How long does Pudding Last? Prepared pudding can last for 1 week in the refrigerator, whereas packaged dry pudding will last for months beyond its “best by” date according to our table. The shelf life of pudding can vary due to the type, packaging, storage method, and thickening agent used so see our table for more details.
Pudding, a sweet milk-based desert has been a popular food item for years. Pudding is typically created through either a baking oven or on the stove top and consists of milk, sugar, and thickening agents such as tapioca, eggs, gelatin, cornstarch or rice. However, in North America, most consumers get their pudding from Kraft.
Similar to jell-o, it comes either in the form of instant, cook to prepare or pre-packaged ready made. No-matter the form, pudding can be found in regular, sugar-free, reduced fat and non-fat versions.
Unopened instant pudding mix typically has a long shelf life due to preservatives that help maintain quality. When stored properly in a cool, dry place, its shelf life extends: Typically: 12-18 months from manufacture date, following the expiration date.
How to tell if Pudding is bad, rotten or spoiled?
Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.
Although not a perfect test, your senses are usually the most reliable instruments to tell if your packaged pudding has expired and gone bad. The first sign of caution in prepared pudding is when you see pockets of watery liquid (the liquid has separated from the other ingredients) and the sweet taste is replaced with a sharp, bitter flavor. You can tell if it has gone bad if you see bright bacterial marks or dark mold on its surface. Dry pudding mix is still good if it has remained dry, been stored properly and is within the eat by date.
There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!
Our Favorite Food Storage Set!
With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a 30-day free trial today!
| (Unopened) | Pantry | Refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Past Printed Date | Past Printed Date | |
| Vanilla Pudding lasts for | 3-4 Weeks | 3-4 Weeks |
| Chocolate Pudding lasts for | 3-4 Weeks | 3-4 Weeks |
| Krafts Dry Pudding Mix lasts for | 4-5 Weeks | — |
| (Opened) | Pantry | Refrigerator |
| Pudding Prepared from Dry Mix lasts for | 1 Day | 5-7 Days |
| Homemade Pudding lasts for | 1 Day | 5-7 Days |
Of course, all food and drink products will last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. But, like many other products, pudding usually has a best before date which is simply the last date by which a manufacturer will vouch for a products flavor and quality, not its safety. Because of this distinction, you may safely eat your foods for a time period after the best before or sell by date has expired.
DEBUNKING THE CANNED GOOD EXPIRATION DATE MYTH
FAQ
Can you use instant pudding after expiration date?
Is it OK to eat expired snack pack pudding?
How long can you use after expiration date?
Does instant pudding expire?
The truth is instant pudding has two expiration dates; the date the mix itself goes bad and the date a fully prepared instant pudding expires. Instant pudding mix has a printed expiry date that can be stretched with proper storage, and prepared instant pudding mix has a shelf life of up to 90 days based on its preparation date and storage.
How long are eggs good after the expiration date on the package?
Eggs have a lifespan of approximately 30 days. To know if an egg is fresh you can see if the egg floats. If it sinks, it is because it has lost air and it is no longer so cool. Also, the yolk becomes more liquid and mixes with the white.
How long does instant pudding mix last?
Instant pudding mix has a printed expiry date that can be stretched with proper storage, and prepared instant pudding mix has a shelf life of up to 90 days based on its preparation date and storage. Let’s explore the difference between these dates and how to interpret them.
How long does pudding last?
So, just how long does pudding last ? Of course, all food and drink products will last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. But, like many other products, pudding usually has a best before date which is simply the last date by which a manufacturer will vouch for a product’s flavor and quality, not its safety.