How Long Does Rice Last?
Storage method
Rice — white or wild — pantry, from date of purchase
2 years in the pantry
- Cool, dry pantry or cupboard
- Applies from date of purchase · white or wild
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 rice
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.
Rice — white or wild
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | from date of purchase | 2 years |
| Pantry | after opening | 1 year |
| Refrigerator | after opening | 6 months |
Rice — brown
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | from date of purchase | 1 year |
| Pantry | after opening | 1 year |
| Refrigerator | after opening | 6 months |
Common questions about rice
- How long does rice last in the refrigerator?
- 6 months in the refrigerator, after opening, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. Times assume a refrigerator at or below 40 °F (4 °C).
- How long does rice last in the pantry?
- 2 years in the pantry, counted from the date of purchase, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. Assumes a cool, dry pantry away from light.
- How long does rice last after opening?
- Once opened — pantry: 1 year; refrigerator: 6 months, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset.
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.