All About Lo mein noodles
Your complete guide to lo mein noodles - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Lo mein noodles Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for lo mein noodles 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.
opened, fresh/refrigerated3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, fermented, or 'off' smell; slimy or sticky texture; visible mold or discoloration.
How to Check
Smell test: A strong, unpleasant sour, yeasty, or 'off' odor. Touch test: If the noodles feel slimy or unusually sticky. Visual inspection: Look for any fuzzy mold growth or abnormal dark spots.
Storage Tips
Transfer any unused fresh noodles to an airtight container or a clean, resealable bag to minimize exposure to air. This prevents them from drying out, absorbing odors from other foods, and helps extend their freshness within the given duration.
cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, rancid, or otherwise unpleasant smell; slimy or excessively mushy texture; visible mold; discoloration (e.g., green, black, or unusual spots).
How to Check
Smell test: Any sour, 'off', or unusually strong odor indicates spoilage. Touch test: If the noodles feel excessively slimy or have become very mushy and disintegrated. Visual inspection: Look for any mold growth, unusual color changes, or a general dull appearance.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked noodles quickly (within 2 hours) after cooking and store in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
cooked in freezer2-3 months for best quality; safe indefinitely if properly stored at 0°F (-18°C)
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (large dry, leathery, or discolored patches); significant change in texture upon thawing (e.g., becoming very mushy or crumbly); off-flavors after thawing and reheating (primarily a quality issue, not safety).
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check for large areas of freezer burn, which appear as dry, leathery, or discolored spots. After thawing, assess the texture; if it's excessively mushy or unappetizingly firm, quality has deteriorated. Smell test: Should still smell neutral or like the original dish, not 'off'.
Storage Tips
Allow cooked noodles to cool completely before freezing. Store in freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen if applicable.
unopened, dried/shelf-stable1-2 years past 'best by' date, or indefinitely if stored properly and no signs of spoilage
Signs of Spoilage
Presence of pantry pests (e.g., weevils, moths, larvae), mold (very rare if truly dry), strong off-odor (musty, stale, rancid).
How to Check
Visual inspection: Carefully check the packaging and noodles for any small insects, webbing, or larvae. Look for unusual discoloration or dark spots that could indicate mold. Smell test: A musty, stale, or unpleasant odor is a strong indicator of spoilage, even without visible signs.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Once opened, transfer to an airtight container to protect from pests and moisture, which helps maintain quality and extend shelf life.
unopened, fresh/refrigerated1-2 weeks from purchase, or by 'use by' date on packaging
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, fermented, or 'off' smell; slimy or sticky texture on the noodles; visible mold (green, black, white fuzzy spots) or unusual discoloration.
How to Check
Smell test: A strong, unpleasant sour, yeasty, or otherwise 'off' odor is a clear sign of spoilage. Touch test: If the noodles feel unusually slimy or excessively sticky when handled, they are likely no longer safe to eat. Visual inspection: Look for any fuzzy mold growth or abnormal dark spots on the noodles.
Storage Tips
Always adhere to the 'use by' date printed on the package. Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Do not consume if any of these spoilage signs are present, even if within the recommended date.