How to store tofu, and how long it lasts in the fridge and freezer
Quick answer
-
Fridge
Keeps for 1 week
Keep tofu in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below and use it within 1 week of buying it.
Watch out Never leave tofu out of the fridge for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C).
-
Freezer
Keeps for 5 months
Freeze tofu you won't use within the week, since FoodKeeper gives it 5 months in the freezer from the date of purchase.
Watch out Food kept constantly at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe, so the 5 months is about quality.
Tofu lasts 1 week in the fridge, counted from the date of purchase, so use it by then or freeze it. In the freezer it keeps 5 months. Tofu is perishable, so keep it at 40°F (4°C) or below and never leave it out for more than 2 hours.
Buying tofu this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
- A note like “fridge, use within a week”
- One list shared with everyone at home
Tofu lasts 1 week in the fridge, so you either use it that week or freeze it. In the freezer it keeps 5 months, according to the USDA FoodKeeper.
Both times count from the date of purchase. Tofu is perishable food, so the limit on how long it can sit out of the fridge matters as well.
How long does tofu last?
Tofu lasts 1 week in the fridge and 5 months in the freezer, both counted from the date of purchase. The fridge time is the short one, so plan to use tofu within the week or freeze it.
| Where | How long | Counted from |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | 1 week | Date of purchase |
| Freezer | 5 months | Date of purchase |
Does tofu go bad?
Yes, tofu goes bad. FoodKeeper limits it to 1 week in the fridge and 5 months in the freezer, and time out of the fridge counts too.
What is the 2-hour rule for tofu?
Never leave tofu out of the fridge for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). That’s the USDA’s limit for perishable food, and it covers tofu.
How long does tofu last in the fridge?
Tofu lasts 1 week in the fridge, counted from the date of purchase. Since the week starts the day you buy it, note that day when you put the tofu away.
How long does unopened tofu last in the fridge?
Tofu lasts 1 week in the fridge from the date of purchase, and FoodKeeper lists no separate time for opened and unopened packages.
How to store tofu
Store tofu in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, which is the USDA’s temperature for cold food, and use it within 1 week of buying it. If you won’t get to it in time, freeze it.
The cold matters because bacteria grow most rapidly between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. The USDA calls that range the Danger Zone.
Can you freeze tofu?
Yes, you can freeze tofu, and FoodKeeper gives it 5 months in the freezer from the date of purchase. The freezer is the place for tofu you won’t use within the week.
That time is about quality. The USDA says food kept constantly at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe, and only quality suffers with long freezer storage.
Does freezer burn make tofu unsafe?
No, freezer burn doesn’t make food unsafe, only dry in spots. It shows up as grayish-brown, leathery spots where air reached the surface. You can cut those parts away before or after cooking.
Frequently asked questions
Does tofu expire?
FoodKeeper gives tofu 1 week in the fridge and 5 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase. Use it or freeze it before the week is up.
Is frozen tofu safe after 5 months?
Frozen tofu is safe after 5 months if the freezer stayed at 0°F (-18°C). Food kept constantly at that temperature stays safe, and only quality suffers with long freezer storage.
What temperature should the fridge be for tofu?
Keep the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below for tofu, since that's the USDA's temperature for cold food.
Can tofu stay out overnight?
Tofu shouldn't stay out overnight. That's well past the limit for perishable food, which is 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C).
How long does tofu last after opening?
Tofu lasts 1 week in the fridge, counted from the date of purchase. USDA FoodKeeper lists no separate time for an opened package, so the same week applies after you open it.
Does tofu need to be refrigerated?
Yes. FoodKeeper gives tofu 1 week in the fridge from the date of purchase. Keep it at 40°F (4°C) or below, and don't leave it out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C).
