Quick Answer
Unopened refrigerated tofu can go bad, but it will generally last for several weeks or longer if stored properly. The shelf life depends on the expiration date, storage temperature, and packaging. Properly stored, unopened tofu will typically last for these timeframes:
– Firm/extra firm tofu: 2 to 5 weeks past the expiration date
– Soft/silken tofu: 1 to 3 weeks past the expiration date
How to tell if unopened refrigerated tofu is bad
There are a few signs that indicate refrigerated tofu has spoiled and should be discarded:
– Mold growth – This appears as fuzzy patches or spots on the tofu. Mold is one of the most obvious signs of spoilage.
– Sliminess – The tofu feels abnormally soft, slick, or slimy to the touch. Healthy tofu has a firmer texture.
– Discoloration – The white tofu becomes yellow or gray. Normal tofu is white or pale yellow.
– Rancid smell – Rotten tofu gives off a distinctly unpleasant, sour odor. Fresh tofu has a mild aroma.
– Off flavors – Spoiled tofu will simply taste bad with flavors like bitter, sour, or rotten. Good tofu tastes neutral.
If your unopened tofu displays any of these signs, it has likely spoiled and should not be eaten. When in doubt, remember the old adage: if it looks or smells funky, throw it out!
How long does unopened refrigerated tofu last?
The shelf life of refrigerated tofu depends largely on three factors: the expiration date, storage temperature, and packaging.
Expiration date
The expiration date printed on the tofu package is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the tofu will remain fresh under proper storage conditions. For unopened tofu stored in the refrigerator, you can usually expect it to stay good for:
– 1 to 2 weeks past the printed expiration date for soft/silken tofu
– 2 to 3 weeks past the date for medium, firm, and extra firm tofu
So if the expiration date says June 1st, that soft tofu should be good through about June 15th and the extra firm acceptable for use through June 22nd or so. The firmer the tofu, the longer it keeps.
Storage temperature
To extend shelf life as long as possible, unopened tofu needs to be continually stored at fridge temperatures of 40°F or below. Consistent cold storage slows down microbial growth and enzyme activity that can cause the tofu to spoil. Leaving tofu at room temperature for extended periods shortens its remaining freshness.
Packaging
Tofu sold in vacuum-sealed packaging tends to last 1-2 weeks longer than tofu in containers with just plastic wrap. The vacuum seal protects the tofu from exposure to airborne microbes and dehydration. If the seal is broken or leaks, the tofu won’t keep as long. Always check that package wrapping is still intact.
Optimal storage for longest shelf life
To get the maximum shelf life and use from your refrigerated tofu, follow these tips:
– Check the expiration or “best by” date on the package and buy the tofu with the furthest out date.
– Inspect packaging to make sure there are no tears or openings where air or moisture can get in. Avoid leaking packages.
– Store unopened tofu in the refrigerator as soon as possible after purchasing. Keep the fridge at 40°F or below.
– Keep the tofu in its original packaging until you are ready to use it. Do not rewrap in plastic wrap or foil.
– Place the tofu on a refrigerator shelf rather than in the door, where temperature fluctuations are more extreme.
– Consume refrigerated tofu within 1-2 weeks past the expiration date for best quality. Discard if it develops off colors, textures, or smells.
– Once opened, use tofu within 3-5 days. Keep any leftover tofu submerged in fresh cold water, changing the water daily to maximize shelf life.
Does freezing extend unopened tofu’s shelf life?
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of unopened, refrigerated tofu far beyond its expiration date for later use. Here’s what you need to know:
– Firm and extra firm tofu freeze best. Soft or silken tofu becomes too mushy when thawed.
– Freeze unopened tofu in its original packaging. Place the entire package in a freezer bag if desired.
– Frozen, unopened tofu lasts 6-8 months in a 0°F freezer before quality declines.
– Thaw frozen tofu refrigerated in its sealed package overnight. Unwrap and use thawed tofu within 5 days.
– Freezing gives tofu a chewier, spongy texture. Its color also darkens slightly. These changes do not affect food safety.
