How Long Does Dates Last in the Fridge?
Storage times from the USDA FoodKeeper database · Updated September 2026
Dates keeps for 12 months in a fridge running at 0–5°C.
Storage tips for dates
- Fridge at 0–5°C. A fridge thermometer is the cheapest food-safety upgrade — many home fridges run warmer than their dial suggests.
You can also check the calorie content of dates alongside its safety information. Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
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Store it properly
Airtight food storage containers
The right storage makes the times above achievable for dates.
Check Price →Fridge thermometer
These storage times assume 0–5°C — check what your fridge actually runs at.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
More storage essentials
Fridge thermometer
Confirms your fridge actually runs at 0-5C — many quietly run warmer.
Check Price →Vacuum food sealer
Removes the air that speeds spoilage — extends shelf life by days.
Check Price →Airtight glass containers
Fridge, freezer and microwave safe — one less transfer step.
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Common questions
How can I tell if dates has gone off?
Trust obvious signs — sour or 'off' smells, slime, mould, colour changes — but don't rely on them: the bacteria that cause food poisoning (listeria especially) grow without changing how food looks or smells. That's why the time guideline matters even when everything seems fine.
Can I still eat dates after 12 months?
The guideline is where quality and safety are both still on your side. Past it, risk climbs — and because dangerous bacteria are invisible, 'it seems fine' isn't a reliable test. The boring-but-true answer: when in doubt, throw it out.
Can I freeze dates to keep it longer?
Yes — around 1–2 years in the freezer for best quality, and it stays safe beyond that (freezing halts bacteria completely; only texture and flavour decline).
Does my fridge temperature really matter?
Enormously. These times assume 0–5°C. Every degree warmer speeds bacterial growth — a fridge running at 8–10°C can halve the safe life of chilled food. A £5 fridge thermometer is the cheapest insurance you can buy.
Related answers
Primary source: USDA FoodKeeper.
The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.