potato chips?