How long does popcorn last?

Checked 25 Oct 20265 official publishers, 7 sources

Unpopped kernels: 2-3 years in the freezer for best quality and 2 years in the pantry.

Storage times for popcorn by state and place
StatePantryFreezer 0 °F
Unpopped kernels 2 years FoodKeeper Extension Also stated: 3 months (original container (bag)); 3 years (original container (can)) Extension Extension 2-3 years best quality Extension
Unpopped kernels, opened 1 year FoodKeeper Extension Not stated
Popped, in bags, unopened 2-3 months FoodKeeper Not stated
Popped, in bags, opened 1-2 weeks FoodKeeper Not stated
Microwave packets, unopened 2-3 months Extension Sources disagree: 6-12 months FoodKeeperExtension Not stated
Microwave, popped 1-2 days FoodKeeper Not stated
Times assume continuous refrigeration at 40 °F or below. When in doubt, throw it out. Freezer times are for quality: “Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.” FDA

Sources compared

SourceStatePantryFreezer
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018Unpopped kernels2 years-
Nebraska ExtensionUnpopped kernels2 years-
Utah State University ExtensionUnpopped kernels3 years; 3 months-
University of Illinois ExtensionUnpopped kernels-2-3 years
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018Unpopped kernels, opened1 year-
Nebraska ExtensionUnpopped kernels, opened1 year-
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018Popped, in bags, unopened2-3 months-
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018Popped, in bags, opened1-2 weeks-
Nebraska ExtensionMicrowave packets, unopened2-3 months-
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018Microwave packets, unopened6-12 months-
NDSU ExtensionMicrowave packets, unopened6-12 months-
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018Microwave, popped1-2 days-

A dash means that source gives no time for that place.

Handling and freezing notes

  • After opening time applies to prepared product. FoodKeeper

What the sources say

FoodKeeper has three popcorn entries: dry kernels in a jar, popcorn commercially popped in bags, and microwave packets.156

Dry kernels in a jar get 2 years in the pantry from the date of purchase and 1 year after opening, and the Nebraska Extension chart gives the same 2 years unopened and 1 year opened.12

Utah State University Extension lists unpopped popcorn in its original container at 70 °F in a basement, with 3 years for a can but only 3 months for a bag.3

The University of Illinois Extension freezer chart gives unpopped popcorn 2 to 3 years at 0 °F for top quality.4

Popcorn that was commercially popped and sold in bags keeps 2 to 3 months in the pantry unopened, and 1 to 2 weeks once the bag has been opened.5

For microwave popcorn packets, FoodKeeper and the NDSU Extension food storage guide both give 6 to 12 months in the pantry.67

The Nebraska chart is shorter for microwave packets, at 2 to 3 months.2

After a microwave packet is opened, FoodKeeper allows 1 to 2 days and notes that this time applies to the prepared popcorn.6

Rules that apply here

Best-by and use-by dates
FlourPasta

Sources

  1. USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 389: Popcorn, dry kernels in jar. USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Popcorn, dry kernels in jar. DOP_Pantry: 2 Years; Pantry_After_Opening: 1 Years
  2. Home Food Storage | UNL Food | Nebraska. Nebraska Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24. Popcorn - dry kernels in a jar 2 years (unopened); 1 year (opened)Popcorn - microwave packets 2 to 3 months
  3. Food Storage in Home | USU. Utah State University Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24. Popcorn, unpopped original container (can) 70°F basement 3 yearsPopcorn, unpopped original container (bag) 70°F basement 3 months
  4. Freezer Storage | Food Safety | Illinois Extension | Illinois. University of Illinois Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24. Popcorn (unpopped) 2 to 3 years
  5. USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 390: Popcorn, commercially popped in bags. USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Popcorn, commercially popped in bags. DOP_Pantry: 2-3 Months; Pantry_After_Opening: 1-2 Weeks
  6. USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 391: Popcorn, microwave packets. USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Popcorn, microwave packets. Pantry: - (After opening time applies to prepared product.); DOP_Pantry: 6-12 Months; Pantry_After_Opening: 1-2 Days
  7. 1 • FN579 • Food Storage GuideNDSU Extension. NDSU Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25. Microwave popcorn 6 to 12 months
  8. REFRIGERATOR & FREEZER STORAGE CHART. FDA. Dated 2018-03-01. Checked 2026-10-24. Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.