How Long Do Egg Noodles Last?

How long do egg noodles last? Have you ever wondered about this when you pull out a pack of noodles from your kitchen? Whether it’s an unusual smell or a hard-to-read expiration label, knowing how to tell if egg noodles are still safe to eat is important.

In this article, JOLION Foods, a professional noodle manufacturer, will guide you through how long dried, fresh, and cooked egg noodles last and how to recognize the signs of spoilage. Let’s dive in and learn more!

How Long Do Dried Egg Noodles Last?

Dried egg noodles are the most common form available in supermarkets. When stored in a cool, dry place, unopened dried egg noodles can last for several years (generally 1-2 years), often well beyond the “best by” data printed on the packaging. It should also be noted that the “best by” date is a measure of quality, not safety, and as long as the egg noodles have been stored correctly, they will be safe to eat.

Then, how long do dried egg noodles last once opened? The answer depends on storage conditions. A resealable plastic bag or a sealed jar can extend their freshness significantly by protecting them from moisture, pests, and odors. If properly stored in an airtight condition, it is possible for egg noodles to last up to 2 years after opening.

How Long Do Fresh Egg Noodles Last?

As for fresh egg noodles, which are often sold in the refrigerated section of the store, they have a much shorter shelf life compared to dried noodles. This is because fresh noodles contain moisture, and bacteria can grow faster compared to dried ones under this circumstance.

Generally, these noodles can last 3-5 days in the refrigerator after purchase. But you should always check the package data and use them within that window for freshness.

It is also acceptable to extend their shelf life by freezing fresh egg noodles. Frozen egg noodles may keep for up to 2 months, and you should make sure they are stored properly in a freezer-safe bag or container.

How Long Do Cooked Egg Noodles Last in the Fridge?

What about cooked egg noodles? How long can they last, especially in the fridge? The general rule is that they may remain safe and of good quality for 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly after cooling.

Here’s a tip: toss the noodles with a little bit of oil before refrigerating. This method makes them easier to reheat by preventing them from becoming sticky or clumping.

How to Tell if Egg Noodles Have Gone Bad

We’ve talked about the general conditions, but how can you tell if your egg noodles have gone bad?

1. Pests: Evidence like insect casings, droppings, nests, or gnaw marks on packaging indicates contamination by pests, and you should better discard the entire package to avoid potential illness.

2. Mold or Discoloration: This is the clearest sign that something is wrong. Fuzzy mold spots, whether green, white, or black, show that the noodles have changed and are generally unsafe to eat. Discoloration, such as a grayish or greenish tint on fresh or cooked noodles, is another clear warning sign.

3. Musty Smell: A musty odor can indicate spoilage; fresh noodles have a mild grain-like or neutral smell.

4. Sour or Off Smell: This applies to fresh and cooked noodles. A sour, fermented, or unpleasant odor is a strong indicator of bacterial growth and means the noodles should be thrown out.

5. Slimy or Sticky Texture: Cooked or fresh noodles that feel slimy, sticky, or unusually slick to the touch have likely begun to spoil. A healthy, fresh noodle should feel firm and smooth, not slimy.

JOLION Foods: Your Partner in Noodle ODM & OEM Services

At JOLION Foods, we understand that the quality of your noodles is paramount to the success of any dish. That’s why we specialize in providing high-quality noodle products and expert services, including our professional noodle ODM & OEM services.

We commit to excellence and ensure that every noodle we produce, from egg noodles to a wide range of other varieties, meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and taste. For example, our products carry certifications such as HACCP, IFS, FDA, and KOSHER.

Conclusion

So, how long do egg noodles last? To summarize:

• Dried egg noodles can last up to 1-2 years unopened and up to 2 years once opened with proper storage.

• Fresh egg noodles last 3-5 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.

• Cooked egg noodles last 3-5 days in the fridge.

• Always pay attention to signs of spoilage such as pests, mold, off smells, or slimy textures to ensure food safety.

At JOLION Foods, we are passionate about bringing safe, delicious, and customizable noodle products to partners around the world. If you are looking for reliable noodle ODM & OEM services, we invite you to get in touch with us today. Let us help you create products that stand out in the market!