All About Bread crumbs
Your complete guide to bread crumbs - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Bread crumbs Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for bread crumbs in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
homemade/fresh bread crumbs (refrigerator)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (any color), a strong sour or yeasty smell, a slimy or sticky texture, or a noticeably darker discoloration.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any signs of mold. Smell the bread crumbs; they should smell like fresh bread. A sour, off, or fermented smell indicates spoilage. Touch them to feel for sliminess or excessive stickiness.
Storage Tips
Store homemade bread crumbs in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. To extend their life, you can lightly toast them in an oven until completely dry before storing, which removes moisture and makes them more shelf-stable, similar to dried bread crumbs (though still best to refrigerate or freeze for longer storage).
unopened, dried bread crumbs (pantry)6-12 months past 'best by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Presence of mold (green, white, black spots), a distinctly stale or rancid odor, presence of pantry pests (weevils, moths, larvae), or extreme clumping that doesn't break apart easily.
How to Check
Visually inspect the package for any signs of mold growth or insect activity, especially around the seams. Open the package and take a deep sniff; a fresh, neutral, bready smell is good, while a sour, chemical, or strongly stale odor indicates spoilage. Check for any hard, unyielding clumps.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. High humidity can encourage clumping and mold growth even in unopened packages.
opened, dried bread crumbs (pantry)3-6 months
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold growth, a strong stale, sour, or rancid smell, significant clumping due to moisture absorption, or the presence of pantry pests.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any fuzzy or discolored spots (mold) or small insects. Smell the bread crumbs directly; they should smell faintly bready and neutral. If they smell sour, musty, or like old oil, they are likely spoiled. Touch them to check for excessive moisture or stickiness, or hard, unyielding clumps.
Storage Tips
Transfer opened bread crumbs to an airtight container (e.g., glass jar, plastic container with a tight lid) immediately after opening. This protects them from moisture, air, and pantry pests, significantly extending their shelf life. Keep in a cool, dry, dark cupboard.
all bread crumbs (freezer)6-12 months (for best quality), safe indefinitely
Signs of Spoilage
While generally safe indefinitely, quality can degrade. Signs include freezer burn (dry, discolored spots, especially on homemade crumbs), significant loss of flavor or texture, or absorption of freezer odors if not properly sealed.
How to Check
Visually check for excessive freezer burn. Upon thawing, inspect for any mold or off-odors that might have developed if the crumbs were not completely fresh when frozen or if packaging failed. Taste a small amount if unsure about quality; a bland or off-flavor indicates quality degradation.
Storage Tips
Store in airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn and absorption of other food odors. Homemade bread crumbs should be completely cooled before freezing. No need to thaw before using in most recipes; they can often be added directly from frozen.