All About Shredded cabbage
Your complete guide to shredded cabbage - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Shredded cabbage Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for shredded cabbage 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 bagged (pre-shredded) in fridge5-7 days or until 'best by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy texture, strong sour or sulfurous odor, visible mold (white, green, black spots), yellowing or dark discoloration of leaves, excessive moisture accumulation inside the bag.
How to Check
Visually inspect the bag for any discoloration or mold. Gently feel the bag for any signs of sliminess through the packaging. If opened, perform a smell test for off-odors.
Storage Tips
Keep the bag sealed until ready to use. Store in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, which helps maintain humidity and extends freshness.
opened bagged or home-shredded in fridge3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Wilting and limp texture, slimy coating on the leaves, strong unpleasant (sour, fermented, or sulfurous) odor, yellowing or browning of leaves, appearance of mold.
How to Check
Visual inspection for wilting, discoloration, or mold. Touch test for sliminess or an unusually soft texture. Smell test for any sour, pungent, or 'off' odors.
Storage Tips
Transfer to an airtight container or a resealable bag. For best results, place a paper towel inside the container/bag to absorb excess moisture, changing it daily if it becomes damp. Store in the crisper drawer.
cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour or fermented smell, visible mold, unusual discoloration (darkening or dullness), mushy or overly soft texture, separation of ingredients (especially in dressed coleslaw).
How to Check
Smell test for any 'off' or sour odors. Visual inspection for mold or unusual color changes. Check texture; if it's excessively mushy or gritty, it's likely spoiled. Taste test a very small amount only if all other signs are absent.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked cabbage dishes rapidly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. For coleslaw with mayonnaise, be particularly mindful of the 3-4 day limit due to the perishable nature of the dressing.
freezer (raw, for cooking)8-12 months for best quality, safe indefinitely
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dry, discolored spots), a very strong, unpleasant odor upon thawing (rare if properly stored), significant loss of color and texture (though texture change is expected).
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn. Upon thawing, check for a strong off-odor. While safe, quality might degrade beyond the recommended duration.
Storage Tips
For best quality, blanch shredded cabbage for 1-2 minutes in boiling water, then immediately cool in ice water before draining thoroughly and freezing. Pack tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Frozen raw cabbage is best used in cooked dishes like soups, stews, or casseroles, as it will be very soft after thawing and not suitable for raw salads.