Storage time shown is for best quality only – after that, the dried lentils’ texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, they will still be safe to consume if they have been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
It’s not an expiration date and has nothing to do with food safety. And when it comes to dry lentils (similar to dried beans ), they keep well for months or even years past that date, depending on storage conditions. Before you cook the lentils, sort through them to pick out any debris, and then rinse them to remove dirt.
Of course, lentils won’t instantly go bad after the date. As long as the products are stored in ideal conditions and the packaging is still perfect, you can expect that they last for a few more months to a year after the date. Once opened, dry lentils are best to use within a year.
Whether pre-cooked, dried, or canned, lentils can go bad and be harmful to your health if consumed. What is the Shelf Life of Lentils? How long your lentils last depends on how you store them and whether they are dried, canned or already cooked.
Can you eat lentils after the expiration date?
Even after three years, you can safely eat them. Rather than expiration dates, lentils commonly have a “best if used by” date printed on the packaging. This date does not refer to safety. It only means that the quality of the dried lentils may start to decrease after the printed date.
Are dry lentils safe to eat?
Dry lentils are a durable food item and have a long shelf life. But, if the seeds start to smell off, are discolored, grow molds, or infested with insects, these are alarming signs that lentils are no longer safe for consumption. If you think the lentils look okay, but not quite sure yet, try cooking a small amount.
You should be wondering “Are canned lentils good for You?”
One way to think about this is the same practices work for other dry foods, such as rice or quinoa. Canned lentils are a great option if you want to add some lentils to your diet, but you can’t be bothered with cooking dry lentils.
What happens if you eat canned lentils that have holes?
Any small holes in dry lentils packaging mean an entrance for bugs and insects. Don’t use canned lentils if the can is damaged in any way —if it is leaked, dented, bulged, rusted, or spurted liquid after opening. Dry lentils are a durable food item and have a long shelf life.
How long do dried lentils last?
Dried lentils can last for as long as two to three years if stored properly in a cool, dark and dry location in your kitchen or pantry. Even after three years, you can safely eat them.
How long do canned lentils last?
Canned lentils generally last for months (if not years) past the date on the label. As long as the can looks perfectly intact, the contents of the can should be okay as well. That’s true even if the product is a couple of years past the best-by date on the label.
Properly stored, dried lentils will generally stay at best quality for about 2 to 3 years at normal room temperature, although they will usually remain safe to use after that. To maximize the shelf life of dried lentils, keep the package tightly closed at all times.
Do dried lentils change color when opened?
The color, texture and flavor changes, but they are still okay to consume. After you open a bag of dried lentils , keeping them in a sealed container or plastic bag optimizes their shelf life. Exposure to light can compromise the color of the lentils but does not affect their longevity.