Last Updated on May 28, 2022 by
Does Popcorn Expire? It’s movie night at home, and you’ll need the perfect go-to snack, which is popcorn. You reach into the cupboard and see the popcorn has passed its best date, marked on the package. Is it expired, and is it safe to eat? These are the questions that come to your mind.
Does Popcorn Expire? Various variables might impact the shelf life of your popcorn, but loose kernels in a container can last up to a year, popped popcorn for 2-3 weeks, and popcorn kernel bags for 6-8 months.
How Long Does Popcorn Last?
Most commercially available popcorn will have a best by or expiry date. While this date will give you a decent general indicator of how long your popcorn will keep its best freshness, it does not indicate that the popcorn is rotten the instant it exceeds this date! Often, popcorn will be safe and delicious to eat far beyond the date listed on the package.
However, the precise duration of this window may vary depending on the kind of popcorn in the issue since some forms of popcorn include more perishable components than others. Furthermore, the storage conditions significantly impact the shelf life of a box of popcorn.
Types Of Popcorn
A broad variety of popcorn products is available, ranging from plain, unprocessed popcorn kernels to flavored microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat variants. Let’s talk about what makes them distinct and how these characteristics affect their different life expectancies.
1. Popcorn Kernels
This is the least processed popcorn available. Popcorn kernels are often offered in huge jars or sacks and, unlike microwave popcorn or freshly popped popcorn, do not include any oil or flavorings. These kernels may be popped on the stovetop in a big saucepan or microwaved in any microwave-safe dish!
Shelf Life Of Popcorn Kernels
You’d think it’d last forever because a packet of pure popcorn kernels is simply a jar of dried corn. It is possible, however, for dry popcorn to become overly dry.
As previously stated, a popcorn kernel’s proper popping depends on a little quantity of liquid trapped within the shell. Though the kernels are so well packed within their shell that it may seem that no water can ever enter or depart, the fact is that moisture will eventually leak out of the kernels. As a result, trying to pop old popcorn kernels may result in a bowl of hard rather than fluffy popcorn or a high number of unpopped kernels.
How Long Do Popcorn Kernels Last?
Dry popcorn kernels may be kept correctly for years, although their quality degrades with time. To guarantee consistent popping and the most pleasing flavor, use them within 1 year of the printed date. However, this does not always imply they will be rotten beyond this time. Worst case scenario, try a tiny batch and if the popping isn’t right, chuck them and purchase some fresh popcorn.
2. Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn makes popping even easier by combining all ingredients in a single bag! Place the popcorn bag in the microwave, set the timer, and in a few minutes, you’ll have precisely popped kernels in a pouch that is much too simple to munch from.
Those microwaveable packets may seem to be an afterthought. Still, they provide the ideal atmosphere to trap the steam, thus popping the kernels without the need for any containers with lids or special popping equipment.
Because the popcorn bursts within the bag, microwave popcorn usually contains oil to help the kernels cook. Many microwavable popcorns include salt and additional ingredients like spices, garlic, or even cheese flavored!
Shelf Life Of Microwave Popcorn
You’d assume that since microwave popcorn is individually packed in thick paper bags with a layer of plastic shrink wrap, it would last longer than loose popcorn kernels. While this additional packaging will assist in limiting air exposure and moisture loss from the kernels, the difficulty resides in the delectable supplementary additives, which are more volatile than the corn kernels themselves.
These flavorings, particularly cheese powders, deteriorate fast. Even microwave popcorn seasoned with salt is more dangerous than loose, dry popcorn kernels! This is because oil may deteriorate. Most butter-flavored popcorn is also produced using oils, which may grow rancid over time, particularly if subjected to temperature variations during storage.
How Long Is Microwave Popcorn Good For?
You should be able to consume microwaveable popcorn for up to three months beyond the expiry date if it has been appropriately kept. After that, any oil-based components are in danger of deteriorating, and the kernels themselves are likely to have started to dry up, causing severe issues with proper popping.
