Quick Answers
Dried quinoa can typically be eaten for 1-2 years after the expiration date, as long as it was stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Signs that dried quinoa has gone bad include an off smell, flavor, and texture. Spoiled quinoa may also appear discolored or mushy. When in doubt, it’s best to throw away expired quinoa. Eating spoiled quinoa can cause foodborne illness.
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa is a nutritious whole grain that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Sometimes referred to as a “superfood,” quinoa contains significant amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and various beneficial plant compounds [1].
Quinoa originated in the Andean region of South America, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. The Incas considered quinoa a sacred food and referred to it as the “mother grain” [2]. Today, quinoa continues to be an important dietary staple in South American countries like Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile.
There are over 120 varieties of quinoa, but the most common types are white, red, and black quinoa. Quinoa has a nutty flavor and a chewy, crunchy texture when cooked [3]. It can be used similarly to grains like rice, added to salads, made into cereal, and incorporated into a variety of dishes.
Nutritional Profile
One of the reasons quinoa has gained so much attention is its stellar nutritional profile [4]:
- High in protein – Quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. One cup of cooked quinoa provides about 8 grams of protein.
- Rich in fiber – A 1 cup serving provides 5 grams of fiber, aiding digestion.
- Packed with micronutrients like manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, copper, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
- Contains beneficial antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol.
- Naturally gluten-free.
- Low glycemic index, which helps control blood sugar.
Due to its stellar nutrient profile, quinoa can provide a number of health benefits. Studies suggest quinoa may help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and improve blood sugar control and heart health [5].
Shelf Life of Dried vs Cooked Quinoa
Quinoa is available in both dried and pre-cooked, ready-to-eat forms. The shelf life differs significantly between these two types:
Dried Quinoa
When stored properly in an airtight container, dried quinoa can typically last for 1-2 years past its printed expiration date before going bad [6].
The key is keeping it in a cool, dry place, as heat, sunlight, and moisture will cause it to spoil more quickly. Pantry moths and other pantry pests can also contaminate quinoa when stored for extended periods.
Cooked Quinoa
Pre-cooked or leftover quinoa has a much shorter shelf life of just 3-5 days when refrigerated in an airtight container. The high moisture content allows microbial growth like mold and bacteria, causing quick spoilage [7].
Cooked quinoa should not be left at room temperature more than 2 hours before refrigerating. It can be frozen for 3-6 months to extend its shelf life.
How to Tell if Dried Quinoa Has Gone Bad
Dried quinoa can last past its expiration date if it was stored properly, but here are some signs that it has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Appearance: Mold, clumping, discoloration
- Texture: Very soft, mushy, or hard and dry
- Smell: Sour, musty, rotten, or stale
- Taste: Bitter, sour, or chalky
- Insect infestation: Presence of pantry moths, weevils, or beetles
Quinoa that passes the look, smell, and taste tests is likely still safe to eat. When rehydrating, expired quinoa may take longer to cook or need more water.
Is It Safe to Eat Expired Quinoa?
Most sources agree that dried quinoa can be safely consumed 1-2 years past its printed expiration date, provided it meets the following conditions [8]:
- It was unopened and stored correctly in a cool, dry location.
- The package is not damaged.
- There are no visible signs of spoilage like mold, insects, foul odor, etc.
If stored properly, white quinoa may last a little longer than red quinoa past its expiration date. White quinoa has an off-white or ivory color that helps mask small changes, while red quinoa will show discoloration more clearly.
At 2+ years past its expiration date, dried quinoa has a higher risk of harboring dangerous bacteria like Bacillus cereus. Consuming very old quinoa could potentially cause food poisoning symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea [9].
When deciding whether to eat very expired quinoa, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Use common sense – if it smells bad or looks gross, throw it out!
Tips for Storing Quinoa
To maximize dried quinoa’s shelf life and eat it safely past its expiration date, follow these storage tips:
- Store in airtight containers – Keep quinoa in containers with tight-fitting lids rather than original packaging.
- Keep cool and dry – Optimal storage temperature is 40-50°F. Store in the pantry or freezer.
- Check periodically – Occasionally inspect quinoa for signs of moisture, insects, odor, etc.
- Use first-in first-out – Use quinoa that is closest to expiring first.
- Portion into smaller bags – Store quinoa in small batches to avoid contamination of the whole bag.
- Freeze for long-term storage – Freezing below 0°F stops the clock on quinoa’s shelf life.
By following these tips, properly stored dried quinoa can often last 1-2 years past its printed date of expiration.
What to Do With Expired Quinoa
If your quinoa has expired but still looks and smells normal, here are some safe ways to use it up:
- Cook into a quinoa pilaf or breakfast porridge.
- Make protein-packed muffins, breads, or granola bars.
- Mix into chili, soups, stews, or casseroles.
- Bake into cookies or energy bites.
- Add to salads for extra nutrition.
- Blend into smoothies for added protein.
Combining expired quinoa with other ingredients can help mask any staleness in flavor. Avoid eating it plain or in dishes like sushi where the taste and texture are very exposed.
When to Throw Out Expired Quinoa
Although dried quinoa can often last 1-2 years past its printed date if stored properly, it’s smart to discard and replace quinoa that:
- Has passed 2+ years beyond its expiration date
- Smells sour, musty, or stale
- Appears discolored, mushy, or moldy
- Tastes bitter or odd
- Is clumpy or exhibits signs of moisture
- Has any bug infestation
Eating quinoa that is very old or shows signs of spoilage can potentially cause foodborne illness. It’s not worth risking your health to try to use up a $3 bag of quinoa. Remember – when in doubt, throw it out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can quinoa make you sick if it’s expired?
Dried quinoa that is 1-2 years past its expiration date is generally safe to eat if it was stored properly. Beyond 2 years, spoiled quinoa harbors more bacteria and can cause food poisoning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps if consumed.
How can you tell if dried quinoa is spoiled?
Signs that dried quinoa has gone bad include foul odors, visible mold, mushy or hard texture, extreme dryness, bitterness, insect infestation, and rancid or stale flavor. Trust your senses – if it looks, smells or tastes off, throw it out.
Does quinoa expire?
Yes, all quinoa has an expiration or “best by” date printed on the package. Dried quinoa can typically be consumed for 1-2 years past this date if stored properly, while pre-cooked quinoa only lasts for 3-5 days in the fridge.
What happens if you eat expired quinoa?
Eating expired quinoa that was still in good condition is unlikely to cause harm for most people. Consuming quinoa that is very old (2+ years past expiration) or shows signs of spoilage can potentially lead to foodborne illness.
Can you freeze quinoa to extend its shelf life?
Yes, freezing dried quinoa can essentially stop the clock on its expiration date. It will keep for 3-6 months in a 0°F freezer before quality starts to decline. Make sure to portion it into airtight bags before freezing.
The Bottom Line
Checking quinoa for spoilage signs is more telling than its expiration date. With proper storage, dried quinoa can often safely be enjoyed 1-2 years past its printed date. However, very old quinoa or any showing signs of moisture, mold, funky textures, or insects should always be discarded. Though a staple in South America for thousands of years, quinoa is still prone to spoilage like any dry grain. Following good storage practices can help maximize its shelf life and safety.