Quick Answers
Dried mango can last for 6-12 months past its best by date if stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Unopened dried mango can last even longer, around 18-24 months past the best by date. Once opened, dried mango lasts around 3-6 months in the pantry. Storing dried mango in the refrigerator can help extend its shelf life even further, to around 9-12 months. Heat, humidity and exposure to sunlight will shorten dried mango’s shelf life. Watch for signs of spoilage like mold, off smells, darkness/dryness or changes in texture.
How Long Does Unopened Dried Mango Last?
An unopened package of dried mango has the longest shelf life. The best by date on dried mango is usually around 12-18 months from the packaging date. As long as the package remains properly sealed, dried mango can often last 12-18 months past this printed best by date in the pantry. However, dried mango will gradually lose quality over time, becoming more chewy and darker in color. For best flavor and texture, try to eat dried mango within 6-12 months after the printed date.
Some key factors affecting an unopened dried mango’s shelf life are:
- Ingredients – Mango varieties, additional ingredients like sugar, preservatives
- Processing method – Osmotic, freeze dried, sun dried, etc.
- Packaging – Material type (plastic, foil), airtightness
- Storage conditions – Cool, dry place; away from light and humidity
With proper storage, even 18-24 months past the best by date, unopened dried mango may still be safe to eat but quality declines over time.
How Long Does Opened Dried Mango Last?
Once opened, dried mango has a shorter shelf life. This is because exposure to air starts the oxidation process, causing dried mango to darken and lose flavor. Properly stored in the pantry, opened dried mango will generally last:
- Dried Mango Package – 3-6 months
- Homemade or Loose Dried Mango – 1-3 months
To maximize freshness after opening, re-seal the original airtight packaging or store dried mango in a sealed glass or plastic container. Keep in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat, light and humidity. Refrigeration can extend shelf life of opened dried mango too.
Pantry Storage
Most dried mango is shelf-stable at room temperature when properly stored. Here are some tips for storing dried mango in the pantry:
- Keep dried mango in its original packaging or an airtight container.
- Store in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat sources like the stove.
- Avoid humidity which can cause clumping.
- Keep away from sunlight which can accelerate color changes.
- Ideal pantry temperature is between 50-70°F.
With ideal conditions, opened dried mango lasts around 3-6 months in the pantry before quality degradation.
Refrigerator Storage
While not required, refrigeration can extend the shelf life of dried mango. Properly stored in the fridge, dried mango can last:
- Dried Mango Package – 6-9 months
- Homemade or Loose Dried Mango – 3-6 months
For best results, store dried mango in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep humidity out by including a silica gel packet. Refrigeration slows down oxidation and moisture loss.
How to Tell if Dried Mango is Bad
Dried mango doesn’t necessarily “go bad” but it will slowly lose quality over time. Here are signs your dried mango may be past its prime:
- Appearance – Significant darkening, dryness, crystallization of sugars
- Texture – Increased hardness, chewiness, gumminess
- Flavor – Loss of sweetness and fruity notes
- Aroma – Stale, musty or “off” smell
- Mold – Any fuzzy growth, safe to discard
Appearance and Texture
As dried mango ages, you may notice darkening from oxidation and increased dryness. Sugars may recrystallize, making the texture hardened and chewy. Hard or crystallized dried mango can be soaked in hot water to rehydrate and soften. Discard any overly darkened dried mango that does not rehydrate well.
Aroma and Flavor
Stale, musty or “off” odors indicate dried mango has aged past its prime. It will lose its sweetness and fruity tropical notes over time too.
Mold Growth
Like many dried fruits, dried mango is susceptible to mold growth, especially in humid environments. Discard any dried mango with signs of mold immediately (fuzzy growth, white spots). Moldy dried mango can make you sick and should not be eaten.
Does Dried Mango Go Bad?
Dried mango can eventually spoil if left for too long but it has a relatively long shelf life. With proper airtight storage, dried mango can last 6-12 months past its printed best by date before quality degradation.
Here are factors that can cause dried mango to spoil faster:
- Improper packaging – Not airtight allows air exposure
- Heat exposure – High temperatures accelerate spoilage
- Humidity – Causes clumping and supports mold growth
- Sunlight – Speeds up oxidation and color changes
- Frequent temperature fluctuations – Leads to moisture build up
Signs dried mango has spoiled and is no longer good to eat include mold growth, strong foul odors, very darkened color, and stickiness/crystallization. Always inspect dried mango before eating and discard any spoiled product.
How Long Does Dried Mango Last in the Fridge?
Refrigeration helps extend the shelf life of dried mango. In the fridge, dried mango can generally last:
- Unopened – Up to 24 months past the best by date
- Opened Package – 6-9 months
- Loose or Homemade – 3-6 months
Properly stored in an airtight container, dried mango can last around 9-12 months in the refrigerator. The cold temperature slows down oxidation, moisture loss and mold growth. Freezing dried mango can keep it even longer, around 12-24 months.
Will Dried Mango Go Bad in the Fridge?
