All About Tortillas
Your complete guide to tortillas - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Tortillas Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for 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.
freezer6-8 months for best quality, up to 1 year
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), brittle texture, significant loss of flavor or elasticity after thawing. Will not typically show mold or sour smells while frozen.
How to Check
Visually inspect for signs of freezer burn. After thawing, check the texture and pliability – they should still be relatively soft and not crumbly. If heavily freezer-burned, they may be dry and crack easily when heated.
Storage Tips
To prevent freezer burn, wrap the tortillas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Many tortillas can be heated directly from frozen on a griddle or in a microwave.
opened fridge5-7 days for corn tortillas, 1-2 weeks for flour tortillas
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (most common), sour, yeasty, or stale smell, excessively stiff/dry texture (especially corn tortillas), slimy or sticky feel.
How to Check
Conduct a thorough visual inspection for mold growth, particularly along the edges and folds. Smell for any 'off' odors – they should smell neutral or slightly bready. Touch the tortillas; they should still be soft and pliable, not hard, brittle, or slimy.
Storage Tips
To prevent drying out and absorbing fridge odors, re-seal the opened package tightly. For best results, transfer to an airtight container or a large zip-top bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Place a paper towel in the bag/container to absorb excess moisture and prevent mold.
unopened pantry1-3 weeks (for most standard varieties), some highly processed types may last longer per package date
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (green, black, white fuzzy spots), sour or off-putting yeasty smell, sticky or slimy texture on the surface, hardened or excessively dry texture.
How to Check
Visually inspect the entire surface for any discoloration or fuzzy growths. Gently open the package and take a sniff – a sour, musty, or 'off' smell indicates spoilage. If no visual or smell cues, gently touch a tortilla; it should feel soft and pliable, not sticky or slimy.
Storage Tips
Store in their original sealed packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong odors. Check the 'best by' or 'expiration' date on the package for guidance.