Does Popcorn Expire: Food Safety Tips for Unpopped Kernels vs. Popped Popcorn

Popcorn is a staple in millions of American households. It tastes great, has an irresistible aroma, and keeps well — so we'd be surprised if anyone saved it long enough to expire (we know for a fact that many find our Oh Sooo Buttery and Classic Kettle Popcorn Kits irresistible). 

But still, the question remains: does popcorn go bad?

The short answer is yes. Kernels you don't store properly can develop mold while popped popcorn can turn stale. Luckily, you can extend the lifespan of your popcorn and keep kernels fresher for longer.

In this blog post, we’ll share how long popcorn lasts, the best storage conditions, and other frequently asked questions on the topic of keeping popcorn fresh and safe to eat.

Let's get right to it:

How Long Does Popcorn Last?

Popcorn is one of the most shelf-stable snacks around, especially if you go for loose kernels. You can't go wrong adding it to your list of pantry essentials. 

But you have to remember that popcorn still has a best-before date. If you want it fresh, always check the expiration dates and storage instructions.

Average Shelf Life for Popped Popcorn

The next time you make too much popcorn for movie night or can't eat a whole bag of the popcorn you bought from the grocery store, keep in mind that popped popcorn has a much shorter lifespan than unpopped kernels. It stays good for up to 2 weeks.

So how can you tell if popcorn is going bad? The easiest way is to check for staleness. If your popcorn has lost its crunch, that's a telltale sign it's going stale. You can get creative and try these ideas to salvage this leftover popcorn, or you might be better off just popping a fresh batch.

Average Shelf Life for Unpopped Popcorn Kernels

PRO TIP: Pop kernels in small batches and portions to maintain freshness and minimize waste. 

How to Safely Store Popcorn Kernels & Popped Popcorn

The secret to keeping your popcorn fresher lies in your storage method. If you store it properly, it will have a much longer shelf life.

Here's how to do that:

• Stash popcorn in an airtight food storage container. This helps preserve the taste and quality of your favorite snack. 
• Keep it in a dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Your cupboard makes a good spot.

A cool, dark place will provide the longest shelf life for unpopped and popped popcorn kernels. Swap glass jars for metal tins to give your popcorn the perfect balance of light and temperature control.

Will Expired Popcorn Make You Sick?

It can, depending on when it expired. Unpopped corn kernels that take on excess moisture create the perfect environment for mold to thrive. So if you happen to eat moldy, expired popcorn, you could get sick.

It’s best to stay cautious. Even if the popcorn hasn’t turned moldy, expired popcorn can still taste stale or rancid. Throw out any expired popcorn. 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 help 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 popcorn kits are here to the rescue. They come pre-measured with kernels, coconut oil, and seasoning to make 4 servings of yummy popcorn. Choose between Oh Sooo Buttery, Classic Kettle Popcorn, or grab our Starter Set now for the best of both worlds!

Food Safety FAQs About Popcorn

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 has gone bad, 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 of the risks of eating moldy popcorn include respiratory problems, allergies, and digestive issues. Make sure you triple-check if the popcorn has passed its expiry date.

We recommend making small batches of popcorn so you can extend the shelf life and enjoy each batch while it's fresh.

Do bags of popcorn and microwave popcorn have different expiration dates?

They sure do! Bags of popcorn usually last 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.

Microwave popcorn, however, 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 opened bag of popcorn.

Can seasoning change the shelf life of popcorn?

Popcorn tastes best flavored. The downside? All that seasoning can shorten 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, we recommend only seasoning the amount you plan to eat. Store the rest in an airtight container and season it when you’re ready.