How Long Do Raisins Last?
Unopened raisins last 6–12 months in the pantry. Once opened, they keep 3–6 months in an airtight container in the pantry, or 6–12 months in the fridge. They can be frozen for about 1 year.
Raisins — opened
shelf life- Unopened: 1 year 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.
Raisins are grapes dried until so little water remains that bacteria and most molds cannot grow. Their concentrated sugar acts as a further preservative. Over time they do not become dangerous so much as dry, hard and gritty as sugar crystallizes, and an opened package can attract pantry moths or absorb moisture.
How to store raisins
- After opening the box or bag, move raisins to an airtight jar or zip-top bag; the cardboard box lets them dry out and lets pantry moths in.
- Store them in a cool, dark cupboard away from the stove, and move them to the fridge in hot or humid weather to prevent stickiness and mold.
- Revive hard, dry raisins by soaking them in hot water, juice or rum for 10–15 minutes, then draining, before adding them to baking.
- Freeze raisins in a freezer bag if you buy in bulk; they stay loose and can be used straight from the freezer.
How to tell if raisins have gone bad
- Fuzzy mold or a musty smell, which can happen if moisture got into the container.
- Webbing, small larvae or tiny moths in the package, the signs of a pantry moth infestation.
- A sour, fermented or alcoholic smell.
- Rock-hard raisins that do not soften when soaked; they are safe but unpleasant and best discarded.
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.
Raisins shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opened | 6–12 months | 1 year | 3–6 months |
| Unopened | 1 year | 1 year | 6–12 months |
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
Do raisins go bad or expire?
Raisins rarely become unsafe, but they do lose quality. The date on the package is a best-by date. Stored airtight, they are typically good for months past it, though they gradually dry out and harden. Discard them if you see mold, insects or webbing, or if they smell fermented.
What is the white stuff on my raisins?
White, gritty crystals on raisins are usually natural sugar that has migrated to the surface, which is harmless and dissolves if you rinse or warm the raisins. Mold is different: it looks fuzzy or webby, may be gray or green, and comes with a musty smell.
Should raisins be refrigerated after opening?
They do not have to be, but it helps. Opened raisins last 3–6 months in an airtight container in the pantry and 6–12 months in the fridge, where they stay softer. Refrigeration is most worthwhile in warm, humid kitchens.
Are raisins safe for toddlers and for dogs?
Raisins are a choking hazard for young children because they are small, sticky and chewy, so chop or soak them for toddlers. For dogs the answer is no: raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, so keep the box out of their reach.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grapes Whole |
1–2 weeks | 8–12 months | 1 day |
| Dried Fruit Opened |
6 months | 1 year | 1–3 months |
| Dates Whole, soft (Medjool) |
6 months | 1 year | 1 month |
| Trail Mix Unopened |
6–12 months | 1 year | 6 months |
| Granola Unopened |
Not recommended | Not recommended | 6 months |
| Oats Dry (uncooked) |
Not recommended | 1 year | 1 year |
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.