Dates keep about 12 months in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, counting from the day you bought them. Frozen, they keep about 1–2 years.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · pantry | 2 months |
| Unopened · fridge | 12 months |
| Freezer | 1–2 years |
About 12 months at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. That window runs from the day you bought it — FoodKeeper publishes no separate after-opening figure for this one.
Dates are shelf-stable at room temperature: cool, dry pantry, or refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below to keep it longer. Refrigerating it mainly preserves quality rather than safety.
Look for: Mould or fuzzy spots; Mushy, collapsed, or leaking areas; A fermented or alcohol-like smell; Slimy skin. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.
Yes — USDA FoodKeeper v128 gives about 1–2 years in the freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; that window is about quality, not safety.