How long does tofu last?
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Tofu’s shelf life depends on whether it was purchased in a shelf-stable or a refrigerator-safe variety. The shelf-stable tofu can last for several months while the refrigerated safe will only last for a few weeks.
No matter what option you choose, once you open the package, you will only have up to 2 days of storage.
You can also freeze the opened tofu to extend the shelf life beyond 2 days.
In water
To keep the tofu fresh, it is usually packed in a container with water. You will need to drain water extra-firm tofu before you can cook many recipes. It is simple to preserve leftover tofu once it has been removed from its original packaging. Simply place the tofu into a container with cold and clean water. Cook and consume any leftover tofu within 2 to 3 days.
Make sure the water is clean when putting the tofu in water. When you see cloudy water that could indicate bacterial growth, you should throw the tofu out. Tap water can keep tofu for up to 10 days.
After a package has been opened, it is best to store it in water. Cover the tofu with water after it has been opened and place it in the fridge. The water should be changed every 1 -2 days. This will prolong its shelf life, and keep its soft texture for several days. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator, covered with enough water. Unused tofu can remain fresh for up to one week.
You can still use the expired tofu in your recipes if it has been properly stored. If the tofu has already begun to show signs of spoilage, it should be thrown away.
Once cooked
Cooked tofu can be kept in the refrigerator for about four days.
You can also freeze cooked dishes to extend the shelf life. You don’t need to worry about food spoiling in the freezer for beyond 4 days.
While not all tofu-based dishes freeze well it is worth checking to see if yours is.
Although you can store the tofu-based dish in a refrigerator for up to six days, that could put your health at risk. It’s better to use the tofu that’s stored for about 4 days in a fridge not beyond or freeze it.
| Counter | Fridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf-stable tofu (unopened) | Best-by + 1 – 2 weeks | |
| Shelf-stable tofu (opened) | 3 – 4 days | |
| Refrigerated tofu (unopened) | Use-by + 3 – 7 days | |
| Refrigerated tofu (opened) | 3 – 4 days | |
| Cooked tofu | 4 days |
Is it okay to eat expired tofu?
Sometimes, expired tofu still looks good, right? It isn’t very clear if it is safe to eat or not. There’s no straight answer as there are different situations.
Actually, the date printed on the label doesn’t indicate an expiration date. It is usually a use by (for refrigerated Tofu) or best-by date (for shelf-stable varieties). This is just an estimate of the time the producer believes the product will keep its quality. It’s a fairly safe estimate, so it is likely that your tofu will remain good for some time after it. It doesn’t affect food safety.
The shelf-stable variety has a shelf life of up to a year and an additional week or so should be safe. Tofu can be kept fresher for longer than its original date, regardless of how long the shelf life.
This means that a week of tofu lasts for three months, and another two weeks for one that lasts for a whole year.
If you have tofu that is old or “expired” but still in good condition, make sure it is safe before you begin cooking, baking, stirring-frying, braising, sauteing, or any other use.
Like most food products, tofu eventually goes bad.
While shelf-stable varieties can last for several months, they don’t keep food safe and delicious forever. Refrigerated tofu has a shorter storage time than many dairy products.
Tofu can go bad within a few days of opening the package even if it is stored in good conditions. It will not keep well if it is frozen.
What’s even more important is how can you tell if your tofu is bad. You need to be aware of the signs that it might spoil.
How to tell if tofu is bad?
Tofu gone bad will change from its creamy white color into a tan or brown color. It may even show visible mold growths. Fresh tofu isn’t likely to have any scent, but bad tofu can develop a pungent, musty smell. Be on the lookout for bloated packaging.
You can still use the tofu after expiration in your recipes if it has been properly stored. If the tofu has already begun to show signs of spoilage, it can still be used in your dishes.
So, here’s how you know your tofu is bad:
- Throw it out if the package looks bloated, or about to burst.
- Tofu that has any kind of growth on its surface is not good. While we’re on the subject, it’s a bad idea to cut out any spoiled areas and eat the rest.
- Tofu is usually whitish to slightly creamy depending on the producer and it can vary a lot. It’s natural for tofu to turn yellow, if frozen. You can get flavored and smoked tofu in many colors. These are to be viewed as color changes, and not the actual color.
- The smell of Tofu is mild and neutral. If it has an unpleasant or strong odor, you can throw it away.
- Fresh tofu has a neutral flavor. It’s time for you to get rid of it if it tastes bitter, or sour.