Dried mango can eventually spoil in the refrigerator but it lasts significantly longer than at room temperature. Signs dried mango has spoiled in the fridge include:
- Mold growth – Fuzzy spots or cloudiness
- Strong sour or “off” odors
- Soft or slimy textures
- Dark brown or black discoloration
As long as dried mango is properly packaged and stored, it can stay fresh in the fridge for around 9-12 months after opening. Discard any dried mango that shows signs of spoilage.
How Long Does Homemade Dried Mango Last?
The shelf life of homemade dried mango depends on the preparation method. Oven-dried mango lasts shorter than dehydrator or sun-dried mango. Here are some general guidelines for homemade dried mango:
Oven-Dried Mango
Oven drying often doesn’t remove enough moisture from mango slices. This means oven-dried mango has a shorter shelf life of around:
- Unopened – 2-4 weeks
- Opened – 1-2 weeks
Keep oven-dried mango refrigerated in an airtight container. Discard any darkened, moldy, or overly dry pieces after opening.
Dehydrator Dried Mango
Using a dehydrator or convection oven results in better moisture removal. Dehydrator dried mango can last:
- 1-3 months at room temperature.
- 6-9 months refrigerated.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator.
Sun-Dried Mango
Sun drying removes moisture thoroughly when done correctly. Properly sun-dried mango can last:
- 4-6 months at room temperature.
- 12 months refrigerated.
Keep sun-dried mango in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration extends shelf life. Discard any pieces that appear dried out or moldy.
No matter the drying method, homemade dried mango won’t last as long as commercially prepared dried mango. Eat within a few weeks for best quality and flavor.
Does Dried Mango Need to be Refrigerated?
Refrigeration extends the shelf life of dried mango but is not required. Unopened dried mango can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 18-24 months past the printed best by date before opening. Once opened, dried mango lasts around 3-6 months in the pantry stored in an airtight container.
For maximum freshness and shelf life after opening, dried mango can be refrigerated. Keep dried mango tightly sealed in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, opened dried mango can last around 6-9 months refrigerated.
Refrigerating dried mango is recommended if:
- You don’t plan to eat it within a few weeks.
- Storing for longer than 3-4 months after opening.
- You live in a hot or humid environment.
- The package is not well sealed or moisture resistant.
Freezing is another long-term storage option. Frozen, dried mango can keep for around 12-24 months before quality declines.
How to Store Dried Mango
Here are some tips for proper storage to maximize dried mango’s shelf life:
- Pantry Storage – Store unopened packages in a cool, dark cupboard. Avoid heat, light and humidity. Ideal temperatures are 50°-70°F.
- Opened Package – Reseal the original packaging or transfer to an airtight container. Exclude as much air as possible.
- Refrigerator Storage – Use an airtight glass or plastic container. Add a silica gel packet to absorb moisture.
- Freezer Storage – Pack dried mango in airtight packaging with as little air as possible. Use freezer bags or containers.
- Avoid Temperature Fluctuations – Frequent shifts between cold and warm temperatures promote moisture condensation.
Always inspect dried mango before eating and look for signs it may be past its prime. Discard any pieces that appear dried out, dark, crystallized or moldy. With proper storage, commercially packaged dried mango can keep its quality for many months past the printed best by date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does dried mango last unopened?
Unopened dried mango can last 12-18 months past the printed best by date if properly stored in a cool, dark pantry. Unopened dried mango may last even longer, around 18-24 months past the date on the package before quality starts to decline.
Can you eat dried mango after expiration date?
Yes, dried mango is still safe to eat after its expiration or best by date, provided it has been properly stored. Unopened, dried mango typically lasts 6-12 months past the printed date. Opened dried mango may start to decline in quality after 3-6 months but is still safe if free of mold and foul odors.
Does dried mango need to be refrigerated after opening?
No, dried mango does not need to be refrigerated after opening. For best quality and shelf life, store opened dried mango in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard. It will last around 3-6 months this way. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life to 6-9 months.
Can you freeze dried mango?
Yes, dried mango can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Pack it in airtight containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen dried mango can last around 12-24 months before quality declines. Thaw frozen dried mango in the refrigerator before eating.
How long does homemade dried mango last?
The shelf life of homemade dried mango depends on the preparation method. Oven-dried mango lasts around 1-2 weeks refrigerated. Dehydrator or sun-dried mango can last 1-6 months at room temperature, or up to 12 months refrigerated when properly stored. Homemade dried mango has a shorter shelf life than commercially prepared.
Conclusion
Dried mango has a relatively long shelf life compared to fresh fruit. Unopened dried mango lasts around 12-18 months past the printed best by date, and sometimes up to 24 months. Once opened, dried mango lasts around 3-6 months at room temperature, or 6-9 months refrigerated. For maximum shelf life, store dried mango in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from heat, moisture and sunlight. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life further. Discard any dried mango that appears dried out, crystallized, moldy or has an off smell. With proper storage and handling, dried mango can retain its quality and taste for many months past its best by date.
