Bakery & Grains
How to Store Rice
Dry rice lasts for years; cooked rice must be cooled fast.
Pantry
White: 2+ years; Brown: 6 months
Fridge
Cooked: 4–6 days
Freezer
Cooked: up to 6 months
How to store it
- •Store dry rice in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry.
- •Cool cooked rice within an hour and refrigerate promptly — rice can harbor bacteria at room temperature.
- •Reheat cooked rice until steaming hot, and only reheat once.
Signs it has gone bad
- •Bugs or webbing in dry rice
- •Rancid smell (brown rice)
- •Slimy or hard cooked rice
- •Off smell when cooked rice is reheated
Pro tips
- •Brown rice has oils that go rancid — store it in the fridge or freezer.
- •Freeze cooked rice in portions for fast meals.
Frequently asked questions
How long does rice last in the fridge?+
In the refrigerator, rice keeps for cooked: 4–6 days. Store it correctly and use the oldest first.
Can you freeze rice?+
Yes. Rice keeps in the freezer for cooked: up to 6 months. Wrap tightly and press out excess air to avoid freezer burn.
What is the best way to store rice?+
Best kept in the airtight pantry container. Store dry rice in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry.
How can you tell if rice has gone bad?+
Signs that rice has spoiled include: bugs or webbing in dry rice, rancid smell (brown rice), slimy or hard cooked rice. When in doubt, throw it out.
Recipes to use your rice
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