All About Taco shells
Your complete guide to taco shells - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Taco shells Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for taco shells 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, in pantry (hard or soft shells)Up to 'best by' or 'best if used by' date, typically 6-12 months from manufacture.
Signs of Spoilage
Punctured or compromised packaging, visible mold (rare but possible if packaging is damaged), strong off-smell (e.g., rancid oil for hard shells, sour/yeasty for soft shells).
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging for any tears, holes, or swelling. Check the 'best by' date. If the packaging is intact, an off-smell is highly unlikely.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain optimal quality. Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods as they can absorb odors.
opened hard shells, in pantry1-2 weeks (quality degrades after this, though still safe to eat if no other signs of spoilage).
Signs of Spoilage
Loss of crispness, becoming soft or chewy, stale taste, greasy rancid smell (if the oils used in frying have gone bad).
How to Check
Feel the shell for crispness – it should snap easily. Smell for any off-odors, particularly a chemical or old oil smell. If it tastes stale, it's past its prime.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness and prevent staleness, transfer opened hard taco shells to an airtight container or a heavy-duty resealable bag immediately after opening. If they become slightly stale, they can often be re-crisped by warming them in a toaster oven or conventional oven for a few minutes.
opened soft shells, in pantry3-5 days.
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (green, white, black fuzzy spots), sour or yeasty off-smell, excessively dry or hard texture, slimy or sticky surface.
How to Check
Visually inspect both sides of each shell for any signs of mold. Perform a smell test – it should smell fresh, not sour, alcoholic, or musty. Touch the surface for stickiness or sliminess, or feel for unusual hardness.
Storage Tips
Reseal the original packaging tightly or transfer to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Keep away from humidity, as moisture significantly accelerates mold growth. Never eat tortillas with visible mold; mold on bread products can have invisible roots and toxins.
opened soft shells, in fridge1-2 weeks.
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (green, white, black fuzzy spots), sour or yeasty off-smell, excessively dry or hard edges, slimy or sticky surface.
How to Check
Visually inspect both sides of each shell for mold. Perform a smell test – it should smell fresh. Touch the surface for stickiness or sliminess, or feel for unusual hardness. Refrigeration can sometimes make them a bit stiffer, but they should soften when warmed.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to prevent drying out and absorbing refrigerator odors. While refrigeration slows mold growth, it doesn't stop it entirely. Always inspect carefully before use. Warm gently before serving for best texture.
soft shells, in freezer3-6 months (quality may degrade after this, but still safe to eat).
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), strong off-smell (less common), texture changes upon thawing (e.g., more brittle, crumbly, or gummy).
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. After thawing, check for any unusual smells or significant changes in texture that make them unpalatable.
Storage Tips
To freeze, wrap the entire package or individual shells tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container. For individual use, place parchment paper between shells before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat gently in a pan, microwave, or oven.