How Long Do Grapes Last?
Grapes last 1–2 weeks in the fridge and only about 1 day at room temperature. Frozen grapes keep best quality for 8–12 months and can be eaten straight from the freezer.
Grapes — whole
shelf life- Cut: 3–5 days in the fridge
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below · freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; frozen food stays safe longer.
Table grapes are harvested fully ripe and do not sweeten afterward. Their skin holds in moisture well, but the stems dry out and the berries shrivel or mold if stored warm or wet. Kept cold, unwashed and on the stem, grapes are one of the longer-lasting fresh fruits in the fridge.
How to store grapes
- Keep grapes unwashed in the vented bag they came in, toward the back of the fridge where it is coldest.
- Leave grapes attached to their stems; each grape pulled off leaves a wet wound at the stem end where mold starts.
- Rinse only the portion you are about to eat, and store grapes away from onions and leeks because they absorb odors.
- For freezing, wash, dry well, pull from the stems and freeze in a single layer before bagging; they make a good frozen snack or ice cube substitute.
How to tell if grapes have gone bad
- Grapes that are soft, wrinkled or leaking sticky juice, especially near the stem end.
- Brown discoloration on green grapes or a dull brown tinge on red ones.
- Gray or white fuzzy mold where the berries join the stem, often deep inside the bunch.
- A vinegary or fermented smell coming from the bag.
- Dry, brown, brittle stems with grapes dropping off, a sign of age.
Bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the look, smell or taste of food. Go by the time limits first, and the signs above second.
Grapes shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole | 1–2 weeks | 8–12 months | 1 day |
| Cut | 3–5 days | 8–12 months | Not safe |
| Halved or quartered grapes, as prepared for small children. | |||
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers or it serves no purpose.
Frequently asked questions
What is the white film on grapes?
The powdery white film is bloom, a natural wax the grape produces to keep moisture in and protect its skin. It is harmless and rinses off partly with water. It is different from mold, which is fuzzy and appears around the stem ends or on damaged grapes.
Should grapes be washed before storing them?
No. Store grapes unwashed and rinse them just before eating. Extra moisture in the bag encourages mold and makes the fruit soften sooner. If you prefer to wash them in advance, dry them thoroughly and keep them in a container lined with paper towel.
Can you freeze grapes?
Yes. Washed, dried grapes frozen on a tray keep best quality for 8–12 months. Eat them frozen, since thawed grapes are soft and watery. For children under four, cut grapes lengthwise into quarters before serving, whether fresh or frozen, because whole grapes are a choking hazard.
Are wrinkled grapes safe to eat?
Slightly wrinkled grapes that are still plump, smell normal and have no mold are safe but past their best, and work well roasted or in chicken salad. Discard grapes that are mushy, brown, leaking, moldy or smell like vinegar.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raisins Opened |
6–12 months | 1 year | 3–6 months |
| Cherries Fresh |
4–7 days | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
| Blueberries Fresh |
1–2 weeks | 8–12 months | 1 day |
| Fruit Salad Homemade |
3–5 days | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Wine Opened |
3–5 days | 3 months | 1–3 days |
| Chicken Salad Prepared |
3–4 days | Not recommended | Not safe |
More berries: Blackberries, Cranberries, Raspberries, Strawberries.
Reviewed 2026-09-20. Times follow published USDA FoodKeeper / FSIS, FDA and CDC storage guidance; where sources differ we use the shorter time. How we compile this data.