How Long Do Dates Last?
Storage method
* freezer times are best-quality windows
Dates — refrigerator, from date of purchase
12 months in the refrigerator
- Refrigerator at or below 40 °F (4 °C)
- Applies from date of purchase
Pick a valid date to calculate the recommended use-by window.
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24) · About this data · Report an issue
FoodStorageCheck — official USDA FoodKeeper guidance · foodstoragecheck.com
All official guidance for dates
Every storage entry the USDA FoodKeeper dataset lists for this food, exactly as published (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24). “No official duration listed” means the source does not provide a number for that combination — not that the food lasts forever.
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | from date of purchase | 2 months |
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 12 months |
| Freezer | general guideline | 1 to 2 years (best quality) |
Common questions about dates
- How long do dates last in the refrigerator?
- 12 months in the refrigerator, counted from the date of purchase, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. Times assume a refrigerator at or below 40 °F (4 °C).
- Can you freeze dates?
- Yes. 1 to 2 years in the freezer, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. This is a best-quality window — food kept constantly frozen at 0 °F (−18 °C) stays safe indefinitely.
- How long do dates last in the pantry?
- 2 months in the pantry, counted from the date of purchase, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. Assumes a cool, dry pantry away from light.
Two reminders that apply here
Keep the fridge at 40 °F (4 °C) or below.Refrigerator times in this dataset assume a refrigerator held at or below 40 °F. An appliance thermometer is the reliable way to check.
The two-hour rule.Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90 °F / 32 °C) should be discarded, per FoodSafety.gov. Storage windows assume food was refrigerated promptly.