How long does tofu last in the fridge?

Quick answer

In the fridge: Unopened: until the best-by date; opened, in fresh water: 3–5 days; cooked: 3–4 days
In the freezer: Up to 5 months; thaws chewier and spongier
In the pantry: Shelf-stable cartons only, unopened: until the date (typically 6–12 months)

Sources: USDA FoodKeeper (Vegetarian Proteins: Tofu), USDA FSIS: Leftovers and Food Safety, USDA FSIS: Molds on Food: Are They Dangerous?, Oregon State University Extension: Does tofu expire?, Food Hero, Oregon State University Extension: Tofu · Last reviewed October 25, 2026

A block of tofu topped with curled slices of green onion in a ceramic bowl — Photo by Leongsan on Unsplash

Opened tofu keeps 3–5 days in the fridge, covered in fresh water, and an unopened refrigerated pack keeps until its best-by date. Oregon State University (OSU) Extension gives 3–4 days once opened; its Food Hero guide says to refrigerate all tofu after opening and use it within 5 days. USDA FoodKeeper lists about a week in the fridge from purchase. Shelf-stable tofu in sterile cartons is the exception: unopened, it typically keeps good quality for 6 months to a year in the pantry, but once opened it needs the fridge and lasts 3–4 days. Frozen tofu holds up to 5 months; cooked tofu dishes keep 3–4 days.

How to store tofu

Most tofu is sold from the refrigerated case, either packed in water or vacuum-sealed without it, and it belongs in the fridge at home too, below 40°F (4°C). Food Hero's rule of thumb is to store unopened tofu the way you found it in the store, so a shelf-stable carton can wait in a cool cupboard until you open it. Once a pack is open, OSU Extension suggests moving the leftover block to a clean container and covering it with fresh water, and Food Hero adds changing that water daily. OSU Extension notes that after 3–4 days an opened block starts to turn slimy or smell bad. The freezer buys months, at the cost of a chewier, spongier texture.

Keep water-packed and vacuum-sealed tofu in the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C) from the day you buy it; only shelf-stable cartons can wait in a cupboard until opened.
After opening, move the leftover block to a clean container, cover it with fresh water, close the lid, and change the water every day.
Finish an opened block within 3–5 days and an opened shelf-stable carton within 3–4 days.
To freeze, put the unopened package straight in the freezer, or drain, press and cube the tofu first and freeze it in a labeled airtight container. Use it within 5 months.
Thaw frozen tofu in the fridge for about 24 hours, then squeeze the water out with clean hands; the spongy block soaks up marinade well.
Refrigerate leftover tofu dishes within 2 hours in shallow covered containers and eat them within 3–4 days.

Signs it has gone bad

A sour or otherwise noticeable smell. Fresh tofu smells of almost nothing, so any clear odor is a warning.
A slimy, slippery surface. OSU Extension notes an opened block starts turning slimy after 3–4 days.
A color that has drifted away from the even creamy white of a fresh block.
Mold of any kind. Throw out the whole block: USDA notes that mold can reach below the surface of moist foods.
Harmless: after freezing, tofu looks darker and turns firm and spongy with visible holes. That is the freezer's doing, not spoilage.
When in doubt, throw it out: if the smell, feel or look of the tofu makes you hesitate, don't eat it.

Frequently asked questions

How long does tofu last after opening?

3–5 days in the fridge. OSU Extension says opened tofu kept in a clean container under fresh water, below 40°F (4°C), lasts 3–4 days before it turns slimy or smells; its Food Hero guide allows up to 5 days with the water changed daily.

Does unopened tofu need to be refrigerated?

Tofu from the refrigerated case does, whether it's packed in water or vacuum-sealed. Shelf-stable tofu in sterile cartons doesn't until it's opened: it typically keeps good quality for 6 months to a year in the pantry, then needs the fridge and lasts 3–4 days.

Can you freeze tofu?

Yes, for up to 5 months. Thawed tofu is firmer, chewier and more sponge-like, with a darker color, and soaks up marinades well, but silken tofu loses its creaminess. OSU Extension suggests freezing one block first to see whether you like the texture.

Can you eat tofu after the best-by date?

The date on refrigerated tofu is a best-by date, not an expiration date, OSU Extension notes, and quality starts to drop once it passes. Open the pack and check it: a sour smell, slime or a change in color means it goes in the trash.

How long does cooked tofu last?

Like other leftovers, 3–4 days in the fridge or 3–4 months in the freezer, according to USDA. Refrigerate fried, baked or stir-fried tofu within 2 hours of cooking, in shallow covered containers.