– Press excess water from thawed tofu to remove ice crystals before cooking or marinating.
So go ahead and stash unopened tofu in the freezer to extend its shelf life. The freezing process stops microbial growth and enzymatic activity that causes spoilage. Thawed tofu may have some texture changes but its nutritional value remains.
How to store opened refrigerated tofu
Once opened, the shelf life of refrigerated tofu is shortened due to exposure to air and potential contamination. Follow these guidelines for storing opened tofu:
– Keep any leftover tofu in an airtight container or storage bag. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent air exposure.
– Always submerge opened tofu in fresh cold water in its storage container, changing the water daily. The water prevents dehydration and spoilage.
– Change the water if it becomes cloudy, tastes odd, or gives off an unpleasant smell. These are signs bacteria may be growing.
– Refrigerate opened tofu at 40°F or below. Keep near the back of the fridge away from the door.
– Use opened, refrigerated tofu within 3-5 days for best quality and food safety. Discard promptly if you see any mold growth.
– Do not freeze opened tofu as it will become extremely mushy when thawed. Freeze only unopened packages.
With proper storage and handling, opened tofu can keep for up to a week past its expiration date. But err on the safe side and use it sooner for optimal freshness and flavor.
How to store unopened shelf-stable tofu
Some tofu sold in aseptic cartons does not require refrigeration until after opening. Follow these tips for safely storing unopened shelf-stable tofu:
– Check the “best by” date and storage instructions on the packaging. Unopened shelf-stable tofu typically lasts 6-12 months.
– Store unopened tofu at room temperature in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight, sources of heat, and humidity.
– Avoid storing shelf-stable tofu above 85°F for extended periods as heat can reduce quality and accelerate spoilage after opening.
– Once opened, shelf-stable tofu typically lasts up to 10 days refrigerated. Submerge in water and change the water daily.
– Discard opened shelf-stable tofu if you see any mold, sliminess, or off odors which indicate it has spoiled.
When stored as instructed, unopened aseptic tofu has an excellent shelf life at room temperature for convenience. Refrigerate after opening for increased safety and shelf life.
Can you eat expired unopened tofu?
It is generally safe to eat refrigerated unopened tofu for a short period past its expiration date, up to:
– 1-2 weeks past date for soft/silken tofu
– 2-3 weeks past date for firm/extra firm tofu
Safety beyond that depends on the following:
– Storage temperature – Constant refrigeration at 40°F or below is critical. Erratic temperatures encourage spoilage.
– Packaging integrity – If the packaging has been compromised or opened, expired tofu is more vulnerable to microbes and dehydration.
– Signs of spoilage – Discard expired tofu that has visible mold, smells bad, or feels excessively soft or slimy.
– Intended use – Cooking expired tofu thoroughly into hot dishes is safer than consuming it raw or cold. Heat reduces harmful bacteria.
Healthy adults with strong immune systems can likely safely eat refrigerated unopened tofu 2-3 weeks past its printed date, as long as it was stored at 40°F or below continuously. But, expired tofu is rolling the dice in terms of bacterial growth, so err on the side of caution if serving to vulnerable groups like the very young, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised. When in doubt, just throw it out!
Can I eat expired opened tofu?
It is not recommended to eat opened tofu past its expiration date. Once exposed to air and potential bacterial contamination, the shelf life of opened tofu in the refrigerator is only 3-5 days. Consuming expired, opened tofu comes with some risks:
– Bacterial growth – Listeria, salmonella and other dangerous bacteria thrive and multiply quickly in opened tofu, producing toxins that can cause illness. Mold can also grow and produce mycotoxins.
– Foodborne illness – Eating expired, opened tofu significantly raises your risks of coming down with food poisoning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, fever, and cramps. In some cases, foodborne illness can even become life-threatening.
– Texture and taste changes – Expired opened tofu often has an unappealing smell and slimy consistency. Even if it doesn’t make you sick, eating tofu past its prime is unpalatable.
