Use-By Date Guide: How Long Does Rice Last in the Fridge & Pantry?

Rice is a pantry staple for a reason—it’s versatile, filling, and seems to last forever. But while that bag of uncooked white rice might outlive us all, cooked rice is surprisingly fragile when it comes to food safety.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or wondering if that leftover takeout is still safe, understanding the shelf life of rice is crucial to avoiding the dreaded “fried rice syndrome.”

Shelf Life at a Glance

• Dry White/Wild Rice (Pantry): Lasts 2 years (or indefinitely if vacuum sealed).
• Dry Brown Rice (Pantry): Lasts 1 year (oils can go rancid).
• Cooked Rice (Refrigerator): Lasts 3–4 days.
• Cooked Rice (Freezer): Best within 1–2 months.

The Dangers of Leftover Rice: “Fried Rice Syndrome”

It sounds like a myth, but Fried Rice Syndrome is real. It’s caused by Bacillus cereus, a bacterium found in soil and food. Unlike other bacteria, Bacillus cereus spores can survive the cooking process.

If rice is left at room temperature for too long (in the “Danger Zone” of 40°F–140°F), these spores can grow into bacteria that produce toxins. Reheating the rice won’t destroy these heat-stable toxins.

The Golden Rule: Never leave cooked rice out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s over 90°F).

Dry Rice: White vs. Brown

Not all dry rice is created equal.

• White, Jasmine, Basmati, Wild Rice: These have had the bran and germ removed (or are naturally low oil). They can last up to 2 years in a cool, dry pantry. If you store them in the fridge or freezer, they can last almost indefinitely.
• Brown Rice: Because it keeps the nutrient-rich bran and germ, it also contains natural oils. These oils can oxidize and go rancid. Expect brown rice to last about 6 months to 1 year in the pantry. Smelling it is key—if it smells like old paint or crayons, toss it.

How to Store Cooked Rice for the Perfect Fried Rice

Ironically, the best fried rice is made with cold, day-old rice. But you have to store it safely first.

1. Cool it down quickly: Don’t leave a giant pot on the stove. Spread the rice out on a baking sheet to cool it rapidly.
2. Airtight Container: Once cool (within 2 hours), transfer to an airtight container.
3. Refrigerate: Place it in the fridge immediately. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days.
4. Freezing: If you won’t eat it within 4 days, freeze it. It stays best for 1–2 months before freezer burn sets in.

FAQs

Can I eat rice left in the rice cooker overnight?

No. Most rice cookers’ “Keep Warm” settings are not hot enough to kill bacteria or cool enough to stop growth. If it’s been in the cooker (off or warm) for more than 2 hours, it’s safer to discard it.

How do I tell if dry rice has bugs?

Weevils are common in grain products. If you see small black bugs or webbing in the bag, the rice is infested. To prevent this, you can freeze new bags of rice for 3 days to kill any eggs before storing them in your pantry.