Do Raisins Go Bad

Can Raisins Go Bad?

You’re baking something, and the recipe calls for raisins. So you reach in your pantry for the pack of raisins that you forgot you even have, but you wonder if it’s spoiled. 

We all know that dried fruits have a long shelf life, but do they go bad? In this post, you’ll know if raisins spoil and how to store them properly. 

Do Raisins Go Bad?

Even though dried fruits are known to have a long shelf life, they still spoil. That’s why you find an expiry date on the package. 

A pack of raisins typically has a shelf life of six to twelve months. However, if the raisins have been appropriately stored in the pantry, they can last past the expiry date to three or six months. 

If the pack is kept unopened in the pantry, it can last up to a year past the expiry date. Likewise, raisins stored in the fridge can last a year past the expiry date. 

When an unopened pack of raisins is stored in the fridge, it can last up to two years past the expiry date. But keep in mind that their texture can change the longer they stay. 

What Do Spoiled Raisins Look Like?

They could look like they have liquid on the surface, this is often a first sign that rasins are starting to go off.

How to tell if raisins are bad?

There are several ways to tell if your raisins have gone bad. The most apparent sign is mold or fungus. This happens due to exposure to moisture. 

Another easy way to identify spoiled raisins is by their scent. Raisins usually smell sweet. If they’re spoiled, they tend to smell sour. 

Discoloration can also be a sign of spoilage, or it could mean that your raisins are about to spoil. In this case, taste one or two raisins to check if they’re still good.

If they taste bad, get rid of the entire bag. If they taste okay, the best thing to do is to look for recipes to use them soon before they harden and lose their taste. 

Signs Raisins Have Gone Bad
Signs Raisins Have Gone Bad – Do Not Put Bad Raisins In Your Baking

Signs Raisins Have Gone Bad

If you notice any of the following signs, it means your raisins have spoiled:

  • The smell becomes stronger
  • The color changes from light brown to dark brown
  • The texture changes from soft to hard
  • There is mold growing on the surface
  • The surface is covered in a wet gooey liquid

Tips to Properly Store Raisins 

A cool, dry area away from heat or sunlight is best to store raisins. This, of course, can be your pantry, but you need to keep them in a tightly closed bag or an airtight container. 

This should keep your raisins looking and tasting good for a long time. If you don’t use raisins much, it’s a good idea to store them in the fridge to prolong their shelf life. 

However, make sure that you store your raisins in an airtight container or bag to prevent any contact with moisture. Otherwise, your raisins will dry out and maybe even grow mold. 

You can also store them in the freezer, but bear in mind that their texture might change slightly. It might not be a problem if you use raisins in baking or cooking, though.

The best way to store raisins in the freezer is to spread them on a baking sheet in one layer and freeze them for a couple of hours. Then, transfer them into an airtight container or a sealed bag. 

That way, you help prevent clumps so you can easily use them whenever you want. To thaw frozen raisins, you can leave them in the fridge or on your countertop. If you’re going to use them in baking or cooking, you might not need to thaw them. 

How Long Do Chocolate Raisins Last
How Long Do Chocolate Raisins Last

Do Chocolate Covered Raisins Go Bad?

Chocolate covered raisins will keep for around a year if they are stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If not stored in the fridge they should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The chocolate coated raisins will last longer than normal raisins.

Do Yogurt Covered Raisins Go Bad?

Yogurt-covered raisins will keep longer than plain raisins, but will eventually go bad, usually after 1 year if stored in the fridge. The coating helps protect them from moisture and oxygen, which can cause the raisin to deteriorate quickly.

How Long Do Raisins Last? Do Raisins Expire?

If you keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of rodents, then you should be able to enjoy your raisin stash for quite some time. At least up to six months in the fridge.