Rice is a pantry staple that can last a long time if stored properly. With the right storage methods, white rice can last 2-4 years past the printed expiration date. Brown rice has a shorter shelf life of only 3-6 months past its expiration date due to the oils in the bran layer. Read on to learn more about how to maximize the shelf life of dry rice.
Does Rice Go Bad?
Yes, rice can eventually go bad, but it takes a very long time. Dry, uncooked white rice can last 2-4 years past the printed expiration date if stored properly. Brown rice has a shorter shelf life of about 3-6 months past its sell-by date.
Rice will start to naturally degrade in quality and nutrition over time. Fats in the rice bran and germ layers can go rancid, causing off flavors and odors. Enzymes start breaking down components in the rice, decreasing nutritional value. The rice may not make you sick if eaten past its prime, but it will taste stale and undesirable.
How to Tell if Rice Has Gone Bad
There are a few signs that indicate your rice has spoiled and may not be safe to eat:
- Unpleasant odors – Rancid rice gives off a stale, musty or medicinal smell.
- Change in appearance – The rice grains look discolored, dull or chalky.
- Taste – Spoiled rice tastes stale, mushy or even bitter.
- Insect infestation – Visible bugs in the rice is a sure sign it has gone bad.
If your uncooked rice exhibits any of these characteristics, it’s best to throw it out. Don’t take chances eating rice that could potentially make you sick.
How Long Does White Rice Last?
Properly stored white rice will generally stay at best quality for about 3-4 years past the printed date on the package. After that, the quality starts to go downhill but it remains safe to eat for an additional 1-2 years after that.
The shelf life of white rice depends on factors like:
- Storage method – White rice sealed in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry will keep longer than rice left in a paper bag in a humid environment.
- Temperature – Rice stored in the refrigerator or freezer keeps longer than rice left in the pantry.
- Preservatives – Some manufactured rice products contain preservatives like BHT to help prolong shelf life.
- Variety – Long grain rice tends to have a longer shelf life than short grain rice.
- Processing method – Parboiled rice retains nutrients longer than regular milled white rice.
Let’s take a closer look at how long white rice lasts when properly stored in the pantry, fridge or freezer:
Pantry
- Unopened package – 3-4 years past printed date
- Opened package – 6-8 months
Refrigerator
- Unopened package – 5-6 years past printed date
- Opened package – 1 year
Freezer
- Unopened package – 7-10 years past printed date
- Opened package – 1-2 years
As you can see, cold storage temperatures expand the shelf life of white rice dramatically. Transferring an opened package of rice to the freezer is a great way to maximize how long it stays fresh.
How Long Does Brown Rice Last?
Brown rice has a much shorter shelf life than white rice due to the oils in the bran and germ layers. With proper storage, brown rice will stay fresh for:
- Pantry – 3-6 months past printed date
- Refrigerator – 6-8 months past printed date
- Freezer – 1-2 years past printed date
The high oil content of brown rice means it can go rancid much faster than refined white rice. For maximum freshness and flavor, use brown rice within 3-6 months after purchase.
Tips for Storing Dry Rice
Here are some tips for storing dry rice to maximize how long it lasts:
- Store rice in an airtight container or food storage bag, pressing out excess air.
- Keep rice in a cool, dry spot like the pantry or cupboard – not next to the stove or oven.
- Avoid storing rice in humid areas like near the sink or on top of the fridge.
- Transfer used rice to the refrigerator within 2 hours after cooking.
- Freeze rice you won’t use within 6 months for prolonged storage.
- Check rice occasionally for insect webbing, discoloration or rancid smells.
- Use older rice first and newer packages last based on purchase dates.
- Don’t store rice in its paper sack or cardboard box long-term.
Does Cooked Rice Go Bad?
Yes, cooked rice can spoil and harbor dangerous bacteria if left out too long. Cooked rice should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria such as Bacillus cereus can multiply quickly in cooked rice and produce toxins that cause food poisoning.
To prevent foodborne illness, follow these guidelines for storing cooked rice:
- Refrigerate cooked rice within 1 hour – do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Store rice in shallow containers no more than 2-3 inches deep to allow for quicker cooling.
- Use refrigerated rice within 3-5 days.
- Freeze rice for longer storage of up to 6 months.
- Reheat leftover rice thoroughly until steaming hot.
- Discard rice when it starts to smell, tastes bad or looks moldy.
Can You Freeze Rice?
Yes, you can freeze both uncooked and cooked rice for prolonged storage. Here are some freezing guidelines:
Uncooked Rice
- Place dry rice in a freezer bag or airtight container, squeezing out excess air.
- Label with the date and type of rice.
- Freeze for up to 1-2 years beyond the printed expiration date.
Cooked Rice
- Let cooked rice cool completely, then store in freezer bags or containers.
- Portion into recipe-ready amounts before freezing.
- Press out air, seal, label and freeze.
- Use within 6 months for best quality.
Frozen rice may take on excess moisture during storage. To revive it, spread rice on a baking sheet and allow it to dry out for 10-15 minutes after thawing. Fluff with a fork before using.
How to Store Rice Long Term
For long term storage of rice that will keep for many years, some additional steps are recommended:
- Oxygen absorbers – These packets absorb oxygen from sealed containers to prevent oxidation and off flavors.
- Vacuum sealing – Use a vacuum sealing appliance to suck out excess air and seal rice in an airtight environment.
- Mylar bags – Food grade Mylar bags create an oxygen and moisture barrier to keep rice fresh for up to 10 years.
- Food grade buckets – Storing rice in food safe plastic buckets with an oxygen absorber can extend shelf life up to 25 years.
- Freeze – Freezing rice below 0°F in vacuum sealed bags or Mylar bags is ideal for long term storage.
Does Microwaving Kill Bacteria in Cooked Rice?
Microwaving alone does not kill all bacteria or make spoiled rice safe to eat. The microwave can help destroy some bacteria and molds, but not bacterial spores and toxins like those produced by Bacillus cereus. Rice that shows signs of spoilage or has been mishandled should be discarded.
Safe microwave reheating guidelines include:
- Use a food thermometer to verify rice reaches 165°F.
- Cover rice fully with a lid or vented plastic wrap.
- Stir thoroughly and allow standing time for heat to distribute.
- Heat rice within 2 hours of the refrigerator – do not let sit at room temp before reheating.
- Discard rice that smells bad or shows signs of mold.
Microwaving can help destroy some pathogens, but it does not make spoiled rice safe to eat again. When in doubt, throw it out.
Conclusion
With proper storage methods, white rice can last around 2-4 years past its printed expiration date before quality starts to decline. Brown rice has a shorter shelf life around 3-6 months due to oil rancidity. Keeping rice in airtight containers in the pantry, fridge, or freezer can help maximize freshness and shelf life.
Cooked rice should be refrigerated within 1-2 hours to prevent bacteria growth. Freeze cooked rice for storage up to 6 months. For long term storage of many years, consider oxygen absorbers, vacuum sealing, Mylar bags or food grade buckets. Follow these tips to safely store rice and keep it fresh as long as possible.
