All About Flour tortillas
Your complete guide to flour tortillas - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Flour tortillas Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for flour tortillas 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.
unopened pantry1-2 weeks past 'Best By' date (for optimal quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (green, black, white fuzzy spots), sour or off-putting smell, unusually sticky or slimy texture upon opening.
How to Check
Visually inspect the package and tortillas for any mold growth. Perform a smell test immediately after opening; a sour or yeasty odor indicates spoilage. Touch the surface of a tortilla; it should be dry and pliable, not sticky or slimy.
Storage Tips
Store in their original sealed packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. While they may be safe a bit past the 'Best By' date, quality (texture and flavor) will decline.
opened refrigerator5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (green, black, white fuzzy spots), sour, yeasty, or unpleasant smell, hardened or dried edges, excessively sticky or slimy surface.
How to Check
Visually inspect all tortillas for mold, especially along the edges. Perform a smell test; any sour or off odor means they are spoiled. Touch the tortillas; they should still be soft and pliable. If they are stiff, brittle, or feel slimy, they are likely bad. Discard if any signs are present.
Storage Tips
Once opened, transfer tortillas to an airtight bag or container, or tightly re-seal the original package. This prevents them from drying out, absorbing refrigerator odors, and slows mold growth. Refrigeration is crucial after opening to extend freshness and prevent spoilage.
freezer6-8 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), changes in texture (becomes overly crumbly or tough) after thawing, lack of pliability, or off-flavors (rare if properly stored).
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn before and after thawing. After thawing, check the texture – they should still be relatively soft and pliable. If they are extremely brittle or fall apart easily, quality has degraded significantly. A quick smell test after thawing can confirm freshness.
Storage Tips
To freeze, place the entire package (if unopened) directly into a freezer-safe bag, expelling as much air as possible. For opened packages, stack tortillas with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. They can also be gently reheated from frozen on a griddle or microwave.