Baked Goods / Baking and Cooking
How long does flour last?
Quick answer
Flour (white, opened) keeps 1 year in the fridge.
- Whole wheat, opened 6-8 months in the fridge
- White, opened 1 year in the fridge
Fridge
After opening
1year
Freezer
No known time
-
Pantry
6-8months
Mine has been in the fridge for
Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?
- United States
- Yes
- United Kingdom
- Only after cooking
How long does flour last in the fridge?
- White, opened1 yearAfter opening
- Whole wheat, opened6-8 monthsAfter opening
Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
Can you freeze flour?
Yes.
How to defrost flour safely
- In the fridge
- In cold water, cook it straight after defrosting
- In the microwave, cook it straight after defrosting
- Cook it from frozen
You should defrost your food in the fridge so that it doesn’t get too warm
It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Check the water frequently to be sure it stays cold. Change the water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately.
It is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. The cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.
Can you refreeze flour?
- In the United KingdomOnly after cooking
- In the United StatesYes
You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.
Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.
After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.
Can flour be kept out of the fridge?
- White6-12 months
- White, opened6-8 months
- Whole wheat3-6 months
All forms at a glance
| Form | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | - | - | 6-12 months |
| White, opened | 1 year | - | 6-8 months |
| Whole wheat | - | - | 3-6 months |
| Whole wheat, opened | 6-8 months | - | - |
| General guidance | - | - | - |
Frequently asked questions
How long does flour last in the fridge?
White, opened: 1 year; Whole wheat, opened: 6-8 months.
Can you freeze flour?
Yes.
Can you refreeze flour?
In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking; In the United States: Yes.
Sources
We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last checked: 1 October 2026.
- FoodSafety.gov Cold Food Storage Chart US
- Food Standards Agency - consumer food hygiene guidance GB
- Kansas State University Research and Extension US
- Penn State Extension US
- University of Maryland Extension US
- Clemson University Extension US
- North Dakota State University Extension US
- Ohio State University Extension US
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech) US
- USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data US
- USDA FSIS Safe Food Handling and Preparation US