How Long Does Tofu Last in Refrigerator: Expert Guide

You bring home a fresh block of tofu, and now you’re wondering how long it will stay good in your fridge. I’ve been there too, and I know how frustrating it is to open tofu and find it’s gone bad. Here’s the simple truth: Tofu can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 7 days after opening, if stored properly. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to keep your tofu fresh, how to store it right, and how to tell when it’s no longer safe to eat.

Know When Tofu Goes Bad

Tofu is made from soybeans, and like any food, it can go bad if it’s not stored the right way. Many people open tofu, put it in the fridge, and then forget about it for days.

You might do that too, just like I did when I started eating tofu. But tofu does not last forever, even in the refrigerator. It is important to know the signs that show your tofu is not safe to eat anymore.

Fresh tofu usually smells very light or has no smell at all. The texture is smooth, and the color is creamy white. But when tofu starts to go bad, it will smell sour or strange. You might see a grayish or yellow color instead of white. The texture might turn slimy or feel sticky. These are all clear signs that your tofu is not good anymore.

Another thing to check is the date on the package. That date tells you how long the tofu is good when it’s still sealed. Once you open the package, the countdown starts. Even if the tofu is still within the date, you should finish it within 3 to 7 days after opening it.

If tofu has been in your fridge for more than a week after opening, you should check it closely before using it. Trust your nose and eyes. If anything feels off, it’s better to throw it out. Eating bad tofu can upset your stomach and make you sick.

Keep in mind that different types of tofu (firm, soft, silken) might spoil a little faster or slower. But all tofu types should be kept cold and used quickly after opening. You should also keep the tofu in water and change the water every day if you’re not using it all at once.

Tofu smells sour or odd when bad
Bad tofu may look yellow, gray, or slimy
Opened tofu lasts 3 to 7 days in fridge
Check the expiration date on the package
Always store tofu in water and change water daily

Store Tofu the Right Way in Fridge

Keeping tofu fresh in the fridge is all about proper storage. This is where I made many mistakes before learning the right way. I used to just cover the open tofu with plastic wrap and toss it into the fridge. It spoiled in two days. Now I know how to store it the correct way, and tofu lasts much longer.

Once you open the tofu package, you must transfer it into a clean container. Pour in fresh cold water until the tofu is fully covered. The water helps keep the tofu moist and stops it from drying out. This step is very important if you plan to use the tofu over several days.

Place the container with tofu and water in the coldest part of your fridge. Usually, this is at the back of the bottom shelf. Avoid placing tofu near the fridge door, as the temperature there changes more often due to opening and closing the door.

Every single day, you should drain the old water and add fresh cold water. This simple habit keeps the tofu fresh and stops bacteria from growing. It takes only a minute but adds days to tofu’s freshness.

Also, try not to let tofu sit at room temperature. Always put it back into the fridge right after using it. Even 30 minutes on the kitchen counter can make bacteria grow fast.

Some people freeze tofu to make it last longer. Freezing changes the texture, making it spongy and chewy. If you like that texture, freezing is a great way to save tofu for a long time. You just need to drain it well before freezing, and store it in a sealed freezer bag or container.

Keep tofu in a container covered with fresh cold water
Change the water every 24 hours
Store tofu in the coldest part of the fridge
Avoid placing tofu near fridge door
Never leave tofu out at room temperature too long

Use Opened and Unopened Tofu Within Right Time

It is very important to know how long tofu lasts both when it is unopened and after you open it. When you buy tofu from the store, it usually comes with a date printed on the package. That date tells you how long the tofu will stay good if it remains sealed in the fridge.

Unopened tofu can last for 1 to 2 months from the date of packing. But once you open it, you need to eat it within 3 to 7 days. That’s a big difference. So always plan your meals if you are opening a new pack.

When you open tofu, the clock starts ticking. Even if you store it properly in water and change the water daily, tofu will only last about a week. It’s best to use it sooner rather than later. The fresher it is, the better it tastes and the safer it is to eat.

I’ve had times when I forgot I had opened tofu and left it for 10 days. When I opened the container, the smell hit me right away. It had turned sour and even had a bit of mold. That’s why I now write the date on the container when I open the tofu. This small trick helps me remember when it needs to be eaten.

If you’re someone who doesn’t use tofu often, consider buying smaller packs. That way, you won’t waste food, and you’ll always eat tofu while it’s still fresh.

Unopened tofu lasts 1 to 2 months in fridge
Opened tofu must be used within 3 to 7 days
Write the opening date on the container
Use smaller packs to avoid waste
Always check smell and texture before use

Freeze Tofu to Make It Last Longer

If you have extra tofu that you cannot use within 7 days, freezing it is a great way to make it last much longer. I used to throw away tofu that I couldn’t finish in time, but now I freeze it and use it later.

Freezing tofu changes its texture. It becomes more firm and spongy. Some people like this change, especially for stir-fries or grilling. The sponge-like texture helps tofu soak up sauces better. But if you want smooth tofu for soups, freezing might not be a good idea.

Before freezing, drain the tofu and press it to remove as much water as possible. You can press it by placing something heavy on it for 30 minutes. Then, cut the tofu into smaller blocks or slices and place them into a freezer-safe container or bag.

Label the container with the date, so you’ll know how long it’s been in the freezer. Tofu can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also soak it in warm water to thaw it faster.

After thawing, squeeze out any extra water before cooking. The texture will be chewy and more meat-like, which works well for many recipes.

Freezing tofu helps it last 3 months
Freeze tofu in small pieces for easy use
Press tofu before freezing to remove water
Label the date on the freezer container
Thawed tofu works well in stir-fries and grilled dishes

Cook Tofu Before It Goes Bad

Cooking tofu before it spoils is a smart way to make sure you don’t waste food. I sometimes cook all my tofu at once if I know I won’t use it soon. Cooked tofu lasts a little longer than raw tofu, and it’s ready to eat anytime.

