Popcorn is a staple in millions of American households. It tastes great, has an irresistible aroma, and keeps well — so we'd be surprised if anyone keeps popcorn kernels long enough for them to expire.
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But the question still remains: does popcorn go bad?
The short answer is yes. Kernels that aren’t stored properly can develop mold while popped popcorn can turn stale. Luckily, there are ways to extend the lifespan of your popcorn and keep kernels fresher for longer.
In this blog post, we’ll share exactly how long popcorn lasts, the best storage conditions, and other frequently asked questions on the topic of keeping popcorn fresh and safe to eat.
Popcorn is a good option if you're looking for a snack to stash in your cupboard. It's one of the most shelf-stable snacks around, especially if you go for loose kernels.
But keep in mind that it still has a best-before date. Don't forget to check the expiration dates and storage instructions for fresh popcorn!
The next time you make too much popcorn for movie night or can't eat a whole bag of the popcorn you love from the grocery store, remember that popped popcorn has a much shorter lifespan than unpopped kernels. It can last between two to four weeks.
But once you open a bag of popcorn, be careful — its shelf life will drastically shrink. Open or unsealed bags of popcorn will only last one to two weeks.
So how can you tell if popcorn is going bad? The simplest way is to check for staleness. If your popcorn has lost its crunch, that's a telltale sign it's going stale. You'll be better off popping a fresh batch entirely.
If you want to keep popcorn fresher for longer, consider stocking up on unpopped popcorn kernels instead. These have a much longer shelf life and can last anywhere from six months to a year. Of course, that's if you keep them in an airtight container to protect them from excess moisture and spoilage.
Microwave popcorn also has a fairly long shelf life, lasting for about 8 months. If you consume it after its best-by date, it could develop a rancid taste from the flavorings and other additives.
PRO TIP: Make popcorn in small batches and portions to minimize waste and maintain freshness.
The key to keeping your popcorn fresher lies in your storage method. If stored correctly, it will have a much longer shelf life.
Here's what you can do to lower the presence of excess moisture and extend the lifespan of both popcorn kernels and popped corn:
A cool, dark place will provide the longest shelf life for unpopped and popped popcorn kernels. Swap glass jars for metal tins to make sure your popcorn has the perfect balance of light and temperature control.
It can, depending on when it expired. Unpopped corn kernels that take on excess moisture create the perfect environment for mold to grow. So if you happen to eat moldy, expired popcorn, you risk getting sick.
It’s best to be cautious. Even if the popcorn hasn’t turned moldy, expired popcorn can still taste stale or rancid. Err on the side of caution and throw out any expired popcorn. Stick to eating your popcorn while it’s fresh and within its best-by date.
Popcorn is a great-tasting snack that will keep on your shelf for a long time as long as you store it properly. To help extend its shelf life, choose unpopped kernels and stash them in a dark, cool, and dry place.
This way, you’ll enjoy this delicious snack whenever the cravings strike — without worrying about the quality of popped or unpopped popcorn.
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When asking “When does popcorn expire?”, the next question is often “How do I know if my popcorn has gone bad?”.
The first sign that popcorn has gone bad is if it’s chewy instead of fluffy and crunchy. Stale popcorn is often a sign that the snack has gone bad, especially if it tastes that way as soon as it’s popped.
Another way to tell whether popcorn isn’t safe to eat is by the smell. If there’s a moldy or rancid smell coming from either popped or unpopped popcorn, steer clear. Some of the risks of eating moldy popcorn include respiratory problems, allergies, and digestive issues. Make sure you double-check if the popcorn has passed its expiry date.
We recommend making small batches of popcorn so you can extend the shelf life and enjoy each batch while it's fresh.
They sure do! Bags of popcorn usually last between 1-2 weeks once opened and 2-4 weeks if unopened. Opening the bag dramatically reduces the shelf life by allowing oxygen and moisture to get into the popcorn.
Microwave popcorn, however, can last up to 8 months unpopped thanks to the kernels being in dark, airtight packaging. But the second you pop microwave popcorn, its expiration date will drop to 1-2 weeks, just like an opened bag of popcorn.
Popcorn tastes best when it’s flavored. But the downside is that seasoning can shorten its shelf life.
Typically, seasoning needs butter or oil to stick to popcorn. These add extra moisture to the popcorn. And, as you know, this moisture will reduce the lifespan of your popcorn — leaving it with a chewy or soggy texture.
If you made a large batch of popcorn, we recommend only seasoning the amount you plan to eat. Store the rest in an airtight container and season it when you’re ready.
If you are looking for a tasty snack, then there is a good chance that you have thought about popcorn. There is nothing quite like the taste of freshly popped popcorn. You might be used to making it in your microwave at home, on the stove, or eating popcorn that is served at the movies. One of the questions that many people have concerns how long it will last. The answer is that it depends on the form in which the popcorn is stored, and whether or not it has been popped. When it comes to storage, there are a few important points that everyone has to keep in mind.
If you are wondering how long unpopped kernels are going to last, it is important to take a look at the expiration date on the package. If you are buying a box of microweavable, there is usually an expiration date on the box. Take a look at the date and use it to guide you when you are trying to decide if your unpopped kernels are safe to eat.
If you have loose, unpopped kernels, the good news is that they are going to last for a long time. In some situations, unpopped kernels could last for more than a year. On the other hand, it is also important for you to make sure that you store them properly. The overall lifespan of your unpopped kernels is going to depend heavily on the manner in which you store them. When you are trying to take care of your unpopped kernels, try to store them in a place where they are not going to be exposed to moisture or air. That way, they will last as long as possible.
It is possible for unpopped kernels to go bad. Even though loose kernels can last for years if they are stored properly, the vast majority of people do not store them correctly. Therefore, it is possible for unpopped kernels to expire at a much faster rate.
In general, unpopped kernels are going to expire quicker if they are exposed to moisture. If the kernels get moist, they are going to completely lose their ability to expand. As a result, these kernels will not pop when heated, regardless of the method used. Therefore, if you have unpopped kernels that you are trying to keep fresh, it is important to store them in a dry place where they are not going to be exposed to moisture.
It is also possible for these kernels to go stale as well. This is another reason why it is important to store kernels in an airtight container or in a jar. If you are keeping your unpopped kernels in a bag, it is important to squeeze the bag as tight as possible to remove all of the air from the back before you store them. This will prevent the kernels from getting stale.
After you have popped it, it is important for you to understand how long it is going to last. If you are purchasing popcorn that has already been popped at the store, it is important to take a look at the date on the package. There is usually an expiration date by which you should eat popcorn. Even though popcorn is going to be safe to eat after the date on the label, it is not going to taste as good. Over time, it is going to dry out and gradually lose its flavor. Therefore, it is important for everyone to take a look at the date on the package and try to eat the popcorn before the date arrives.
If you popped it yourself, then date of expiration is going to be a little bit different. After you heated the popcorn, it is most likely going to last for a week or two. After that, the quality is going to drop off quickly. Therefore, if you have just popped the popcorn, it is important to eat it as quickly as possible.
Finally, high-quality popcorn is going to last longer than low-quality. If you are buying popcorn from a brand that has a reputation for their quality, it may last a little bit longer. Still, it is going to taste better if you eat it sooner rather than later. At the same time, if you are someone who loves popcorn, there’s a good chance it doesn’t last very long in your house anyway! If you are looking to purchase some of our popcorn kernels, please contact us at (517)767-3569 or fill out the contact form.
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