Ever found a forgotten block of tofu in the back of your fridge and wondered if it’s still good? Let’s dive into how long tofu lasts in the fridge or freezer or shelf-stable. With these storage tips, you’ll always have this versatile, plant-based protein ready for your next meal. And hey, tofu can last longer than some relationships – just kidding, but seriously, it’s good to know!
Bad tofu. Is there such a thing? Whether you've stumbled upon a mysterious, forgotten block in your fridge or you're just curious about its shelf life, we've got you covered with all the answers here.
We'll dive into the specifics of how long tofu lasts in the fridge, freezer, and even the shelf-stable variety, ensuring you're always have a fresh piece of tofu block to whip up that delicious dish.
Jump to:
- What is Tofu?
- How long does tofu last in the fridge?
- How long does shelf stable tofu last?
- Storing Cooked or Leftover Tofu
- Homemade Tofu
- Tofu Expiration: How to tell if tofu has gone bad
- Will eating bad tofu make you sick?
- How long does tofu last at room temperature?
- Can tofu be frozen?
- Different Ways to Cook Tofu
- Conclusion
- More "How long does it last?" resources
What is Tofu?
Tofu, a beloved plant-based protein that's been a staple in Asian cuisine for over 2,000 years.It is a superfood with a high nutritional value. It’s also delicious, versatile, affordable, and easy to prepare.
Back in the 1300s, street vendors in Japan made and sold their bean curd delicacy only during the coldest months, when it lasted the longest. Outside of those months, fresh tofu had to be eaten the same day it was made.
Luckily for you, you can buy and enjoy tofu anytime you want because there are many ways to increase the shelf life of tofu.
Let’s find out how long tofu can last, whether it’s shelf-stable, unopened, opened, or cooked, and how you can even freeze it!
How long does tofu last in the fridge?
The type of tofu we’ll talk about here is the fresh version, not smoked, fermented or deep-fried.
The tofu you buy in the refrigerated section of the grocery store is fresh, not smoked, fermented or deep fried. Pay attention to the best by or use by date listed on the packet of tofu you purchased as it is a useful indicator of how long tofu lasts in the fridge. The ideal temperature is 40℉ but here is a guide on how long it will last:
Tofu shelf life when refrigerated and unopened
Tofu will typically last, unopened in the fridge, for about 5-7 days past the "sell by" date. However, be sure to use the tips below to check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
Tofu shelf life when refrigerated and opened
Usually, you’ll take the whole block and make a meal out of it. But if you only need a small amount at a time, the tofu will stay, opened, for 3-5 days in the fridge.
Tofu Storage Tips: How to prolong shelf life
To keep it from drying out and to limit bacterial growth in the fridge, here are a few tips:
- Leave the tofu in its original container or transfer to an airtight container (preferably glass container)
- Change water daily, covering the entire tofu block
- Secure the container tightly with plastic wrap
- Do not store in the fridge door as the temperature rises whenever the door opens
How long does shelf stable tofu last?
If you bought the shelf-stable version in the aseptic containers (e.g. Tetra Pak), it does NOT need to be refrigerated until you open it.
How long does unopened shelf-stable tofu last?
Unopened shelf stable tofu can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
How long does opened shelf-stable tofu last?
And how long does the aseptic tofu last after opening in the fridge? Once you open it, you can either cook with it immediately or refrigerate it for 3-5 days.
Or you can freeze it right after opening the tofu.
Storing Cooked or Leftover Tofu
If you made too much of a spectacular tofu dish, store the leftover tofu in the fridge for 3-4 days at the most.
Homemade Tofu
Did you know that you can make tofu right at home? Homemade tofu lasts about the same as store-bought: 3-5 days in the fridge.
Now that you know how long tofu lasts in the refrigerator, why not experiment with making your own version from scratch? Try this fun recipe that uses easy-to-find ingredients.
Tofu Expiration: How to tell if tofu has gone bad
To determine tofu’s freshness, check if your block of tofu has any of these signs. If so, it’s spoiled and you need to throw it out immediately:
- Sour Smell: Unless you’re indulging in stinky tofu, fresh tofu should have very little smell.
- Thick, Cloudy Water: If the water doesn’t look clean or has bits of brown tofu pieces floating around, toss it.
