Tortillas can be used for making all types of meals, including Mexican dishes and many kinds of wraps.  If you want to get the most out of a tortillas package, it is best to know when they go bad and how to store them.

Quick Answer

Yes, Tortillas can go bad.  Tortillas can be stored in the pantry for 1-2 weeks unless they are homemade.  Homemade Tortillas last for 3 days in the pantry.  The best way to keep Tortillas for immediate use is in the fridge.  Refrigerating packaged Tortillas extends the shelf life by weeks.  Storing them in the freezer is the best way to extend the shelf life for 6-8 months past the end date.

There are several types of Tortillas such as flour, spinach, wheat, corn, and homemade.  Each type of Tortilla has a different shelf-life depending on storage.

Do Tortillas Go Bad? How long do Tortillas last?

Yes, Tortillas can go bad.   Packaged Tortillas have a best-by date, but this is not an end-date.  Here are some estimations for how long Tortillas can be stored in the pantry, fridge, and freezer.

How Long Do Tortillas Last in Pantry

You want to store Tortillas in a place where they are in a cool, dry area.  Temperature changes produce moisture which can cause spoilage.

Flour/Spinach/Wheat:  A package of flour, spinach, or wheat Tortillas can maintain in the pantry for a week.  Using a resealable bag to keep them fresh will help maintain freshness.

Corn: Corn Tortillas can remain in the pantry for 7-10 days. Using a resealable bag can help to maintain freshness.

Homemade:  Homemade tortillas last for 2-3 days stored in a pantry.

Storing Tortillas in the pantry is best when you are going to use or eat them immediately.

How Long Does Tortillas Last in the Fridge

Storing Tortillas in the refrigerator is a great way to extend its shelf life by weeks.

Flour/Spinach/Wheat:  Store flour, spinach, and wheat Tortillas in the refrigerator. They will last for 3-4 weeks in a resealable bag. Release all the air from the bag before storing them will help them stay fresh.

Corn:  Corn tortillas can remain fresh in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks.  Keeping them in an airtight container will help them maintain freshness.

Homemade:  Homemade tortillas don’t last quite as long as those that are manufactured.  Homemade Tortillas can be kept in the fridge for 5-7 days if kept in an airtight container.

How Long Does Tortillas Last in the Freezer

The best way to store Tortillas for an extended time is by properly storing them in the freezer.

Flour/Spinach/Wheat:  Freezing Tortillas is the best way to extended shelf-life. If properly frozen, Tortillas can last from 8 months in the freezer.  To ensure no sticking freeze tortillas with dividers between.

Corn/Homemade:  Tortillas, if frozen individually, can last for up to 8 months in the freezer.

The best way to store Tortillas for immediate use is in the refrigerator.   If you do not plan on using or eating it quickly, then freezing is the best option for storing them.

How to Tell if Tortillas are Bad? How to Tell if Tortillas are Fresh?

Tortillas are fresh when they are soft and pliable.  There are ways to tell if the Tortillas are going bad if they change in appearance or texture.

Mold:  Always check the package of Tortillas for mold before use.  It is time to discard if they have any mold growth on them.  Not only will the Tortillas not taste good, but they can make you sick.

Appearance: Tortillas should be discarded if they are discolored or have dark specks.

Texture: If the tortillas are hard, they are stale and should be discarded.

Smell:  Tortillas have a subtle smell to them, but discard them if they have an off odor.

If none of these signs are present, you should be able to use the Tortillas for your meal prep.

How to Store Tortillas?

To maximize the shelf life of Tortillas there are a few things to remember.

Counter/Pantry: Ensure the Tortillas are stored in a cool, dark area. If the original package is not resealable, then use a resealable bag for storage. Premade Tortillas can last for up to 10 days in the pantry. Homemade Tortillas lasts for a few days.

Fridge:  Using a sealed storage bag or container can help Tortillas remain fresh for up to a week if homemade.  Store-bought Tortillas can last for 3-4 weeks, while corn Tortillas last for up to 8 weeks.

Freezer: The best way to extend the storage life of Tortillas is to freeze them. They last for up to 8 months in the freezer. Separate the Tortillas with your choice of divider before freezing.

The best way to store Tortillas for an extended time is to place them in the freezer.

Can You Freeze Tortillas? How?

Yes, you can freeze Tortillas. Separate them before storing them. This will prevent them from freezing together which causes them to stick when thawed.

Dividers: Choose what type of divider you prefer to use between each tortilla.  You can use parchment paper, foil or even bread crumbs spread evenly between each.

Wrap:  Using a freezer-safe storage bag be sure to expel all the air from the bag before sealing.  Adding a label is optional.

Package: Portioning the Tortillas before freezing them would also be helpful. You can put each portioned package in a larger storage bag to prevent refreezing. Refreezing Tortillas is not recommended.

The best way to store Tortillas in the freezer is individually wrapped.  This prevents them from sticking after the freezing and thawing process.

How to Thaw Tortillas?

Tortillas thaw in no time individually. They can be defrosted at room temperature or stove.

Room Temperature:  It takes a single Tortilla about 10 minutes to thaw out at room temperature.  You can then reheat it as you usually would for meal preparation.

Stove:  You could also warm it up for a couple of minutes in a non-stick pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat expired Tortillas? Yes, Tortillas can be eaten after the best-by-date because it is not an expiration date.  It is only an estimation for how long the Tortillas will remain at their best quality.  Check for signs of spoilage such as mold, discoloration, stiff or odor before using.

How can you use frozen and thawed Tortillas?  You can use frozen and thawed Tortillas just as you would use fresh ones.  You can use them in any recipe that calls for their use such as tacos, wraps, roll-ups, burritos, fajitas, etc.

Wrap Up

Different kinds of Tortillas expire at different rates. Homemade Tortillas can last 3-4 days in the pantry, 7 days in the refrigerator, and up to 8 months in the freezer. Flour, spinach, and wheat Tortillas last for a week in the pantry. The type of Tortillas can last for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Corn Tortillas last for 10 days in the pantry, 6-8 weeks in the fridge, and up to 8 months in the freezer.