All About Small flour tortillas
Your complete guide to small 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 Small flour tortillas Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for small 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.
opened refrigerator1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (any color, fuzzy or spotty), strong sour, musty, or unpleasant odor, sticky or slimy texture, or extreme dryness/brittleness.
How to Check
Carefully inspect each tortilla for any signs of mold, paying close attention to the edges and folds. Smell the tortillas for any off-odors. Touch the surface for sliminess or excessive dryness. If in doubt, discard.
Storage Tips
Transfer tortillas to an airtight bag (like a Ziploc) or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in the original bag to prevent drying out and absorption of other food odors. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
opened pantry (short term)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold, sour or stale odor, dry and brittle edges, or a slimy texture.
How to Check
Visually check for any mold growth. Smell the tortillas for any sour, musty, or unpleasant odors. Touch the tortillas to feel for excessive dryness/stiffness or an unusual slimy film.
Storage Tips
Not recommended for extended storage. If not consumed within 1-2 days, transfer to the refrigerator or freezer for better preservation. Always reseal the package tightly or transfer to an airtight container.
unopened pantry1-2 weeks past 'best by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (green, black, or fuzzy spots), unusual discoloration (yellowing, dark spots not part of the tortilla), sour or yeasty smell, excessively hard or brittle texture.
How to Check
Visually inspect the package and tortillas for any signs of mold or discoloration. Gently squeeze the package to check for unusual hardness. Open and perform a smell test; a fresh tortilla should have a mild, pleasant aroma, not sour or off-putting.
Storage Tips
Always check the 'best by' date as a guideline. Store away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent premature spoilage.
unopened refrigerator3-4 weeks past 'best by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold, dark spots, sour or yeasty smell, or a very stiff texture that doesn't soften slightly at room temperature.
How to Check
Visually inspect the package and tortillas for mold or discoloration. Perform a smell test after opening; it should smell neutral or mildly fresh. Tortillas may be stiffer when cold, but shouldn't be rock-hard.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration extends the shelf life significantly. Keep in original packaging to prevent drying out and absorbing fridge odors. Allow to come to room temperature or warm slightly before use for best pliability.
freezer6-8 months (for best quality), up to 1 year
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), a noticeably off-flavor or smell after thawing (rare if properly stored), or a very crumbly texture that doesn't improve with warming.
How to Check
Visually check for freezer burn before thawing. After thawing, gently touch and smell the tortillas. They should still be pliable and have a neutral aroma.
Storage Tips
For best results, wrap the entire package or individual tortillas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Tortillas can often be warmed directly from frozen on a griddle or in a microwave.