- Darker Color: Fresh tofu is usually off-white but if you see brown spots or signs of mold on the surface of the tofu, get rid of the entire block.
- Bloated Packaging: Once bacteria grows, the commercial packaging has a bloated look because the gasses can’t escape. At this point, do not attempt to eat the tofu.
- Bitter or Sour Taste: If it smells and looks good but the taste is off, stay on the safe side and toss it out.
Will eating bad tofu make you sick?
Raw tofu is safe to eat since it has been pasteurized. Many people use raw silken tofu in their smoothies, desserts, and quick meals.
Unfortunately, eating any type of tofu that has spoiled or been contaminated may give you food poisoning (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, etc.)
Check for the tell-tale signs above before you risk it.
How long does tofu last at room temperature?
We know how long shelf-stable tofu in aseptic packaging lasts in the pantry (about 3 months).
But how long does fresh or cooked tofu last at room temperature?
The USDA does not recommend leaving refrigerated food out for longer than 2 hours (and 1 hour on a hot day). Otherwise, you increase the risk of bacterial growth and contamination.
Take the fresh tofu out of the fridge only when you plan to cook it.
And when you are serving it to others, follow the USDA guidelines above.
Can tofu be frozen?
Yes, all types of tofu can be frozen! It will stay in the freezer for 3-5 months.
What type of consistency does frozen tofu have?
Many people prefer the coarse, sponge-like texture of frozen, defrosted tofu instead of the smooth, creamy, fresh tofu. It gives a chewier texture for sauces and soups.
Ways to freeze tofu
- Simply toss the original, unopened tofu container (with water) straight into the freezer.
- Or you can drain the container and transfer the solid block to a freezer-safe container (airtight plastic or glass bowl, or a heavy-duty freezer bag).
- For convenience, you can cut the block into desired portions and use a tofu press or blot with a paper towel to remove excess water; then, freeze as you wish.
Garlic Delight has an amazing side-by-side comparison of the freezing techniques for the best quality tofu.
How to defrost tofu
When you pull it out of the freezer, it will have a darker brown color but once it defrosts, the color will resemble the original off-white.
And no matter how you froze your tofu, defrosting it is easy! It all depends on how much time you have.
- The best way is to leave in the fridge for 24 hours before using.
- You can also thaw in a water bath in warm water.
- Or run cool water over it in a bowl for a short time.
- You can also microwave it.
Once thawed, prepare it immediately or leave it in the fridge for 3-5 days. Do not refreeze.
Different Ways to Cook Tofu
Tofu arrived in America through Chinese and Japanese immigrants but over the years, tofu lovers learned to cook tofu dishes in a multitude of cuisines and techniques beyond the soy sauce classic.
A perfect example is my Baked BBQ Tofu, using a store-bought vegan BBQ sauce. If you want a high-protein breakfast, try my Cheesy Vegan Tofu Scramble that looks similar to scrambled eggs using extra firm tofu or my Cheesy Broccoli Vegan Quiche, using silken tofu.
You can also grab your silken tofu and make a batch of Vegan Ranch Dip - it’s a good way to impress your guests at your next party! And here is an easy recipe for your next family meal: Air Fryer Tofu.
Here are some more tofu recipes that you would love:
- Crispy Blackened Tofu
- Oven-baked Crispy Tofu Nuggets
- General Tso’s Tofu with Sweet & Sour Sauce
- Silken Tofu Chocolate Pudding
- Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu
- Tofu Pasta Recipe
Be sure to check out these tofu recipe collections too!
- 24 Silken Tofu Recipes
- 50 Vegan Tofu Recipes
Now you know how long the tofu lasts! It’s easy to store tofu in the fridge or unopened in the pantry for a long time (if you go for the Tetra Pak packaging). Plus, you can toss it in the freezer for months until you need it.
Conclusion
Storing tofu properly is key to enjoying its versatility and nutrition. Whether refrigerated, frozen, or shelf-stable, knowing how long tofu lasts helps you avoid spoilage and make the most of this plant-based protein. With these tips, you can confidently keep tofu on hand for your favorite recipes.
So next time you find a forgotten block of tofu, you'll know exactly what to do. Happy cooking and enjoy your tofu adventures! If you have any tips or questions, share them in the comments below!
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