3. Ready-To-Eat Popcorn
Ready to eat popcorn is the simplest–no frying necessary; open the bag and start chewing! This handy cooked popcorn is often seen in vacuum-sealed bags alongside potato chips and pretzels in the snack section. Ready-to-eat popcorn is extremely popular at carnivals, fairs, sporting events, and even gift stores!
Shelf Life Of Ready-To-Eat Popcorn
Depending on how it is packed, the shelf life of prepared popcorn might vary considerably. Factory sealed kinds will always last longer than plastic bag varieties since most vacuum-packed snack items, such as popcorn and potato chips, have the oxygen removed and replaced with nitrogen, preventing oxidation! Because nitrogen is relatively inert, it has no nasty de-crisping impact on your prized nibbles.
How Long Is Ready-To-Eat Popcorn Good For?
Unopened factory sealed popcorn will likely keep for a few months beyond its best date. However, the quality will swiftly deteriorate once opened, and you may only have one to two weeks before the popcorn becomes stale.
If you bought a bag of popcorn from a fair booth, bear in mind that it was not factory sealed and is still being exposed to the aging effects of oxygen, even within the bag. The time is ticking in this situation, so eat up while it’s still tasty!
Is It Safe To Eat Microwave Popcorn That Has Expired?
You can probably consume it since this is a best-by date rather than an expiry date. Remember that you should calculate 6-8 months ahead of time and not go over that period for quality. It is safe to consume, but several symptoms suggest it is best to discard microwave popcorn.
When you remove your microwave popcorn from the plastic wrap, you may detect an unusual odor. This indicates that the oils and butter have begun to get rancid. You may pop in and sample it if the fragrance is mild.
If you taste the popcorn and something doesn’t seem right, we suggest you toss it away. You should probably discard any additional bags from the same dated packaging.
Although you are unlikely to get ill by eating this popcorn, it may not settle well, and there are always dangers associated with consuming damaged goods.
How Can You Tell If Your Popcorn Is Bad?
Let’s go through all of the popcorn flavors once again. Begin with professionally popped popcorn. Unopened packages and properly maintained leftovers might keep for years without becoming harmful to consume. Nonetheless, throw it if there is anything wrong with the popcorn, such as a bad odor or mold growth.
As you are undoubtedly aware, being safe to ingest does not imply that it will remain quality for an extended period. Popped popcorn lasts just a short time and should be discarded when it becomes stale or no longer tastes nice. The scenario is the same for dried kernels. Unpopped kernels may be stored for years if kept away from water. Unfortunately, they dry out after time and no longer pop reliably.
When it comes to microwaveable packets, you should not open them before popping them. That means you can only assess the quality of the cooked popcorn.
If anything is wrong with it, such as if it smells or tastes terrible, discards it. Do the same if you find anything weird in the bag after microwaving.
How To Store Popcorn
Whether it’s popped popcorn, a microwave packet, or a container of dry kernels, store the unopened item in a dry, cool area.
The pantry is typically the most excellent solution, but a kitchen cabinet may also suffice if it isn’t an option. Just keep it away from the burner and away from any water or steam.
When it comes to dried kernels and professionally popped popcorn, place the remainder in an airtight container or bag once opened. Or, at the very least, secure the bag with a clip.
Keeping it sealed at all times helps preserve the popcorn’s quality for a more extended period. It inhibits it from absorbing moisture and becoming mushy, keeping the kernels from drying out rapidly.
Conclusion on Does Popcorn Expire?
Although popcorn does expire, it is unlikely to degrade to the point where it causes a health danger. Oils and flavorings in microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat popcorn may make your popcorn expire fast, although your nose will most likely discover this upon opening the bag or sniffing the packaging. As a result, you may consume expired microwave popcorn for many months beyond the stated date as long as you store it correctly and keep an eye (and a nose!) out for symptoms of degradation.
