You’ve lost track of time and now you’re wondering if those expired tortillas in the back of your pantry are still safe to eat? Not sure whether it’s worth taking a gamble or just stocking up on new ones?
Depending on how they were stored, expired tortillas can be safe to eat. You should toss them out if they are moldy or smell bad, though.
Well, don’t worry, because I’ve done all the research for you. In this blog post, we’ll be looking more closely at the shelf life of tortillas, as well as providing tips for making them last even longer and knowing when it really is time to toss them out.
So get ready tortilla fans – let’s dig into this topic and find out exactly what, if any, deliciousness awaits us beyond that expiry date.
How Long Are Tortillas Good After Expiration Date?
The expiration date that’s printed on store-bought tortillas may lead you to believe that they must be thrown away after the said date, but it’s actually not quite as simple as that.
While they are generally best eaten before the expiration date, fresh tortillas can remain good for a few days post expiration since they are dry goods.
After this date, however, the quality of the tortillas may have slightly declined due to oxidation and changes in moisture levels.
Obviously, you should check for visual signs of spoilage, such as spots of mold or an unpleasant smell, before eating them, as these are sure signs that they should be thrown out.
Also, I would suggest using tortillas within a week of their printed date of expiration to be on the safe side.
All in all, although there is some leeway with regards to the expiration date written on the original packaging – for the best results, you should consume them sooner rather than later.
That way you’ll get optimal flavor and freshness.
What About Corn Tortillas? How Long Do Corn Tortillas Last After Expiration Date?
Just like with flour tortillas, corn tortillas don’t last forever. But you might be surprised at how long these tasty wraps can hang in there after the expiration date.
A pack of corn tortillas will generally stay fresh for about 5-7 days after the sell-by date, if you’ve stored them the right way.
To ensure that your tortillas keep tasting delicious, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and make sure they are not exposed to any moisture.
If you keep these tips in mind, those tasty tortillas should be good for a long time past their expiration date.
Read about how to organize your fridge for food safety.
In General, Which Last Longer, Corn Or Flour Tortillas?
Is there a connection between the type of tortilla and a shorter shelf life? I mean, flour tortillas and corn tortillas can both be great in terms of freshness and taste, but which kind is longer lasting? If you’re asking this question, the answer may surprise you.
In general, flour tortillas have a much longer shelf life at room temperature than their corn counterparts.
This is because some of the moisture from the corn is removed through a process called nixtamalization.
With this moisture removed, the tortilla gets harder and drier over time, making it more prone to going stale quickly compared to flour-based options.
On the other hand, flour tortillas tend to retain their moisture for a longer period of time due to their higher protein content — allowing them to stay fresher for extended periods when the proper storage methods are used.
So if you’re looking for a product that will last the longest on your shelf, go with flour.
Read about whether it’s safe to eat expired chips.
Can Unopened Flour Tortillas Go Bad?
It’s totally understandable if you’re skeptical of eating unopened tortillas that have been stored in your pantry for an extended period.
Although flour tortillas can be kept for long periods of time, an unopened package should still be checked for freshness. The expiration date or best-by date on the packaging is a good starting point, but you should always take the extra step to make sure your food is safe to eat.
If left out on a counter too long (or even in the fridge if they’ve been in there awhile), bacteria like listeria and salmonella can cause your unopened packet of tortillas to go bad.
To stay on the safe side, store them in a cool, dark place and always check to be sure they haven’t turned into moldy tortillas before you get around to eating them.
And if you’re ever unsure whether something has gone bad, it’s best to just play it safe from food poisoning by tossing it out.
How To Tell If Tortillas Are Bad
Knowing when to toss out that bad pack of tortillas can be a tricky business. But luckily, there are a few useful ways you can tell if they’ve gone bad!
The first thing to check is the smell – if there is a smell of mold, or they have an off odor or smell sour, fishy, or musty then it’s safe to say that you should definitely toss them out.
Visual cues such as discoloration or stains on the tortilla can also indicate that it’s no longer suitable for eating.
Also, if you see any streaks of white dust going through, that signals mold growth and you need to toss the pack in the garbage.
If you see or feel moisture inside the tortilla package, you need to dump that package.
Additionally, give a few of them a squeeze. Are they still soft and flexible or have they gotten hard?
The texture of bad tortillas can feel dry, hard and brittle and they should be tossed. At this point, you’re going to have a hard time rolling them or folding them, so there’s no point in trying to use them anyhow.
What Do Expired Tortillas Smell Like?
Expired tortillas can have an unpleasant odor that’s hard to ignore. It’s kind of like a sourdough bread kind of smell mixed in with some ashy notes.
On the other hand, bad tortillas tend to have a sour, putrid smell that comes from the bacteria growing on them.
If you open up the package and it smells off or has an unpleasant odor, then throw them away immediately.
If you’re still unsure if your tortillas are safe to consume or not, it’s best to err on the side of caution and just toss them out.
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to eating expired food!
