Does Tofu Go Bad in the Fridge? How to Store It?

Tofu has become one of the most popular plant-based foods worldwide. But what makes it so special?

Well, people can buy it from almost all nearby grocery stores. Usually, it is offered fresh so that you can enjoy it to the fullest.

However, people are still confused about storing tofu. Does it go well in the fridge? Or does tofu go bad in the fridge? Let’s find out!

Does Tofu Go Bad in the Fridge?

Generally, tofu can survive up to 5 days after it is opened. However, it can go bad earlier than 3 days if it does not get a consistent temperature.

The most common reason is keeping it too long after opening it. Moreover, inconsistent temperatures can also affect the tofu’s quality significantly.

You can avoid it by opening the refrigerator door less frequently. And keep tofu on one of the main shelves.

How to Know if Tofu Has Gone Bad?

Spoiled tofu develops an unusual smell which is easy to point out. That’s because fresh tofu does not have any odor at all.

Expired tofu also has mold growth. It is caused by harmful bacteria.

While a refrigerator can slow down this process, it does not stop it entirely. You can keep tofu packaged to prevent mold growth.

Additionally, tofu also changes its color after its expiry date. You will notice a dull brown shade instead of a cream color.

How Long Does Tofu Last in the Fridge?

Tofu can last in the fridge for up to 2 months. However, opening its pack can shorten its lifespan to 3-5 days.

Properly storing tofu has many benefits. Tofu will have a slightly longer lifespan if you use a sealed or airtight container. It will survive up to 1-2 months. Otherwise, it will be expired within a week.

According to WIC Works Resource System, tofu removed from its original packaging will expire within 1 week. You can save it in the freezer for up to 5-6 months.

What Happens if You Eat Bad Tofu?

Eating spoiled tofu can have some severe effects on your health. It can cause fever, stomach cramps, etc.

Expired tofu has negative impacts on your stomach. It can cause vomiting as well as cramps. You will also feel nausea and other diseases.

Other issues caused by eating spoiled tofu include headaches, diarrhea, and bloating. It is better to eat tofu before its expiration date.

How to Store Tofu in the Fridge?

You can store tofu in the fridge by covering it in cool water. Choose an appropriate container, and you are all set!

Here is how to store tofu in the fridge explained in detail:

• Take the original tofu tub or another airtight container.
• Wrap tofu around with plastic wrap.
• Fill the container with cool water until the tofu is completely immersed.
• Make sure to change the water regularly to keep it cold.

Changing the water daily can help keep tofu fresh. If you want to preserve it for longer, here’s how to store tofu in the freezer:

• Make sure the tofu is completely dried.
• Put it inside an airtight container.
• Store the tofu container in the freezer.

You might also like to know:

• How Long Does Steak Last
• How Long Does Shrimp Last
• How Long Does Celery Last

How to Store Tofu Without Refrigeration?

You can also store tofu without a refrigerator. For that, you will need an appropriately-sized container filled with cold water.

Here’s how to store tofu without refrigeration:

• Take the original tofu tub. If it is not available, you can use any airtight container.
• Fill the container with cool water.
• Put the tofu inside the water container and ensure it is fully covered.
• Store the container in a cool place away from sunlight, warmth, moisture, etc.

In this method, you have to change the water daily. Changing water multiple times a day will be more feasible if you live in a warmer region.

Do You Have to Store Tofu in Water?

Cool water is a good option to store tofu if you have opened the original packaging. However, you can put it in the refrigerator without water too.

Generally, packed or frozen tofu can last a long time, up to months. But, opening it will shorten its lifespan.

To tackle that, you can store it in cool and fresh water. It is highly recommended for people who do not want to refrigerate tofu.

How Long Does Tofu Last in Water?

If you change the water regularly, tofu can survive up to 10 days.

The key here is proper care. You have to check the water once or twice a day. If you feel that it has gotten warmer, change it right away. Cool water prolongs the freshness and lifespan of tofu.

You can store it in an airtight container and keep the sunlight at bay. These simple tips will help your tofu remain fresh for more than a week.

Wrapping Up

You can cook tofu in many ways, including stovetop, grill, etc. Hundreds of recipes are available to cook this plant-based food.

However, not many people know how to store tofu properly.

We have mentioned all the proven and working methods in this guide. Moreover, we also discussed the dos and don’ts when storing tofu at your home.

Make sure to go through this guide to give your tofu a fresh and long life. This way, you can enjoy it to the fullest!

Crystal Hafley

Crystal Hafley is a dedicated writer and content creator for WorstBrands, where she specializes in writing insightful reviews about kitchen appliances and fashion products.

With her expertise, Crystal provides readers with accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions about the brands and products they use every day. When she's not researching or writing, Crystal enjoys cooking and exploring the latest fashion trends.