How long do flour tortillas last in the fridge?
In this article, we will answer the question “How long do flour tortillas last in the fridge?”, and how to tell if the tortillas have gone bad?
How long do flour tortillas last in the fridge?
Flour tortillas last about 3-4 weeks in the fridge if stored correctly. The following table shows an estimated shelf-life of different types of tortillas under different storage conditions.
| (Unopened) | Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Past Printed date | Past Printed date | Past Printed date | |
| Flour tortillas | 1 week | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 months |
| Corn tortillas | 7-10 days | 6-8 weeks | 6-8 months |
| Spinach tortillas | 1 week | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 months |
| Whole wheat tortillas | 1 week | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 months |
| Homemade tortillas | 2-3 days | 5-7 days | 6-8 months |
Do tortillas go bad?
Yes, like any other food commodity, tortillas will eventually go bad and quicker if stored incorrectly. Moisture and heat exposure are the enemy of the quality of tortillas. It is best to keep the tortillas within the manufacturer’s seal as long as possible.
Once the original packaging is torn apart, the spoilage process will accelerate. Opened packages of tortillas should be protected against humidity and temperature fluctuations by placing storing the tortillas in air-tight containers.
Can you eat expired tortillas?
You can safely eat expired tortillas unless they are moldy. Expiry is not an indicator of spoilage. It, rather, tells you how long the tortillas will maintain their peak quality.
Therefore, expired tortillas do not taste as good as fresh ones. Always inspect the expired tortillas for spoilage before consuming them.
Corn tortillas vs flour tortillas
Corn tortillas last about a week longer past the printed date as long as their package is unopened and it is kept in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Flour tortillas are not as shelf-stable as corn tortillas due to their higher affinity for moisture. Moisture accelerates the process of mold growth, thus, reducing the shelf-life of flour tortillas.
How to tell if the tortillas are bad?
Bad odor is the telltale of spoilage and is hard to ignore. So, if the tortillas give off a musty or tangy smell, they are done for.
If everything is good about the appearance of the tortillas, taste some tortillas just to be sure. Taste-testing a small number of tortillas won’t harm you and will confirm whether the tortillas are bad or not.
What does mold on tortillas look like?
Mold appears in the form of black or blue fuzzy patches or spots on the surface of the tortillas. The color of the mold may sometimes be whitish.
Sometimes, the tortillas just appear discolored, turning black or yellow in certain areas that were previously exposed to moisture. In any case, tortillas should be discarded. Organic tortillas particularly have a short shelf-life due to the lack of preservatives.
How to store tortillas?
If kept in a cool, dark, and dry place such as the pantry or cupboard, tortillas last a week. But refrigeration prolongs the shelf-life of the tortillas upto 1 month.
Freezing further enhances the shelf-life of the tortillas upto 8 months. Freezing is a great option if you bought the tortillas in bulk.
Some manufacturers mention on the packaging not to freeze the tortillas. In this case, you must follow the package instructions for storage.
How to freeze tortillas?
One important factor in freezing tortillas is protecting them against cold air. For this, garb heavy-duty freezer bags or aluminum foil for properly wrapping the tortillas.
Put a divider between each tortilla. This will allow you to thaw as many tortillas as you want at once because the divider won’t let them clump and freeze together.
The nutritional profile of tortillas
The following table shows the nutrients and their amounts found in tortillas.
| Nutrients/Minerals | Corn tortilla (44g) | Flour tortilla (45g) |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 22g |
| Proteins | 3g | 4g |
| Fats | 1g | 4g |
| Fiber | 3g | 2g |
| Sodium | 20mg | 331g |
| Calcium | 3% of the RDI | 5% of the RDI |
| Iron | 3% of the RDI | 9% of the RDI |
| Magnesium | 8% of the RDI | 2% of the RDI |
| Calories | 96 | 138 |
As the table shows, corn tortillas are low in carbs and fats but are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Magnesium supports the function of vital organs like the brain and heart while fiber is crucial to maintain gut-healthy. It improves digestion by regulating bowel movements.
On the other hand, flour tortillas are rich in fiber, protein, iron, and calcium. As compared to corn tortillas, flour tortillas keep you full for longer.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “How long do flour tortillas last in the fridge?”, and how to tell if the tortillas have gone bad?
