How long does rice last?
Quick answer
- In the fridge
- Cooked: 4–6 days
- In the freezer
- Cooked: 6 months
- In the pantry
- White, uncooked: 2 years · Brown: 1 year
Sources: USDA FoodKeeper · Last reviewed October 1, 2026
Uncooked white rice lasts virtually forever — 2+ years sealed in a cool dry pantry without quality loss. Brown rice is shorter at about a year because the oil in the bran can go rancid. Cooked rice is the opposite extreme: 4–6 days refrigerated, and a serious food-safety risk if left at room temperature for more than 1–2 hours (Bacillus cereus spores survive cooking and multiply fast). Refrigerate cooked rice within 1 hour. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
How to store rice
Keep dry rice in an airtight container in a cool dry pantry, away from heat and direct light. Once opened, transfer from the original bag to seal out moisture, insects, and pantry pests — common rice weevils can multiply unnoticed for weeks. Brown rice benefits from refrigerator or freezer storage for long-term keeping. Cooked rice goes in a shallow sealed container, refrigerated within 1 hour to prevent bacterial growth. Freeze cooked portions in single-meal servings for fast reheating.
- Airtight container in cool dry pantry
- Brown rice in fridge or freezer for long storage
- Cooked rice in fridge within 1 hour
- Reheat thoroughly before serving
- Freeze cooked portions for fast reheating
Signs it has gone bad
- Insects, eggs, or webs in the container
- Rancid or musty smell (especially brown rice)
- Mold or discoloration
- Sour smell or slime in cooked rice
Frequently asked questions
How long does uncooked rice last?
White rice keeps about 2 years in an airtight pantry container; brown rice about a year.
How long does cooked rice last?
Cooked rice keeps 4–6 days refrigerated in a sealed container. Get it into the fridge within 1 hour of cooking.
Is reheated rice safe?
Yes, when reheated thoroughly to steaming-hot. The risk comes from leaving cooked rice at room temperature, not from reheating it.