How Long Do Dates Last? A Complete Guide

Dates are nature’s candy—sweet, chewy, and loaded with nutrients.

But one question often arises: how long do dates last? Dates last between 6 months to 3 years, depending on the date type and how and where they are stored. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about storing dates to keep them fresh for as long as possible.

What Affects How Long Dates Last?

Generally speaking, the more moisture a date contains, the quicker it may spoil, so keeping dates away from liquids and humidity is crucial to maximizing shelf life. It also helps to understand that dates are typically harvested in a dried form, which removes moisture. Even when labeled as “fresh,” most dates sold in stores have been dried to some extent to increase shelf stability.

There are several popular varieties of dates, including Medjool, Deglet Noor, and Barhi, each with slightly different textures, moisture levels, and shelf lives. Keeping your dates in their original packaging away from moisture and sunlight is the best way to ensure they stay fresher for longer.

Let’s now explore how long dates last under different storage conditions.

Quick Reference Chart: Date Storage

Storage Method	Shelf Life	Best
Room Temperature/Pantry	6-12 Months (Dried: 1 year)	For daily use and in small batches
Refrigerator	Up to 12 Months (Dried: 1 Year)	If you live in a warm or humid climate
Freezer	3 Years or More	For long-term storage and bulk buying

How Long Do Dates Last at Room Temperature?

Shelf Life of Room Temperature Dates: 6-12 Months

Depending on the type, dates can last anywhere between 6 to 12 months at room temperature. Medjool dates can last about 6 months, while dry varieties (like Deget Noor) may stretch up to a year if the environment is cool and dry.

One important thing to remember is that moisture causes dates to spoil quickly and can even cause fermentation. Heat and humidity are the enemies of date storage. With that in mind, here are some tips for how to store dates at room temperature:

Tips for Room Temperature Date Storage

Store in a sealable bag to protect against moisture, air, and pests.
Avoid keeping dates near the stove or in a cabinet above your oven, as heat can lead to faster date spoilage.
Use opaque containers to minimize light exposure.

How Long Do Dates Last in the Fridge?

Shelf Life of Dates in the Fridge: Up to 12 Months

Refrigeration is one of the best ways to extend the life of your dates. This is especially true if you live in a warm or humid climate, as heat and moisture can cause dates to spoil more quickly. With proper storage, some dates can last up to a year in the fridge.

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge:

Fresh Medjool dates can last up to 6 months.
Dried or semi-dry varieties like Deglet Noor can last up to a year or even longer.

The cool temperature slows down microbial growth and prevents the sugars in the fruit from fermenting, which can happen more quickly at room temperature. Below are some tips for storing dates in the fridge.

Tips for Storing Dates in the Fridge

Use a glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight lid to avoid moisture buildup and odors.
Keep the dates away from strong-smelling foods—they can absorb odors.
Always check for mold, sour smells, or changes in texture before eating dates that have been stored for a while.

How Long Do Dates Last in the Freezer

Shelf Life of Frozen Dates: Up to 3 Years

Freezing is the ultimate method for long-term date storage. Dates freeze exceptionally well because of their low water content. Dates can last up to 3 years in the freezer if properly sealed and frozen.

Freezing Dates Facts

Thaw in the fridge overnight, or at room temperature for a few hours before use.
Freezing is ideal if you buy dates in bulk or want to make sure they last between harvest seasons.

How Long Do Dried Dates Last?

Shelf Life of Dried Dates: 12 to 36 Months

Dried dates are more shelf-stable than the fresh or semi-dried varieties thanks to their lower moisture content. Depending on the storage method, dried dates can last one to three years before going bad.

If you’re buying dates specifically labeled as “dried” (as opposed to moist Medjool or semi-dry Deglet Noor), you can expect a longer shelf life across the board.

At room temperature or in the refrigerator, dried dates can last up to a year.
In the freezer, dried dates can last well over a year, sometimes up to three years, without significant quality loss.

Because they contain less water, dried dates are less prone to mold and bacterial spoilage. Over time, they may harden or develop surface sugar crystals (a sign of natural sugar migration, not spoilage), but these changes are mostly cosmetic.

Best Practices for Storing Dried Dates

Keep them sealed to prevent them from coming in contact with any moisture or heat.
Always check for any signs of an off smell or mold, especially if stored for a very long time.

Advice to Keep Dates Fresher, Longer

Buy high-quality dates. The better the quality, the longer they'll last.
Inspect before storing. Make sure there’s no mold or fermentation when you bring them home.
Avoid cross-contamination. Use clean hands or utensils when grabbing dates from the container.
Don’t mix old and new batches. Use a first-in, first-out system to avoid spoilage.
Label your storage containers with the purchase or open date.
Keep away from moisture and heat. Ideal storage conditions are cool, dark, and dry.

Signs Your Dates Have Gone Bad

Regardless of how you store them, always check for signs of spoilage:

Sour or fermented smell
Unusual mold or white fuzz
Crystallized sugar or overly dry texture (this isn't harmful, but may affect taste)
Slimy or sticky coating (a sign of fermentation or spoilage)

If you notice any of these, it’s best to discard the dates.

How Long Do Dates Last Conclusion

Dates are a wonderfully durable fruit, but like any natural food item, they don’t last forever. How long your dates last depends on how you store them and the date type. Dates typically last six months to a year at room temperature and in the fridge, while dates in the freezer can last up to 3 years.

To enjoy their full flavor and texture, keep your dates sealed, dry, and away from heat—and you’ll always have a sweet treat ready to go.

Try some dates here! Pick up some organic pitted dates for the perfect snack or baking ingredient.

Want to read more about date shelf life and storage? Check out the sources we used when writing this blog post!

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