Does Tofu Go Bad? Signs of Spoilage to Look Out For

Download Article

Chef Jeff Woodward explains how to tell if tofu is bad, plus how long it lasts in the fridge and freezer

Co-authored by Chef Jeff Woodward and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: October 23, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Does tofu go bad?
|
• How to Tell If Tofu is Bad
|
• Shelf Life
|
• Storage
|
• Is it okay to eat expired tofu?
|
• FAQs

|Show more |Show less

Tofu is a delicious plant-based protein source. But can it go bad like meat does? And if so, how can you tell that your tofu is spoiled? If you’re looking for the answers to these questions, you’re in the right place! We’ll go over whether or not tofu can go bad, the typical shelf life of tofu, and signs of spoilage to look out for. We’ll also cover how to safely store tofu in your fridge or freezer. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Does tofu expire?

Chef Jeff Woodward explains that yes, tofu can expire and go bad. Signs of spoilage to look out for include a swollen package, slimy texture, foul odor, or an “off” taste. Discoloration, visible mold, and texture changes are also signs that your tofu has gone bad.

Steps

Section 1 of 6:

Does tofu go bad?

Download Article

1. 
   Yes, it’s possible for tofu to go bad. Chef Woodward explains that tofu can expire and go bad, just like any other fresh food item. If tofu is past its well past its “best by” date or stored improperly, it can spoil or grow bacteria.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 6:

How to Tell If Tofu is Bad

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Smell your tofu to check for a sour odor. Fresh tofu should have almost no smell at all. Chef Woodward explains that a sour, pungent, or foul odor means your tofu has spoiled. In this case, it’s safest to toss it out.
2. 
   2
   Check your tofu for sliminess. Refrigerated tofu is often stored in water, so it’s normal for it to be wet. It shouldn’t, however, feel slimy to the touch. If your tofu feels pretty slimy after you remove it from the package and drain the liquid, it’s probably gone bad.
3. 
   3
   Look for discoloration or mold. Chef Woodward says that mold is definitely a sign your tofu is bad. It may appear more yellow, tan, or brownish compared to the creamy white color of fresh tofu. You may even notice visible mold spots, depending on how old the tofu is.
4. 
   4
   See if the package is swollen. Chef Woodward notes that a swollen package of tofu means the tofu is rotten, similar to how a milk jug swells when the milk goes bad.
Advertisement

Section 3 of 6:

How long does tofu stay fresh?

Download Article

1. 
   The shelf life of tofu depends on whether it’s been opened, cooked, or frozen. Things like whether or not the tofu is opened, cooked, frozen, or refrigerated all play a role. Here’s a breakdown:

   • Unopened: Unopened tofu should last 2-3 weeks in the fridge, according to Chef Woodward. It will stay good at least until the “best by” date printed on the package, and it will usually remain fresh for 3-5 days beyond this date.
   • Opened: Once you open a package of tofu, it will typically stay good for about 3-5 days in your fridge, Chef Woodward explains. After that, it’s best to throw it out, even if the “best by” date on the package is further in the future.
   • Cooked: Tofu that’s been cooked or added to a dish should stay fresh for about 5-7 days in your fridge if stored in an airtight container.
   • Frozen: Frozen tofu has the longest shelf life. It will usually stay good for about 3-5 months past the printed “best by” date on the package.

Section 4 of 6:

How to Safely Store Tofu

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Store tofu in its original package in your fridge until you’re ready to use it. When you open a package of tofu, its shelf life shrinks considerably. Because of this, it’s best to leave your tofu in the original package until you’re ready to cook it. It’s also essential to keep your tofu refrigerated at a temperature of 41°F (5° C) or lower to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
2. 
   2
   Store open, uncooked tofu in a container with water in your fridge. If you opened a package of tofu but didn’t cook all of it, start by placing the leftover tofu in a clean, airtight container, says professional chef Jerran Boyer. Next, pour filtered water into the container until the tofu is submerged, and place the lid on tightly. Store the container in your fridge and use the tofu within 3-5 days.
3. 
   3
   Freeze your tofu to extend its shelf life. You can store an entire unopened block of tofu in its original packaging, but you can also cut it up into smaller pieces, if you’d like. To do this, open your package of tofu, drain the liquid, and pat it dry. Next, cut the tofu into cubes or slices, then place them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for 3-5 months. When you’re ready to use your tofu, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Advertisement

Section 5 of 6:

Is it okay to eat expired tofu?

Download Article

1. 
   It may be okay to eat expired tofu for 3-5 days past the “best by” date. If your tofu is unopened and has been consistently refrigerated, it should still be safe to eat it for 3-5 days past the “best by” date printed on the package. If you’ve frozen your tofu, it should be okay to eat for 3-5 months after the date printed on the package. However, if you notice any signs of spoilage (such as a sour smell, slimy texture, or discoloration), your tofu may have gone bad, so it’s best not to eat it.

   • Chef Woodward notes that expired tofu won't taste good. "Everyone reacts differently to expired food," he says, so depending on the person, eating expired tofu could also cause cramps or indigestion. In rare cases, it can cause food poisoning, he adds.

Section 6 of 6:

Tofu FAQs

Download Article

1. 1
   How long can tofu stay out at room temperature? Tofu is susceptible to spoilage when it’s left out at room temperature, so you should aim to keep it refrigerated at all times. If you do leave your tofu out accidentally, it should stay fresh for 1-2 hours, depending on how warm it is in the room. If the tofu is left out longer than two hours, the risk of bacteria growth increases significantly, so the tofu should be thrown away.
2. 2
   What is shelf-stable tofu? Some tofu products are “shelf stable,” meaning that they don’t need to be refrigerated. If you’ve purchased this type of tofu, store it in your pantry according to the instructions on the package. If you’re not sure what type of tofu you have, go by the way it was stored at the grocery store when you bought it.

   • For example, if the tofu was in the refrigerated section at your store, it’s not shelf-stable, so you’ll need to keep it refrigerated at all times.
   • If the tofu was being kept on an unrefrigerated shelf at the grocery store, it’s shelf-stable, meaning it doesn’t require refrigeration.
   • Shelf-stable tofu usually stays good for about 6 months unopened. Once opened, it must be stored in the refrigerator, and you’ll need to use it within 3-4 days.
3. 3
   What is tofu, and how is it made? Tofu is a plant-based food made from soybeans. It’s produced by coagulating soymilk into curds, then pressing those curds together to form a block. Tofu is rich in protein, B vitamins, calcium, and iron, so it’s a great meat substitute for vegans and vegetarians. It’s also a staple in Asian cuisines.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!