Nutrition Diet: How Long Can You Use Out of Date Dried Fruit?

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Dried fruits can last for several months to a year past their printed 'best by' date if stored correctly. Understanding the difference between a quality date and a safety date is key to knowing how long can you use out of date dried fruit without risk.

Quick Summary

Dried fruit can be safely consumed well past its expiration date with proper storage and inspection. Quality, rather than safety, is the main factor affected over time. Key signs of spoilage, such as mold, off odors, and significant texture changes, indicate it's no longer fit to eat. Methods like airtight storage, refrigeration, or freezing can significantly extend its shelf life.

Key Points

Check for Spoilage, Not Just the Date: The 'best by' date is for quality; always inspect for mold, off smells, and texture changes before eating expired dried fruit.
Proper Storage is Key: Store dried fruit in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place to extend its freshness significantly.
Refrigeration Extends Shelf Life: For longer-term storage of opened packages, refrigerating dried fruit can add several months to its useful life.
Freezing for Maximum Longevity: Freezing dried fruit in an airtight container can preserve it for a year or more, and potentially indefinitely.
Hard Dried Fruit is Often Safe: If dried fruit is hard but shows no other signs of spoilage, it is typically safe to eat. Rehydrate it by soaking for easier consumption or cooking.
High-Moisture Fruits Last Less: Be aware that dried fruits with naturally higher moisture content, like apricots, may not last as long as low-moisture fruits, such as raisins.

Understanding 'Expiration' Dates on Dried Fruit

It's a common misconception that the date printed on a package of dried fruit is a strict expiration date. For many shelf-stable products, including dried fruit, this is typically a "best by" or "sell by" date. These dates indicate when the product is at its peak quality, flavor, and texture, not when it becomes unsafe to eat. Because the drying process removes most of the moisture, it significantly slows down the growth of bacteria and mold that cause spoilage.

The actual safety and edibility of dried fruit past its prime depend on several factors, primarily how it has been stored and whether it shows any signs of spoilage. The low moisture content makes dried fruit a hostile environment for most microorganisms, but it's not foolproof. Exposure to air, heat, and moisture can compromise its integrity over time. Therefore, simply looking at the date is not enough; a visual and sensory inspection is always recommended before consumption.

How to Spot Spoiled Dried Fruit: Signs to Look For

Even with proper storage, dried fruit doesn't last indefinitely. Over time, its quality will diminish, and eventually, it will spoil. To determine if your dried fruit is still safe to eat, look and smell for these warning signs:

Mold Growth: This is the most obvious sign of spoilage. Any visible signs of mold or unusual, fuzzy patches mean the fruit must be discarded immediately.
Unpleasant Odor: Fresh dried fruit has a sweet, fruity scent. If you notice a sour, musty, or rancid smell, it's a clear indication that the fruit has gone bad.
Discoloration: Significant darkening, fading, or the development of unusual spots can indicate that the fruit is no longer fresh.
Texture Changes: While dried fruit is typically chewy, if it becomes excessively hard, brittle, or develops a sticky, slimy texture, it is likely past its prime. Stickiness can be a sign of moisture absorption, which encourages bacterial growth.
Presence of Insects: Bugs or insect damage are undeniable signs that the fruit is contaminated and should be thrown out.

Optimizing Storage for Extended Freshness

Proper storage is the single most important factor in determining how long your dried fruit will last. The goal is to protect it from moisture, oxygen, heat, and light. Follow these best practices to maximize shelf life:

Use Airtight Containers: Once the original package is opened, transfer the dried fruit into an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable freezer bag. This prevents moisture from getting in and keeps the fruit fresh.
Choose a Cool, Dark Place: Store airtight containers in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like stoves or ovens. High temperatures can degrade the fruit faster.
Refrigeration for Opened Packages: For opened packages, storing them in the refrigerator can significantly extend their shelf life, often by several months. The cooler temperature slows down quality deterioration.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage: For the longest-term storage, especially for bulk purchases, freeze dried fruit. Properly sealed, it can last a year or more, and some sources suggest indefinitely.

Dried Fruit Shelf Life by Storage Method


Storage Location	Unopened Package	Opened, Airtight Package
Pantry (Cool, Dark)	6–12 months past 'best by' date	6 months
Refrigerator	Up to 1-2 years past 'best by' date	Up to 6-12 months
Freezer	Indefinitely	1+ year

Factors That Influence Dried Fruit Longevity

Moisture Content: Fruits with a naturally higher moisture content, like apricots or peaches, tend to have a shorter shelf life than those with lower moisture, such as raisins or dates.
Drying Method: Different drying techniques impact longevity. Freeze-dried fruits, with nearly all moisture removed, can last significantly longer than conventionally dehydrated fruits.
Additives and Preservatives: Some commercially dried fruits contain preservatives like sulfur dioxide, which helps maintain color and inhibit spoilage, extending their shelf life. Checking the ingredient list is helpful if you have concerns about these additives.
Proper Packaging: Vacuum-sealing provides the longest shelf life by removing oxygen, which can cause quality degradation.

What to Do With Older, Dry-But-Safe Dried Fruit

Even if your dried fruit is past its peak and has become hard or tough, but shows no signs of spoilage, it can still be used. It's perfectly safe to rehydrate hard dried fruit by soaking it in warm water for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This makes it suitable for use in baking, adding to oatmeal, or blending into smoothies, ensuring you reduce food waste.

Conclusion

In summary, how long can you use out of date dried fruit? It often lasts far longer than its printed 'best by' date suggests, particularly with proper storage. By using airtight containers and keeping it in a cool, dark place, you can enjoy it for many months. For maximum longevity, consider refrigeration or freezing. The most crucial step is to always inspect the fruit for signs of mold, bad smells, or an off-putting texture before consumption. With a little care, your dried fruit can remain a safe and delicious part of your nutrition diet for an extended period, helping to reduce food waste and save money. For more in-depth food preservation guidelines, consult resources from authoritative sources like the USDA.

Food Preservation: Drying Fruits | NDSU Agriculture

Sources for Dried Fruit Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is often safe to eat dried fruit past its expiration date, as this is typically a 'best by' date for peak quality. The key is to properly store the fruit and check for any signs of spoilage like mold, a strange smell, or odd texture before consuming.

You can tell if dried fruit has gone bad by checking for visible mold, smelling for a sour or rancid odor, and feeling for an overly hard or sticky, slimy texture. Any of these signs mean the fruit should be discarded.

To make dried fruit last longer, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. For opened packages, refrigeration or freezing will significantly extend the shelf life.

Yes, refrigerating dried fruit, especially after opening the package, can extend its shelf life by several months. The cooler temperature helps preserve its quality and slows down potential spoilage.

If your dried fruit is hard and dry but shows no signs of spoilage, it is likely still safe to eat. The loss of moisture is a quality issue, not a safety one. You can rehydrate it by soaking it in water overnight in the fridge for easier use.

Yes, any visible mold on dried fruit is a clear sign that it has spoiled and is unsafe to consume. Mold can produce mycotoxins that are harmful, so it's best to discard any fruit showing signs of mold.

Yes, shelf life can vary depending on the fruit's natural moisture content. Fruits like raisins and dates, which have lower moisture, tend to last longer than fruits like dried apricots or apples, which have higher moisture.