All About Raisins
Your complete guide to raisins - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Raisins Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for raisins 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 pantry6-12 months (up to 2 years past 'best by' date if stored ideally)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant hardening and loss of plumpness; rare signs of mold if packaging is compromised; presence of pantry pests if packaging is breached.
How to Check
Check the 'best by' or 'expiration' date. Visually inspect the packaging for any tears, holes, or signs of tampering. Ensure the raisins are not excessively hard or brittle when gently squeezed through the package. Pests (small bugs, webbing) would indicate a compromised seal.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. While they can last longer, quality (flavor and texture) may diminish over time.
opened pantry3-6 months
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (fuzzy white, green, or black spots); sour, fermented, or musty off-smell; excessive stickiness or clumping (due to moisture absorption); unusual dryness or extreme hardness; presence of pantry pests (small beetles, moths, webbing).
How to Check
Visual inspection: Look closely for any discoloration, mold growth, or tiny insects/webbing. Smell test: Take a good sniff for any sour, alcoholic, or musty odors. Touch test: Feel for sliminess, excessive stickiness that isn't typical, or extreme, brittle hardness. If any of these signs are present, discard.
Storage Tips
Immediately transfer opened raisins to an airtight container (e.g., glass jar, heavy-duty plastic container) to protect them from moisture, air, and pests. Store in a cool, dark, dry cupboard or pantry. Avoid storing near heat sources like ovens or stovetops.
refrigerator (opened)6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to pantry storage, but less common if properly sealed: mold growth (due to condensation or moisture), off-smells (sour, fermented), excessive stickiness, or extreme hardness/dryness from improper sealing.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check for mold, discoloration, or signs of condensation within the container. Smell test: Sniff for any unusual or unpleasant odors. Touch test: Feel for sliminess or excessive moisture. If the raisins appear significantly harder than usual, they may have dried out.
Storage Tips
Store in a tightly sealed, airtight container to prevent moisture absorption from the fridge environment and to keep odors out. Refrigeration can help maintain their texture and prevent drying, especially in very humid conditions, but it's not strictly necessary for safety if stored properly in the pantry.
freezer1-2 years (or longer for safety, but quality may degrade)
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored, leathery patches on the surface due to moisture loss); significant loss of flavor or chewy texture after thawing. Mold is highly unlikely in frozen raisins.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Look for signs of freezer burn. After thawing, taste a small piece to assess if the texture and flavor are still acceptable. If they are excessively dry, brittle, or bland, quality has degraded.
Storage Tips
For best results, store in heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Raisins can be used directly from frozen in baked goods or thawed at room temperature or in the refrigerator before use.