What Does Mold On Tortillas Look Like?
Sadly, I have had packages of flour tortillas that have either been left out on the counter for too long or I have ignored them in my fridge. Either way, if your tortillas have gotten moldy, you’ll know it!
Mold on tortillas usually looks like a light green or grayish blue powder for flour-based tortillas and a bright white or yellow-green fuzz for corn-based ones.
Similar to the fuzzy appearance of mold on bread, these colors can appear in patches and dark spots or cover the whole surface depending on how old the tortilla is or how moist the environment is.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you do find any kind of color changes on your tortillas, it’s best to throw the entire package away since they are no longer safe to eat.
What Can You Do With Expired Tortillas?
Tortillas that are a couple of days past expiration date are no longer the best quality, but they don’t have to be a total loss. Instead of throwing them away, you can still incorporate them into recipes.
Make tortillas chips: cut the tortillas into triangles, wedges, or strips, toss them in oil and sprinkle with some spices. Then, just pop them into the oven for a few minutes and voila – homemade tortilla chips or tacos that are as good as any restaurant.
I have also done this with cinnamon and sugar instead of traditional Mexican spices (like chili powder or garlic powder), and the result was a yummy dessert that could be eaten alone or with ice cream.
You can also use your leftover tortillas to make quesadillas; all you need is a little melted cheese, some spices, and a pan. This is a great dish that works for all different types of tortillas.
And if you’re looking to get a little more creative in the kitchen, try using shredded, toasted or baked tortillas as a crunchy topping for casseroles or tortilla soup. Just mix them up with some butter and your favorite herbs and seasonings, bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, and voila.
You could also slip some pieces into your traditional omelet recipe for an extra crunchy texture.
See? Expired tortillas don’t have to be thrown away – they just need a little creativity!
Here are also some ideas for what to do with expired marshmallows.
Do Tortillas Need To Be Refrigerated?
Do you need to refrigerate tortillas? Well, that depends. If you’re planning on consuming them within the week, it’s best not to refrigerate them, as this can affect their texture.
Tortillas can be kept in a cool and dry place for 7-10 days if you plan to use them quickly.
But if you’re going to store them for an extended period of time – like a month or so – the fridge is the way to go since it will help keep them fresher for longer.
Also, if the package has already been opened and you won’t be using the remaining tortillas right away, then yes, it’s best to keep them in the fridge.
On the other hand, homemade tortillas or ones made by local Mexican bakeries don’t always have preservatives and can go bad much faster, so those should kept cold for optimal freshness.
How Long Do Tortillas Last In The Fridge After Expiration Date?
Tortillas are a staple of Mexican cuisine and there’s nothing worse than reaching for them after the expiration date only to find they’ve gone bad!
But, depending on how they’re stored, those tortillas can sometimes last a little longer than expected.
The best way to ensure safety when it comes to storing tortillas is by keeping them in an air-tight container in the fridge. This helps keep humidity, which can cause molding, at bay.
After the stated expiration date of your tortillas passes, however long that may be, you can typically keep them in the fridge for around another five days before needing to discard them.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw expired food out when it’s past its due date.
How Do You Store Flour Tortillas Long Term?
Storing flour tortillas long term is actually incredibly simple. All you need to do is place them in an airtight container (like this one I found online) or wrap them in plastic wrap, and then just keep them somewhere cool and dry.
For example, your pantry would be a great spot. Make sure not to store them near anything that might make your tortillas too moist or wet like onions, potatoes, etc.
The best option for extended storage for later use is to freeze them. That preserves flavor and stops them from going bad.
You just have to make sure to put sheets of wax papers or parchment paper between each tortilla and store them in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag before you put them in the freezer.
Slide sheets of wax or parchment paper between tortillas before freezing, if using them in smaller quantities. Corn tortillas tend to be a bit more forgiving when separating them while frozen, whereas flour tortillas may tear during the separation process.
The Pioneer Woman
If excess air is removed when freezing tortillas, they should last at least 2 months frozen and probably more like 3-4 months.
Can I Eat 3 Month Old Tortillas?
Yes, you can eat 3-month-old tortillas – as long as they have been stored properly.
As I said in the prior section, to maximize their shelf life, you can freeze them for up to 4 months to help preserve their flavor.
That said, if your tortillas have been sitting on a pantry shelf (or worse yet, the kitchen counter) for three months, you’d better chuck those nasty, stale tortillas in the trash as soon as possible!
Wrapping Up
It’s always a good idea to check the expiration date on any food item before you consume it – and that includes tortillas. But with proper storage, you can keep your tortillas fresh for an extended period of time.
If you find yourself with expired tortillas and they are moldy or smell bad, however, make sure to discard them immediately for safety reasons.
After all, when in doubt about the safety of any food item – just throw it out! The best way to stay safe and healthy is by being mindful of what you’re putting into your body.
Related Reading
How To Know If Foods Are Safe To Eat
Are Black Bananas Safe To Eat?
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