To avoid bacterial contamination and foodborne illness, it’s wise to steer clear of opened tofu past its printed date or more than 3-5 days after opening. The small amount potentially saved isn’t worth the health risks involved. Trust your nose and eyes and when in doubt, throw it out!
Can you freeze opened tofu?
Freezing opened, refrigerated tofu is not recommended for food safety reasons:
– Bacteria present – Once exposed to air and mishandling during use, harmful bacteria already begin growing in opened tofu that can survive freezing.
– Texture changes – Opened tofu contains much more moisture. This moisture forms large ice crystals during freezing, leading to a grainy, mushy texture once thawed.
– Reduced shelf life – Compared to unopened tofu lasting up to 8 months frozen, thawed opened tofu only keeps 3-5 days refrigerated before spoiling.
– Higher risk – Consuming thawed frozen opened tofu poses increased risks of foodborne illness if bacteria are present. Cooking thoroughly after thawing doesn’t necessarily destroy toxins.
For optimal safety and quality, freeze only unopened packages of tofu from the grocery store. Don’t attempt to extend the shelf life of previously opened tofu through freezing. Simply use opened refrigerated tofu within 3-5 days and avoid freezing it.
Can you refreeze thawed tofu?
Refreezing previously frozen and thawed tofu is not recommended. Here’s why it’s best avoided:
– Bacterial growth – Thawed tofu left at room temperature encourages rapid bacteria multiplication. Refreezing won’t destroy these pathogens.
– Reduced shelf life – Each freeze-thaw cycle breaks down the tofu’s texture. Refrozen tofu will go bad much faster after thawing again.
– Increased spoilage – More moisture is lost during each thaw, leading to faster dehydration, ice crystal formation, and off-flavors.
– Safety risks – Consuming refrozen, thawed tofu poses higher risks of contracting a foodborne illness. Bacteria can thrive.
– Poor texture – Multiple freezes and thaws make tofu extremely mushy. It loses its firmness and becomes unsuitable for most recipes.
For best safety and quality, thaw frozen tofu one time only under refrigeration. Use thawed tofu within 3-5 days and do not refreeze. Refreezing seriously impacts tofu’s shelf life, texture, and food safety. Only reuse tofu that was never frozen initially.
How to use up refrigerated tofu before it expires or goes bad
If you want to use up refrigerated tofu before it expires, try these tasty ways to enjoy it:
– Soups – Puree soft tofu into creamy vegetable or miso soup. Or dice firm tofu into hot and sour soup.
– Stir fries – Cook diced or crumbled firm tofu with veggies and sauce for a quick and easy meal.
– Smoothies – Silken tofu blends perfectly into fruit smoothies to make them creamy and protein packed.
– Scrambles – Season crumbled tofu with turmeric and nutritional yeast then sauté for a delicious eggless breakfast scramble.
– Baked goods – Use pureed silken tofu to replace eggs or dairy in brownies, muffins, and other baked treats.
– Pudding – Blend soft silken tofu with cocoa powder, peanut butter, or pumpkin puree for healthy high-protein pudding cups.
– Sauces & Dressings – Puree soft tofu into dairy-free sauces like Alfredo or ranch dressing or mayo substitutes.
– Pancakes & waffles – Replace the dairy in batter with pureed tofu for fluffy flapjacks and waffles.
Tofu is highly versatile in sweet and savory applications, so get creative using it up while it’s still fresh! An open mind can find many ways to enjoy tofu before it ever hits its expiration date.
Conclusion
Properly stored unopened refrigerated tofu typically stays fresh 1-3 weeks past its printed expiration date, depending on the variety. Once opened, use tofu within 3-5 days for safety and quality. Freezing extends the shelf life of unopened tofu significantly but avoid freezing opened packages. Signs of spoiled tofu include mold, slime, rancid smells, and sour taste. Consuming expired tofu comes with increased risks of foodborne illness, so err on the side of caution. Use tofu as soon as possible and when in doubt, throw it out!
