How Long Food Lasts

Baked Goods / Baking and Cooking

How long does flour last?

Quick answer

Flour (white, opened) keeps 1 year in the refrigerator.

  • Whole wheat, opened 6-8 months in the refrigerator
  • White, opened 1 year in the refrigerator
Form

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 refrigerator?

  • White, opened1 yearAfter opening
  • Whole wheat, opened6-8 monthsAfter opening

Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.

Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.

Can you freeze flour?

Yes.

How to thaw flour safely

  1. In the refrigerator
  2. In cold water, cook it right after thawing
  3. In the microwave, cook it right after thawing
  4. Cook it from frozen

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.

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

Can you refreeze flour?

  • In the United StatesYes
  • In the United KingdomOnly after cooking

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.

You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that

Can flour be stored at room temperature?

  • White6-12 months
  • White, opened6-8 months
  • Whole wheat3-6 months

All forms at a glance

FormFridgeFreezerPantry
White--6-12 months
White, opened1 year-6-8 months
Whole wheat--3-6 months
Whole wheat, opened6-8 months--
General guidance---

Frequently asked questions

How long does flour last in the refrigerator?

White, opened: 1 year; Whole wheat, opened: 6-8 months.

Can you freeze flour?

Yes.

Can you refreeze flour?

In the United States: Yes; In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking.

Sources

We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last verified: October 1, 2026.