Are you a fan of ramen? Me too! I am sure you must’ve stocked a big pile of ramen noodles in your pantry. But do you know how long do ramen noodles last?
Ramen noodles come in three different types: fresh, wheat, and instant noodles. The shelf life of ramen noodles can vary depending on several factors.
Instant ramen noodles can last for several months, up to a year, and even after expiration. Wheat ramen noodles last for 3-6 months past the best-by date, whereas fresh ramen noodles have a shelf life of 2-3 weeks when refrigerated.
In this article, we will talk more about the shelf life of ramen noodles, their storage, and signs that tell it has gone bad. Let’s find out all this information to enjoy the best quality ramen bowl.
How Long Do Ramen Noodles Last?
| Type | Pantry | Fridge |
|---|---|---|
| Instant ramen noodles | Best-by + 1 year | – |
| Wheat ramen noodes | Best-by + 3 – 6 months | – |
| Fresh ramen noodles | – | 2 – 3 weeks |
Ramen noodles come in three varieties and have different shelf lives. Instant ramen noodles have a longer shelf life as compared to wheat and fresh ramen. It can last up to several months, even after crossing the best-by date.
On the other hand, wheat ramen noodles are not highly processed. Thus, they can be enjoyed till their best-by date and 3-6 months after. Their quality will begin to degrade thereafter.
Fresh ramen noodles have the shortest shelf life. They can only be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
Additionally, if the noodles have been cooked, they should be consumed within a few hours and stored in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Leftover cooked ramen noodles should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within 2-3 days.
It’s important to note that these periods are only a rough estimate of the shelf life of ramen noodles. They can vary depending on the storage condition and the type of packaging.
Do Ramen Noodles Go Bad Easily?
You have got a rough estimation of the shelf life of ramen noodles. But ramen noodles can go bad beyond their expiration date or if they are not stored properly.
Factors affecting the quality of ramen noodles include exposure to uneven temperature, moisture, and handling. Let’s find out how to check the quality of your ramen noodles and the best ways to store them.
How To Tell If Ramen Noodles Have Gone Bad?
Are you planning to have a ramen bowl tonight with the leftover ramen noodles? Did you check for its quality? Below are the signs that indicate your ramen noodles have gone bad.
1. Appearance
The first thing to check before consuming an old packet of ramen noodles is its appearance. If you find a difference in the color or texture of the noodles, it could be a sign that they have gone bad.
For example, if the noodles are discolored, have dark spots, or are slimy or sticky, they may no longer be safe to eat. Additionally, if you find any bugs or mold, it’s time to discard them.
2. Smell
When you open a packet of ramen noodles and find an odd or unpleasant odor in your cooked ramen, they may have gone bad.
3. Taste
Lastly, if all the above factors seem okay, taste your noodles. If the noodles taste sour, bitter, or off in any way, it’s best to discard them.
Can We Eat Expired Ramen Noodles?
Most of the time, we tend to forget some food items kept in our pantries and discover them to find they have crossed their expiration date.
But we also sometimes take it casually and consume such products. Doing so can put our health at risk, but there are some factors that we should consider before eating food that has crossed its best-by date.
So, what do you do in the case of ramen noodles? Although it is best to consume ramen noodles before their expiration date to enjoy their best quality, they can be eaten after they cross their expiration date. However, you should make sure that they show no sign of spoilage.
If you find a change in their appearance, taste, or smell, it’s best to discard them and purchase a new packet of ramen noodles. These changes should especially be looked out for in open packets of ramen noodles.
How To Store Ramen Noodles?
Ramen noodles can be enjoyed for a long time if stored properly. Follow the steps below to ensure their proper storage.
- Ramen noodles should be kept in their original packaging or transferred to an airtight container to minimize exposure to air and moisture.
- They should be stored in a dry place and at a cool and constant temperature. Storing ramen noodles in a pantry or cupboard is a good option.
- If you have an opened packet of ramen noodles, reseal it tightly and use them within a few days.
- Ramen noodles are also available in frozen packs. Store them in the freezer at all times and take out small quantities as required.
- Cooked ramen noodles should be consumed immediately. Any leftover ramen should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should also be consumed within 2-3 days.
Can We Freeze Ramen Noodles?
Freezing is a good option to extend the life of food items. However, in the case of ramen noodles, only fresh noodles can be frozen. You can place them in the freezer in their original packet. If opened, they can be frozen again in a resealable freezer bag.
Dried ramen noodles will only become drier in the freezer. It would further lead to spoilage as they will break into smaller pieces when thawed.
Conclusion
Ramen noodles are a great food item to add to your pantry to beat untimely hunger pangs. But like every food item, they come with a shelf life. You can extend the shelf life of ramen by storing them properly.
That’s all about ramen noodles and their shelf life. If you have any more questions regarding them, drop them in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can we eat expired ramen noodles?
If your expired packets of ramen noodles show no signs of spoilage, they can be eaten.
How long do homemade ramen noodles last?
Homemade ramen noodles have a short shelf life. They last for 2-3 weeks.
Can we freeze ramen?
Only fresh ramen noodles can be frozen.
How should ramen noodles be stored?
Ramen noodles should be stored in a cool and dry place. Storing them in a pantry or a cupboard is a good idea.