Once tofu is cooked, it can stay in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can bake it, pan-fry it, grill it, or steam it. After cooking, let it cool and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

If you season or marinate your tofu before cooking, it can last a little longer in the fridge. The flavors get stronger over time, and you can use it in salads, wraps, or rice dishes.

Try not to leave cooked tofu out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria can grow quickly if food is not kept cold. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze the cooked tofu too.

I like to make crispy tofu cubes on Sunday and eat them during the week. It saves time, and the tofu stays tasty all week long.

Cooked tofu lasts 5 days in the fridge
Store cooked tofu in an airtight container
Do not leave cooked tofu out for more than 2 hours
Seasoned tofu can stay fresh longer
Cook tofu ahead to save time and avoid waste

Check Tofu Before You Eat

Before you cook or eat tofu, it’s very important to check if it’s still good. I once cooked tofu that had a weird smell, thinking it would be fine after cooking. But I was wrong. It tasted sour and ruined the meal.

Always look at the color first. Fresh tofu is white or off-white. If it looks yellow, gray, or has spots, it’s not good. Then smell it. Fresh tofu has no smell or a very mild smell. Bad tofu smells sour or like spoiled milk.

Touch is also a big sign. If it feels slimy or sticky, throw it away. Fresh tofu should feel smooth and a little firm, depending on the type.

If you’re not sure, it’s better to toss it out. Eating spoiled tofu can lead to stomach problems or food poisoning. Safety is more important than saving a few dollars.

You should also check the water it’s stored in. If the water looks cloudy, smells bad, or has floating stuff in it, then the tofu is likely spoiled. Change the water every day, and keep the container clean.

Look for color changes like yellow or gray
Smell tofu before using — bad tofu smells sour
Slimy or sticky tofu is not safe
Check if water is clear and fresh
When in doubt, throw it out

Final Thoughts

Tofu is a healthy and tasty food, but it needs care to stay fresh. When you know how long tofu lasts in the refrigerator and how to store it, you won’t waste it. Just remember to keep it cold, change the water daily, and use it within a week. If you have more than you can eat, freezing is a good option. Always trust your eyes, nose, and touch before eating tofu. Keep these tips in mind, and your tofu will stay safe and delicious.

Condition	How Long Tofu Lasts
Unopened in fridge	1 to 2 months
Opened in fridge	3 to 7 days
Cooked in fridge	Up to 5 days
Frozen tofu	Up to 3 months
Opened left outside	1 to 2 hours max

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to eat tofu after the expiration date?

Tofu can sometimes still be safe after the expiration date if the package is unopened and stored properly in the fridge. The printed date is usually a “best by” date, not a “use by” date. You should check the tofu carefully. If it still looks white, smells normal, and has a smooth texture, it may be safe to eat. However, once the package is opened, you should not keep it for more than 7 days. Always trust your senses — if anything feels wrong, don’t eat it.

Can tofu go bad in the fridge?

Yes, tofu can go bad in the fridge, especially if it is opened and not stored correctly. Tofu should be kept in clean water and in a sealed container. The water should be changed every day to keep the tofu fresh. If you forget to change the water, bacteria can grow fast. Tofu can go bad even within 3 days if not cared for properly. You should always check for signs like smell, color, and texture before eating tofu.

Is it okay to freeze tofu more than once?

It is not a good idea to freeze tofu more than once. Freezing changes the texture, and doing it again can make the tofu very dry and rubbery. Also, every time tofu thaws, bacteria might grow, and refreezing doesn’t kill them. It is better to freeze tofu in small parts so you only take out what you need. That way, you can keep the rest frozen and fresh for later. Always thaw tofu in the fridge, not on the counter.

Can I leave tofu out overnight?

No, you should never leave tofu out overnight. Tofu is a soft, water-rich food, and bacteria grow very fast at room temperature. Even after a few hours, tofu can become unsafe to eat. If you leave it out overnight, you should throw it away. It’s not worth the risk of food poisoning. Always put tofu back in the fridge as soon as you’re done using it, even if it’s just for a short time.

Do I need to cook tofu before eating it?

Not always. Some types of tofu, like silken tofu or soft tofu, can be eaten without cooking. You can use them in smoothies or cold salads. But if you’re using firm or extra-firm tofu, it’s best to cook it. Cooking adds flavor and kills any possible bacteria. Cooking tofu also helps with texture and makes it taste better in stir-fries, soups, and other dishes. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to cook it before eating.

Is it okay to eat tofu with sour smell?

No, if tofu smells sour, you should not eat it. A sour smell is a clear sign that the tofu has gone bad. Eating tofu with a sour smell can lead to stomach aches or even food poisoning. Even if it looks okay, the smell means something is wrong. Tofu should have no strong smell when fresh. Always trust your nose. If it doesn’t smell right, throw it away.

Can cooked tofu go bad?

Yes, cooked tofu can still go bad if not stored properly. You should place cooked tofu in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge. It will last about 5 days. Do not leave cooked tofu out at room temperature for long. If it smells off, feels slimy, or tastes strange, it is no longer safe to eat. Freezing cooked tofu can make it last longer, but you should still check it before using.

Do I have to change tofu water every day?

Yes, you should change the tofu water every day. This helps keep the tofu fresh and stops bacteria from growing. If you don’t change the water, it can become cloudy and smelly, and the tofu will go bad faster. It only takes a minute each day to drain the old water and add fresh cold water. This simple habit will help your tofu last 7 days or more in the fridge without going bad.