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.
That's the longest window published for Dates — sealed in the fridge is its best case.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · pantry | 2 months |
| Unopened · fridge | 12 months |
| Freezer | 1–2 years |
Air and warmth are what shorten an opened item's life — the right container buys back the days the packaging gives up once the seal's broken.
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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. Those are the general signs for fruit — USDA FoodKeeper v128 publishes no spoilage note for Dates specifically. 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.