How long does jello last?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long does jello last” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of jello. Moreover, we are going to discuss the proper way to store jello and different ways to spot bad jello.

So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.

How long does jello last?

When it comes to the dry jello gelatin mix then it lasts for about a month or more past the “best by” date written on the package, if it is stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of your pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.

On the other hand, in the case of the store-bought jello dessert, it lasts for about 3-5 days past the “use by” date written on it, if it is stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you have already prepared the jello, then it lasts for about 2-3 days when stored properly in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is worth mentioning that these are the estimated shelf lives of the jello and it is the time during which you can enjoy its peak quality. Jello can last for even longer than this provided that it is stored properly.

You can read how to make healthy homemade jello here.

Is jello safe to consume after the best-before date?

The “best by” or “best before” date that is written on the packet of jello refers to more of quality rather than safety so jello doesn’t necessarily go bad immediately after the “best before” date. 

This date refers to the time during which you can enjoy the peak quality and flavor of jello but you can still consume jello that is past this date as long as it was stored properly.

Can I freeze prepared jello?

We do not recommend you freeze prepared jello. Freezing the jello can mess up its texture and quality and you will notice a significant texture change once the frozen jello is thawed, so freezing the jello is a big “No”.

What is the best way to store jello?

1. You can store an unopened pack of powdered jello in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. You can store it in the cool and dry corner of your pantry.
2. Make sure that you are not storing dry powdered jello in a humid environment because if humidity somehow finds its way to your powdered jello, it can mess up the texture and quality of your jello.
3. You should never use a wet spoon to scoop out the powdered jello.
4. Once you have opened the packet of powdered jello, it is recommended to transfer the remaining powdered jello to an air-tight container to minimize its air and moisture exposure.
5. In the case of ready to eat gelatin snacks, it is recommended to keep them refrigerated at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Once you have prepared the jello, it is recommended to always keep it refrigerated at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. If you have a strong-smelling food item present in your fridge like garlic, onion, fish, etc. then it is recommended to store your prepared jello in an air-tight container so that it won’t pick up the strong smell of other foods.
8. It is worth mentioning that we do not encourage you to freeze your jello. Freezing the jello can mess up its texture and quality and you will notice a significant texture change once the frozen jello is thawed, so freezing the jello is a big “No”.

Other FAQs about Jello which you may be interested in.

How long can jello shots last in the fridge?

How to tell if jello has gone bad?

There are a few indicators including appearance, texture, and smell, that will point towards the fact that the jello has gone bad.

Appearance

If you see some mold or some yeast growth on your jello (this can only happen if water somehow found its way to your stored jello and stayed there for some time) then the best thing you can do is to get rid of it because it is an indication that your jello has gone bad.

If you notice that the gelatin present in the formulation of jello has lost some of its potency (it is not turning the water in gel properly), then it is the indication that it is past its prime age and it is better to buy yourself a new packet of jello.

Texture

In the case of the prepared jello, it begins to become rubbery with time, so if your prepared jello has turned rubbery, it is totally up to you whether you want to eat it or if you discard it.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does jello last” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of jello. Moreover, we discussed the proper way to store jello and different ways to spot bad jello.

Citations

Does Jello Go Bad