If you like pancakes, you may be wondering if pancake mix can go bad. Pancake mix can sit in the pantry for an extended period, and you may become worried about if the mixture is still useable.

Quick Answer

Pancake mix can indeed go bad if it is not stored correctly. An unopened mix can last up to one year, but it can lead to mold growth and a sour mix if the bag is opened. If you have opened the mix, it should be used within six months of being opened and refrigerated.

Knowing how you can store pancake mix can help prolong its life and keep you making light and fluffy pancakes. Read on to determine the different ways you can make the most of your pancake mix.

Does Pancake Mix Go Bad? How Long Does Pancake Mix Last?

Pancake mix can go bad and not last long, depending on how the pancake mix is stored. There are multiple ways to ensure you are using a good and fresh pancake mix, no matter how often you make pancakes.

How Long Does Pancake Mix Last Outside?

When a pancake mix is unopened in its box, it can last up to 12 months. Most expiration dates are centered around this twelve-month date. As long as the pancake mix is stored in an airtight container, such as the sealed bag in the box, it will keep to that expiration date.

If a pancake mix is opened, it should not be stored in anything that can allow moisture to get into it. This includes leaving the opened mix in the box without it being closed. By not storing it correctly, mold can grow in the mix and spoil it.

Pancake mix that is already opened can be stored in an airtight container in your pantry. This will keep the mixture from collecting moisture and allow you to use the mix for a more extended period of up to three to six months.

How Long Does Pancake Mix Last in the Fridge?

Storing pancake mix in the fridge can help alleviate some mold growth in your pancake mix. The cool environment can help keep the mix fresh and ensure that moisture is less of your pancake’s issue.

Unopened and opened pancake mix can be stored in the fridge. In both cases, the container used to store the mixture needs to be airtight. The refrigerator can cause moisture, and to keep that out, an airtight container would be best.

The fridge will help freeze the molding process and allow the mix to be used for 3 to 6 months. This process can be better for your mix if you are not using all your mix at once to keep it fresh.

How Long Does Pancake Mix Last in the Freezer?

The freezing process should not be used for the mix but can be used to add ingredients to the mix. If you made pancakes and have the mixture leftover, using the freezer can help your pre-made mix last longer.

Pancake mix can last in the freezer for up to 24 months after it is made if kept at a constant temperature. Just like when storing pancake mix in the freezer, you need to make sure it is stored in an airtight container to eliminate moisture contamination.

The cold temperature in the freezer will help keep the leavening agents from spoiling and keep the pancakes fluffy when cooked. The mix’s freezing will help avoid dense pancakes and keep the pre-made mix viable for a more extended period.

Conclusion

Whether you are storing pancake mix in the pantry, fridge, or freezer, the most important takeaway is that you store it in an airtight container. An airtight container will help your mix stay fresh for the most extended time.

How To Tell If Pancake Mix Has Gone Bad / How To Know Pancake Mix is Fresh?

There are a couple of different ways to know if your pancake mix has gone bad.

Appearance: When looking at your mix, if you notice blue and green flecks, it has gone bad. These colors signify mold is present in the mixture and should not be used; it will create dense and inedible pancakes. The fresh mix will be sandy in color, and your pancakes will be light and fluffy.

Odor: If the mix smells sour or moldy, it has gone bad. The smell is a signal not to use the pancake mix because the leavening agents have gone bad and can cause you to become ill. Fresh pancake mix will smell fresh and smell like the flour and other ingredients in the blend.

Taste: If you are still unsure if your pancakes are right, you can taste the mix. If it is terrible, it will taste sour and almost fermented in flavor. This can be because the leavening agents will be turning and will become unusable.

How to Store Pancake Mix?

Storing pancake mix requires much of the same processes whether you keep it in the pantry, fridge, or freezer.

Container: When storing the pancake mix, it needs to be held in an airtight container. This can consist of a freezer bag or a box that can ensure no air will get into the leavening agents. If the bag gains moisture, it can be an issue for the ingredients and cause mold to grow, and the mix becomes unusable.

Time: If it is already mixed, it should only be stored in the freezer to keep the mix good for up to 24 months. If the mixture is not incorporated, it can be held in the fridge or the pantry for upwards of six months.

Can You Freeze Pancake Mix? How?

Freezing pancake mix is possible, but only if it is thoroughly mixed with other ingredients. If the blend itself is placed in the freezer, it may gain too much moisture.

Create The Mix: Add the ingredients, such as egg, milk, and oil, to the mix and make sure it is thoroughly mixed.

Container: Place the mix in an airtight container. You can put it in a freezer bag and clip the end to just pour it out of the bag. Ensure whatever you are using can expand and be laid flat not to get ruined or ruin the container.

Time: After it has been frozen, it can be used for up to 24 months.

Place in Freezer: Place the mix in the freezer and keep it at a consistent temperature. If it is not supported at a constant temperature, mold and mildew can build up if the container is not stored correctly.

How to Thaw Pancake Mix?

If you want to make pancakes in the morning, you can thaw your mix a couple of different ways.

Bowl of hot water: You can thaw mix in a bowl of hot water. Place a bag of the mixture in a bowl of hot water to soften it. This is a quicker way to thaw the mix because it does not take long for the hot water to melt the mix altogether.

Refrigerator: If you are thawing pancake mix overnight, it should be done in the fridge. The fridge will keep the ingredients from spoiling and help them completely thaw before using.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pancake Mix’s Shelf Life

What happens if you eat expired pancake mix? You can get too sick if you eat an expired mix. The expired mix can have collected mold and can be severely harmful to your health, especially if you have allergies to mold. The expired mix will taste sour and create dense pancakes that can be difficult on your stomach if eaten.

Why does my pancake batter turn gray? If the pancake mix is placed in the fridge, it can go gray. This is nothing to worry about. Gray is created because it is a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction is harmless and may be caused by leavening agents. Just smell the batter before you use it.

Wrap Up

If you like to make pancakes, knowing how to keep your mix fresh and usable is essential. If you follow these tips, you will be able to make pancakes for up to 24 months past the mix’s initial mixing.