You've made the perfect batch of popcorn — crisp, buttery, and utterly delicious. But just three days later? It turns into sad, stale, and chewy kernels you feel like tossing out.
So does popcorn go bad? Yes, but probably not in the way you think. Popcorn rarely spoils in a dangerous way, but it definitely loses its appeal when it isn't crunchy. Popped corn goes stale within days when exposed to air and moisture, while unpopped kernels can last years if you store them well.
The good news: storing popcorn properly can keep it fresh for weeks (or even months). Whether you're wondering how long that bag of popping corn in your pantry will last or trying tonight's movie night batch, we detail exactly how to keep your popcorn crispy and fresh.
How Long Does Popcorn Last?
Popped Popcorn: 5 Days to 2 Weeks
Once kernels are popped, the clock starts ticking. Plain popcorn stored in an airtight container at room temperature stays fresh for 1-2 weeks. But when you leave it exposed to air (like in a bowl on your dining table), don't be surprised if it turns stale within 2-3 days.
Seasoned or buttered popcorn has an even shorter lifespan, typically lasting 3-5 days in an airtight container. If you drizzled a lot of butter over your popcorn, the oils and fats in it can go rancid fast, affecting taste and freshness.
Unpopped Popcorn Kernels: 6 Months to 2 Years
PRO TIP: Pop kernels in small batches and portions to maintain freshness and minimize waste.
How to Safely Store Popped Popcorn
The secret to keeping popped popcorn fresh is all about keeping moisture and air away.
Follow these steps to store it properly:
Step 1: Cool Completely
Wait for your popcorn to reach room temperature before storing. Hot popcorn creates condensation inside containers, which turns it soggy and more prone to staleness. Wait at least 15-20 minutes after popping.
Step 2: Choose an Airtight Container
Your storage container makes all the difference. Your best options would be:
- Mason jars with tight-sealing lids
- Resealable plastic bags
- Food storage containers with rubber-sealed lids
- Metal tins with secure closures — great for blocking out light
Remember, air is the enemy. Don't leave your popcorn in open bowls or loosely covered containers.
Step 3: Remove Excess Air
If you're going with a resealable bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it. For rigid containers, fill them all the way if you can to minimize the air space inside. Less air means slower staleness.
Step 4: Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Keep your popcorn away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humid areas. Your pantry shelf makes the ideal spot!
How to Store Unpopped Popcorn Kernels
Unpopped kernels have a much longer lifespan than popped corn, but you still need to store them properly for best popping results. Keep these best practices in mind:
Use Airtight Containers
Transfer kernels from their original packaging into airtight containers. Like we mentioned earlier, the goal is to keep moisture out while preserving the kernels' natural moisture content.
Keep Them Cool and Dark
Stash your kernels in the pantry where it's cool and dark.
Stay Away from Excess Moisture
External moisture can cause mold, so keep your kernels away from humid areas and double-check that their container is dry before adding them.
Test Older Kernels
Just found a container of kernels hiding at the back of your cupboard? To find out whether these are still good, pop a small batch. If less than 90% of the batch pops, they've lost too much moisture and you're better off using new kernels.
Special Storage Considerations
If you live in a humid environment, you'll want to:
- Add moisture-absorbing packets (like silica gel packets) to your storage container
- Check stored popcorn more frequently for signs of moisture or staleness
- Go for metal tins over glass jars — they offer better humidity protection
Will Expired Popcorn Make You Sick?
Depending on when it expired, it can. Unpopped corn kernels that take on excess moisture create the perfect environment for mold to thrive. If you happen to eat moldy, expired popcorn, you could get sick.
It’s better to err on the side of caution. Even if the popcorn hasn’t turned moldy, expired popcorn can still taste stale or rancid.
The moral of the story? Throw any expired popcorn out and stick to eating your popcorn while it’s fresh and within its best-by date.
Enjoy Your Popcorn for Longer
Popcorn is a great-tasting snack that will keep on your shelf for a long time as long as you store it properly. To extend its shelf life, choose unpopped kernels and stash them in a dark, cool, and dry place.
This way, you’ll enjoy this delicious snack whenever the cravings strike without worrying about its quality.
If you want to avoid making too much popcorn, Popsmith's pre-measured popcorn kits are here to the rescue. Each kit comes with kernels, coconut oil, and seasoning — everything you need to make 4 servings of yummy popcorn. Choose between Oh Sooo Buttery and Classic Kettle Popcorn, or grab our Bundle 'n Save deal now for the best of both worlds!
Food Safety FAQs About Popcorn
Do bags of popcorn and microwave popcorn have different expiration dates?
They sure do! Bagged popcorn usually lasts between 1-2 weeks once opened and 2-4 weeks if unopened. Opening the bag dramatically cuts the shelf life by allowing oxygen and moisture to get into the popcorn.
Meanwhile, microwave popcorn can last up to 8 months unpopped thanks to the kernels being in dark, airtight packaging. But the second you pop microwave popcorn, its expiration date will drop to 1-2 weeks, just like an open bag of popcorn.
Can seasoning change the shelf life of popcorn?
Popcorn tastes best flavored. The downside is all that seasoning can cut its shelf life.
Seasoning typically needs butter or oil to stick to popcorn. These add extra moisture to the popcorn. And, as you know, this moisture will reduce the lifespan of your popcorn — leaving it with a chewy or soggy texture.
If you made a large batch of popcorn, season only the amount you plan to eat. Store the rest in an airtight container and flavor it when you’re ready.
How do I know if my popcorn has gone bad?
When asking “When does popcorn expire?”, the next question is often “How do I know if my popcorn has gone bad?”.
The first sign that popcorn has gone bad is if it’s chewy instead of fluffy and crunchy. Stale popcorn is often a sign that the snack isn't fresh, especially if it tastes that way as soon as it’s popped.
Another way to tell whether popcorn isn’t safe to eat is by the smell. If there’s a moldy or rancid smell coming from either popped or unpopped popcorn, steer clear. Some risks of moldy popcorn include respiratory problems, allergies, and digestive issues. Make sure you triple-check if the popcorn has passed its expiry date.
If your popcorn is just slightly stale but not spoiled, don't throw it out yet! Try spreading it on a baking sheet and warming it in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore some crispness. You can also get creative with these leftover popcorn ideas.
We recommend popping small batches of popcorn to extend the shelf life and enjoy each batch while it's fresh.
