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If you found a bag of lentils in your pantry and were wondering, “Are these still good to eat?” then you’re in the right place. Beans are a great source of protein that come from plants and are very cheap. They are high in fiber and good for your gut health. The dried ones are not only less expensive than the canned ones, but they also last longer and cook more evenly. (Psst: Check out Our Favorite Way to Cook Dried Beans in the recipe for Classic Baked Beans. ).
So does that mean we should all stockpile dried chickpeas, pintos and cannellini? Not so fast. Pulses, like chickpeas, lentils, dry peas, and beans, are the dry, edible seeds of plants in the legume family. Dried beans and all pulses are pretty durable if you store them right, but they won’t last forever. Even if old dried beans are safe to eat, they degrade in quality in several ways. How much to keep on hand depends on how quickly you make your way through your stash. To make sure the food you eat is at its best, here’s what you need to know about how long dried beans last.
Dried beans are a kitchen staple in many homes. They’re nutritious, inexpensive, and can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. But have you ever wondered – do dried beans really expire? Should you throw them out after a certain date or can you keep them indefinitely in your pantry? I decided to dig into the details to find out.
The Scoop on Expiration Dates
First, let’s talk about expiration dates. The “best by” date on a package of dried beans represents the timeframe when the beans are at peak quality. The key word here is quality, not safety. Dried beans don’t suddenly become unsafe to eat once the date has passed. The date is simply a recommendation from the manufacturer.
So in reality, dried beans have a much longer shelf life beyond that printed date. As long as they are stored properly, most dried beans remain edible for 1-2 years past their expiration date. Of course, the older they get, the more their quality diminishes. But we’ll get to that next.
How to Know If Your Beans Have Gone Bad
Because the expiration date is not a hard cutoff for safety, you have to use your judgement to determine if dried beans are still usable. Here are some signs that your beans have spoiled and should be discarded
- Appearance of mold – any fuzzy growth means toss them
- Strange odors – beans should smell neutral; odd smells mean spoilage
- Very shrivelled or dried out – beans lose moisture over time
- Presence of insects – weevils or other bugs are a bad sign
Do a visual inspection and smell check before cooking expired beans. If everything seems normal, they are likely still fine to eat.
Nutrition Loss Over Time
I mentioned earlier that dried beans lose quality and nutrition past their expiration date. Specifically the vitamin and mineral content starts decreasing around the 2-3 year mark after the “best by” date. Folic acid thiamin, niacin – these vitamins dissipate over time.
After 5 years, the nutritional value drops substantially. The beans won’t be harmful, but won’t offer much in the way of nutrients. For the best nutrition, try to use beans within 1-2 years of purchase. Proper cool, dark storage helps slow the loss of nutrients.
Cooking and Eating Expired Beans
Assuming your expired dried beans pass the sight and smell tests, you can absolutely still cook and eat them. The texture may be a little off – older beans tend to cook up mushier. The flavor will also deteriorate over time – older beans can taste more bland.
To improve flavor, I recommend seasoning expired beans well with spices, herbs, aromatics like onion/garlic, etc. The beans will be safe to eat, but won’t be quite as good as freshly dried beans.
Storing Beans Properly
To get the longest shelf life out of your dried beans, proper storage is key. Here are my tips:
- Store beans in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat and sunlight
- Use airtight containers or oxygen-absorber bags
- Keep beans away from pungent foods to avoid aroma absorption
- Rotate stock using older beans first
- Store beans in freezer to prolong shelf life even further
With optimal storage conditions, most dried beans will retain good quality for 2-3 years past their expiration date.
Are Expired Beans Risky to Eat?
I’ll be honest – I’m guilty of cooking up expired beans without a second thought! But is it ever risky? The answer is very rarely. Dry beans are low moisture foods, making it difficult for harmful bacteria to grow. Just make sure the beans show no signs of spoilage before cooking.
Consuming beans that have mold, off-odors, or very shrivelled appearance could potentially lead to foodborne illness. When in doubt, throw it out. But expired beans that look and smell normal pose very little health risks.
Alternative Uses for Old Beans
If your beans are too old to eat comfortably, don’t toss them! Here are some alternate uses to avoid food waste:
- Use as fertilizer or compost – beans are nitrogen-rich
- Create bean art or sensory play for kids
- Use as plant stakes or trellising for climbing plants
- Craft bird feeders or cat toys
- Use as fill for DIY bean bags or draft stoppers
So as you can see, dried beans can serve many purposes, even when not consumed!
The Verdict on Bean Expiration
At the end of the day, dried beans have an incredibly long shelf life. While their quality and nutrition does diminish over time, they remain safe to eat for 1-2 years, likely longer. Proper storage is the key to maximizing shelf life.
Rely on your senses when evaluating older beans. Be on the lookout for mold, odd odors, extreme shriveling, and other red flags before cooking. With a bit of extra seasoning and care, those expired beans can still make for an utterly delicious pot of chili or steaming bowl of bean soup. Waste not, want not!
How long do dried beans last?
“If stored properly in a cool, dry place, they have a minimum shelf life of one year, keeping indefinitely and withstanding harsh or tropical environments,” according to the United States Agency for International Development, USAID,
Time alone wont make beans go bad, per se, but they certainly wont taste the same. After two to three years, the beans will start losing their nutritional value, and most naturally found vitamins will be gone within 5 years.
Do dried beans expire?
While most packages of dried beans do not come with an expiration date, they will not last forever. The U.S. Department of Agricultures FoodKeeper app says, “For freshness and quality, dried beans should be consumed within 1 to 2 years if in the pantry from the date of purchase; 1 year if pantry stored after opening.”
Dried beans stored too long will degrade in the following ways:
- lose their nutritional benefits over time
- take longer to cook
- become tougher and less creamy in texture than fresher beans
Tip: You can still use the dried beans as pie weights even if they are past their best but not rotten.
Dry Bean Food Storage Myth – Actual Shelf-Life Revealed
FAQ
Can you eat dried beans past the expiration date?
Is it OK to use old dried beans?
Can you eat beans 2 years out of date?
How do you know if dry beans are bad?
Do dried beans expire?
While most packages of dried beans do not come with an expiration date, they will not last forever. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FoodKeeper app says, “For freshness and quality, dried beans should be consumed within 1 to 2 years if in the pantry from the date of purchase; 1 year if pantry stored after opening.”
Can you freeze refried beans?
Freezing refried beans is a simple and practical solution for dealing with leftovers. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave.
Do bagged beans expire?
Bagged beans usually come with an expiration date, but it’s more of a guideline. If stored properly, bagged beans can still be consumed after the expiration date. What Happens If You Use Expired Beans?
Do dried beans go bad?
Time alone won’t make beans go bad, per se, but they certainly won’t taste the same. After two to three years, the beans will start losing their nutritional value, and most naturally found vitamins will be gone within 5 years. How do you know if dried beans have gone bad? There are a few tell-tale signs for when your beans are off.