All About Tater tots
Your complete guide to tater tots - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Tater tots Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for tater tots 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 Freezer6-12 months past 'best by' date or as indicated on packaging
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive freezer burn (large ice crystals, dry or discolored spots on the tots), very strong off-odors (though rare in unopened packaging), severe clumping that isn't just from being frozen together.
How to Check
Check the 'best by' or 'use by' date. Visually inspect the packaging for any damage. While difficult to smell through packaging, any unusual strong chemical or rancid odor would be a concern. Look for signs of thawing and refreezing (e.g., a solid block of tots, heavy frost inside the bag).
Storage Tips
Maintain a consistent freezer temperature (0°F / -18°C or colder). Avoid frequent thawing and refreezing, which degrades quality.
Opened in Freezer3-6 months for best quality
Signs of Spoilage
Pronounced freezer burn (dry, leathery, or discolored grey/brown spots), strong stale or rancid oil smell, significant change in color, or a very tough/rubbery texture after cooking.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn and discoloration. Smell the tots directly – a stale, sour, or rancid oil smell indicates spoilage. The texture might feel overly dry or brittle when frozen.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, press out as much air as possible before re-sealing the original bag. For best results, transfer opened tots to an airtight freezer bag or container to minimize exposure to air and prevent freezer burn.
Cooked in Refrigerator3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Soggy or mushy texture, sour or rancid oil smell, visible mold (green, white, black fuzzy spots), slimy film on the surface, or a noticeably off-flavor if tasted.
How to Check
Perform a smell test first – any sour, stale, or unpleasant odor is a clear sign. Visually inspect for mold growth, discoloration, or sliminess. Touch the tots – if they feel slimy or excessively soft/mushy beyond their original texture, discard them.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked tater tots quickly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Cooked in Freezer1-2 months for best quality
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (large ice crystals, dry/discolored spots), very soft or mushy texture after thawing, strong off-flavors (rancid oil) upon reheating, or discoloration.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. While frozen, off-smells are hard to detect, but a strong rancid smell post-thawing/reheating indicates spoilage. The primary indicator will often be a significant degradation in texture and flavor after reheating.
Storage Tips
Allow cooked tater tots to cool completely before freezing. Store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. While safe beyond 2 months, their texture and flavor quality will significantly decline.