Flaxseed meal is a nutritious and versatile food that provides healthy fats and fiber to your diet. Because it’s high in fat, flaxseed meal is prone to going bad – but how long will that take, exactly?
Flaxseed meal should last around six months when stored in the fridge or freezer (or by the best-by date; whichever is sooner). Flaxseed meal will go bad much more quickly when stored at room temperature, only lasting around a week before becoming less ideal in terms of freshness and quality.
We’ll walk you through the best storage practices for flaxseed meal and much more in this article!
When purchasing flaxseed, you’ll notice that all bags have a best by date. While some bags of flaxseed may remain safe to eat after that date, it’s essential to check for spoilage before consuming.
How long does flaxseed meal last after opening?
The shelf life of ground flaxseed is very short if stored at room temperature (e.g. the pantry or countertop). That’s because the fats in flaxseed are unsaturated in their chemical nature, and unsaturated fats are more prone to going rancid by oxidizing (when oxygen breaks down the fats) compared to saturated fats.
The shelf life for flaxseed meal seems to be around 6 months across the board, whether opened, sealed, or stored in the fridge or freezer. As you can see from the table below, it’s worth it to toss an open bag of flaxseed meal in the fridge or freezer to prolong its shelf life.
| Pantry | Fridge | Freezer | |
| Flaxseed meal – SEALED | Best-by date | ~6 months or best-by date; whichever is sooner | ~6 months or best-by date; whichever is sooner |
| Flaxseed meal – OPEN | Up to one week | ~6 months or best-by date; whichever is sooner | ~6 months or best-by date; whichever is sooner |
How to tell if flaxseed meal went bad
Flaxseed is rich in unsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fats. Those fats can go rancid over time, so you’ll likely have very clear signs when flaxseed meal has gone bad.
Some signs your flaxseed meal has gone bad:
- An off-putting smell; some describe rancid flaxseed meal as smelling like paint or even wet cardboard.
- Flaxseed meal has a bitter flavor instead of a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
- Any signs of mold from moisture entering the container.
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FAQ
How long is flaxseed good after expiration date?
What happens if I eat rancid flaxseed?
What do expired flax seeds smell like?
Does flaxseed lose its potency?
Does flaxseed expire?
While it’s generally best to consume flaxseed before it expires, the expiration date on the package is more of a guideline. As I mentioned earlier, whole flaxseeds can last for months past the expiration date, especially if stored properly. However, if your flaxseeds have gone rancid or show signs of spoilage, it’s best to toss them out.
Does cooking flaxseed destroy the nutrients?
Some studies indicate that flaxseed, after 15 minutes subjected to high temperatures, it may lose part of the benefits, so it is recommended to add it to ready-made preparations, or almost at the end of preparation.
How long does flaxseed stay fresh after opening?
However, once opened, the package should be consumed within a few weeks to maintain its freshness. Ground flaxseed that has been opened should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to 4 months. The fridge provides a cool and dry environment that slows down the oxidation process and prevents spoilage.
Are flaxseeds safe to eat?
Regular inspection of stored flaxseeds is recommended to spot any signs of pest activity early on. While flaxseeds are touted for their health benefits, one might consider flaxseed alternatives such as chia seeds ( how long do chia seeds last?) and sunflower seeds.