Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Share My Kitchen
You’ve probably been there before: an unexpected craving for popcorn. You probably have some, but it might only be a few days, weeks… months old. You might not even remember where it came from – Does popcorn expire? The big question is how do these delicious popcorn last?
These are the answers to your questions so that you can continue your snacking adventures or replenish your popcorn stash! Find out more about popcorn shelf lives to enjoy your favorite snack better.
Does Popcorn Expire, Though? What’s The Shelf Life Of Popcorn?
There are a few factors that will affect the shelf life of popcorn. It can vary from a few days for popped popcorn to nearly a year for kernels.
When purchasing pre-popped popcorn, make sure to only buy from reliable businesses that make small batches of popcorn before shipping it to you. This will ensure that your popcorn has a longer shelf life, as opposed to ones that were popped in large batches from days or weeks ago.
How Long Do Popcorn Kernels Last
For your kernels to last for a long time, choose plain, dry ones that can be flavored with butter or oils. Keep in mind that microwaveable kernels do not last as long as dry kernels. So consider investing in a container of dry kernels instead. And if you don’t need a lot of popcorn or have a place to store it in, it is a good idea to not buy too many bags at once.
The storage method you use will determine how long popcorn lasts. Keep unopened containers of popcorn in cool, dry places. But once you’ve opened a packet of popcorn, make sure it is kept in an airtight container, in a cool, dry spot. For opened dry kernels, a vacuum-seal container is good for keeping them. However, this method might not be as effective for popcorn that has been popped.
Does Popcorn Go Bad?
You’ll be curious if popcorn can go bad if it’s in a tin that has been around for a while. Popcorn doesn’t spoil like other foods, but it tends to go stale. That makes popcorn less tasty and enjoyable, but it is safe to eat. However, any food can go bad, and it is possible to get sick if you store it in the wrong way. So be mindful of how you store them to keep it from going to waste.
How to Tell If Popcorn Is Bad
If your popcorn has gone bad, its texture and flavor will indicate it. It will go bad if you don’t seal your popcorn properly. It will be less fluffy, instead of crunchy, and may have a softer chewy texture. Although this doesn’t necessarily mean that popcorn is not safe to eat, it can make popcorn less enjoyable.
Taste
Regarding the taste of flavored popcorn, it can change or not be as good as the first time you bought it. Remember that this is a sign that your popcorn has gone bad. Instead it’s just a sign that you need a new packaging for you to enjoy them.
Color
There might be a few instances that you will notice mold if popcorn has been stored for a long time. However, this is very unlikely, and won’t happen if the airtight container is kept in a dry place. It’s always worth checking to make sure you don’t eat popcorn that has been sitting for too long.
Packaging Wasn’t Tight Enough
Also, how well the kernels pop will tell you if they have gone bad. If there are more kernels left after popping than you saw when you bought the package, this could indicate that you haven’t stored them in an airtight container properly or that they’ve been sitting for a while. You can still pop these to eat, but the texture will be different and there may be more unpopped kernels leftover than usual.
Different Types Of Popcorn Have Different Shelf Lives
At one time or another, you’ve likely had multiple varieties of popcorn in your pantry. The shelf life of popcorn not only depends on what type of popcorn but also whether it’s popped or unpopped.
Popped popcorn:
If the packaging is left unopened, the popped popcorn can keep its freshness for at least two to four weeks. However, the shelf life drops to about one to two weeks once it is opened.
Gourmet popcorn:
Due to the addition of delicious toppings, gourmet popcorn may have a different shelf life than regular ones. Its shelf life will vary depending on the seasonings used. To ensure that gourmet popcorn lasts for as long as possible, keep it in an airtight container.
Unpopped popcorn:
Popcorn kernels can be stored indefinitely if they are kept in an airtight container. However, you should pop them within six months to one year. They will lose their ability to pop as often over time and may be less fluffy than they should be when they first arrived. Popcorn kernels lose the moisture that makes them pop as they age. And because popcorn kernels need to keep their moisture, it is important to keep them in an airtight container.
Microwaveable popcorn:
Although microwaveable popcorn packets contain kernels, they won’t last as long as regular kernels. They are packed with oils by manufacturers, which don’t taste as good after a while. You should consume microwaveable popcorn no later than the expiration date. However, you can sometimes use it for up to three months beyond that date.
