Produce / Fresh Fruits

Dates

12 months in the fridge from the date of purchase, 2 months in the pantry from the date of purchase and 1–2 years in the freezer.

Pantry

from purchase: 2 months

Fridge

from purchase: 12 months

Freezer

stored: 1–2 years

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeperHow to read these times

Common questions

How long do dates last in the fridge?

12 months from the date of purchase.

Can you freeze dates, and for how long?

Yes. 1–2 years.

How long do dates last in the pantry?

2 months from the date of purchase.

How can I tell if dates have gone bad?

Throw it out if it smells off, feels slimy or sticky, shows mold, or has changed color. Storage times assume it was handled safely and kept cold the whole time.