All About Tofu
Your complete guide to tofu - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Tofu Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for tofu 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 fridge3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, fermented, or yeasty smell; slimy or sticky texture on the surface; discoloration (pink, yellow, green spots or mold); cloudy or murky water if stored submerged.
How to Check
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Smell Test: Fresh tofu has a very mild, neutral, or slightly nutty scent. Any strong sour, yeasty, or unpleasant odor indicates spoilage.
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Visual Inspection: Look for any visible mold, discoloration, or changes in the water clarity if submerged.
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Touch Test: Gently touch the surface. If it feels slimy, sticky, or unusually mushy, it's likely spoiled. Fresh tofu should feel firm or silken, not slimy.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, transfer opened tofu to an airtight container and submerge it in fresh, cold water. Change the water daily or every other day. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
cooked freezer3-4 months (for best quality, safe indefinitely)
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive freezer burn indicates a decline in quality, not spoilage.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. While safe, quality may be compromised if heavily freezer-burned.
Storage Tips
Ensure cooked tofu is completely cooled before freezing. Store in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen for some dishes.
unopened pantry (shelf-stable)6-12 months (refer to 'best by' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging or swollen carton, visible mold if packaging is compromised, strong off-odor if opened and spoiled.
How to Check
Check the 'best by' or 'expiration' date on the package. Inspect the carton for any signs of damage, leaks, or bulging, which could indicate bacterial growth. If opened, perform a smell test.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, it must be refrigerated.
unopened fridge (refrigerated)Up to 2 months past 'best by' date (if sealed and no signs of spoilage)
Signs of Spoilage
Packaging (tub or vacuum seal) appears bloated or swollen, water is cloudy or murky (for water-packed), sour or fermented smell upon opening, visible mold.
How to Check
Check the 'best by' or 'expiration' date. Visually inspect the packaging for any bulging. If water-packed, observe the clarity of the water. Upon opening, perform a smell test for any off-odors.
Storage Tips
Always keep refrigerated. Do not freeze tofu in its original water-filled packaging.
cooked fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Off-odor (sour, rotten, or unpleasant), visible mold, slimy or sticky texture, unusually dry or hard texture.
How to Check
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Smell Test: Check for any strong, unpleasant, or sour odors.
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Visual Inspection: Look for any visible mold growth or unusual discoloration.
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Touch Test: Feel for any sliminess or stickiness on the surface.
Storage Tips
Store cooked tofu in an airtight container to prevent contamination and absorption of other fridge odors. Ensure it is cooled quickly before refrigerating (within 2 hours of cooking).
raw freezer3-4 months (for best quality, safe indefinitely)
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive freezer burn (dry, leathery, discolored patches) indicates quality degradation, not spoilage. If mold was present before freezing, it was already spoiled.
How to Check
Visually inspect for severe freezer burn. While safe to eat, heavily freezer-burned tofu may have an inferior taste and texture. Discard if it had any spoilage signs prior to freezing.
Storage Tips
Press out as much water as possible from the tofu before freezing to achieve a chewier, more porous texture. Cut into desired portions, then place in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water.