For more information on expiration dates and shelf life, check the recommendations on any popcorn packaging.
How to keep gourmet popcorn fresh
A tin of gourmet popcorn is delicious, whether it’s sweet or savory, or a mixture of both. The average American consumes almost 45 quarts of this delicious snack every year. That’s quite a lot of popcorn!
Popcorn is a popular snack. However, with so many quarts of popcorn consumed each year, there are times when its difficult to finish the entire tin in one go. Luckily there are a few things you can do to ensure your popcorn stays fresh.
Tips for Helping Popcorn Stay Fresh Longer
Don’t throw away any leftover gourmet popcorn. You can still continue to enjoy the delicious treat by properly storing it. Here are some tips to help you store your popcorn.
Store Out of Direct Sunlight
Gourmet popcorn should not be stored in or near direct sunlight. Popcorn is made from corn and will naturally respond to light and humidity. So if it’s left out in the sun, even in airtight containers, they can become too warm. This could cause problems with popcorn storage.
You might also find that popcorn can stick to the container if it is coated with gourmet toppings like caramel drizzles or chocolate that easily melts under the sun.
Let the Popcorn Reach Room Temperature
A piece of popcorn should have a moisture level of 14%. This is the minimum amount needed to make popcorn pop. Warm kettle corn should be allowed to come to room temperature before you store it in a container. Or else, the container will trap the popcorn’s steam and cause it to lose its freshness faster.
Spread your gourmet popcorn in an even layer on baking sheets to allow it to cool quicker before you store it. Make sure to keep your popcorn out of the fridge.
Use an Airtight Container
It’s always better to get a more airtight container. Popcorn that is left unprotected will lose its natural moisture. They’ll dry out and become stale. To create a tighter seal, cover the top of the container with plastic wrap before putting the lid. Then you can place your container in your pantry or cupboard until you are ready to resume snacking.
Can Popcorn Be Frozen?
Popcorn should not be stored in the fridge. However if frozen, it can last up to twice as long as popcorn that is kept in an airtight container.
Follow these steps to freeze popcorn:
- You can seal your popcorn in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Then between the popcorn and the lid, place a layer or two of plastic wrap.
- Place the container on a level surface in your freezer and wrap it in foil or freezer-grade plastic.
- Once you are ready to snack on your popcorn, just take it out of the freezer.
Remember that toppings such as peanut butter or caramel will most likely freeze solid. Be careful and avoid damaging your teeth.
It is important to note that even if popped popcorn can be frozen to keep it crunchy, you should not freeze unpopped kernels. This could cause them to stop popping correctly. Once you have removed your frozen popcorn out of the freezer, avoid refreezing them as it would decrease the quality and taste.
Best Containers for Popcorn Storage
Popcorn should be stored in an airtight container. But knowing the optimal choice is important. For ensuring freshness, popcorn tins, plastic or glass storage containers with sealable lids are best. And you should look for containers that are freezer-safe if you intend to freeze your popcorn leftovers. You can always check the bottom of most containers for the snowflake symbol. No matter what type of vessel you choose to use, be sure that it has an airtight, sealable lid.
You can use the section provided by some containers to label your items. If yours does not have one, you can mark the date with tape and place it on the container. This will let you know how long the item has been stored in the pantry or freezer when you decide to eat them.
Typically, popped popcorn does not have an expiration date, and can last for several days to weeks if stored properly. However, different types of popcorn and gourmet toppings might need to be stored differently.
What If It’s Too Late For Your Popcorn?
Popcorn can eventually get stale even if it is stored in an airtight container properly. But don’t panic! There are many ways to use popcorn if you wait too long to eat it or didn’t store it in an airtight container:
- Refresh it: Popcorn can be baked in the oven to revive its flavor. Spread a layer of popcorn on a baking tray and bake for five minutes in a 250° oven. However, this method is not suitable for all varieties of gourmet popcorn, particularly if they are topped with ingredients like chocolate which easily melts.
- Mix it with another ingredient: If you find your gourmet popcorn a bit stale, it is possible to mask some of the flavor by adding other fresher ingredients. You could add it into a homemade trail mix or make bite-sized popcorn balls.
- Use as a topping: The best way to make gourmet popcorn more delicious is to add it into ice cream. For a truly indulgent experience, add your leftover popcorn to a bowl of your favorite ice cream flavor.
