How Long Do Bagels Last?: Who doesn’t love the aroma of freshly baked bagels? Bagels are these yummy sugary treats that can brighten up any menu. Moreover, their aesthetic colors and soft texture substantially augment their likeability. So, if you have already bought bagels, you may be wondering how long bagels last. Also, it is quite difficult to gorge on the whole box in one go, therefore, it is necessary to know whether you store them open or in the refrigerator. No worries, we got you covered!!
In this article, we will talk about the shelf life of bagels, their storage techniques, variable expiry dates, and whether you can eat expired bagels or not. So, read through to discover more.
- How Long Do Bagels Last?
- Do Bagels Need To Be Refrigerated?
- How To Store Bagels?
- How To Defrost The Bagels?
- How To Tell If Bagels Are Bad?
- How do you know when bagels go bad?
- How long do bagels last in the pantry?
- Is it safe to eat bagels after the expiration date?
How Long Do Bagels Last?
The exact shelf life of bagels depends on a multitude of factors such as the storage conditions in the bakery from where you bought them, the room temperature, and the time that has passed before you purchased them. Given that they are perishable baked items, it is quite tricky to extend their shelf life. However, if you use the correct strategies to store bagels then you can consume them for longer durations.
The estimated shelf life of bagels is given below for various conditions.
Type of Bagel | Shelf Life At Room Temperature | Shelf Life in the Freezer |
---|---|---|
Unopened Bagel Packing | 3-5 days | 1 month |
Opened Bagel | Up to 2 days | 15-20 days |
Do Bagels Need To Be Refrigerated?
The most scrumptious part of any bagel is its crust and soft texture. So, it wouldn’t make any sense to eat a bagel that lacks both of them. If you store your bagels in the refrigerator, either in a plastic bag or a glass bowl, they will eventually turn stale and develop a layer of rind over them. Therefore, avoid storing the bagels in the refrigerator even if it minutely affects the shelf life.
If you are sure about eating them in a day or so, then it is better to leave them in their original packing at room temperature on your kitchen counter. This will better preserve the bagel’s crust and keep them fresh. On the other hand, if you are saving them up for a special party, then it is advisable that you keep them in a sealed plastic bag. Try squeezing out all the air without crumbling the crust and place the bag at room temperature. It will decrease the chances of bagels getting moldy.
How To Store Bagels?
In order to store bagels, you can directly place them inside clean plastic bags. Afterward, keep those bags on your kitchen counter or in a slightly cooler place like your pantry. This process will help bagels last for up to 5 days.
Although bagels taste the best when they are fresh, if you wish to keep them edible for at least a week, then keep them in airtight sealed bags at room temperature only. Likewise, freezing them after slicing can keep them fresh and preserve the crust for even a month. Lastly, it is up to you how long you wish to keep your bagels.
Learn about similar articles i.e. How Long Does Pita Bread Last and understand shelf life, storage practices, and tips to keep them fresh.
How To Defrost The Bagels?
Stored your bagels the right way in your freezer and now need them urgently? The most common issue in such situations is defrosting frozen bagels. No one likes eating lukewarm bagels, forget about the frozen ones. So, if you wish to serve your guests fresh and crispy bagels, then you can try our authentic defrosting techniques.
Thankfully, defrosting bagels is not rocket science. Simply freeze the bagels in slices and directly put them in a toaster after taking them out. Tada!! You get your crispy warm bagels within a few minutes. However, it is necessary to keep in mind that you shall never leave the frozen bagels at room temperature as it may exacerbate their stale states. Also, once defrosted, there is no turning back and you cannot freeze them again. So, take out the precise amount that you want to eat.
How To Tell If Bagels Are Bad?
If those bagels have been lying in your freezer for a very long time or if you have received expired bagels by mistake, it is natural to wonder whether they are safe to be eaten or not. We will be telling you a few sure-shot ways to identify healthy bagels so that you can discard the old ones.
- The most obvious way to declare any bagel unhealthy is by observing its appearance. If it has a moldy appearance or has a brown/ blue/ black surface, then you should discard it immediately. Cutting off the moldy part won’t help because the pathogens may penetrate the soft crust anyway.
- If your bagels taste anything other than sweet, then they are better off in a trashcan than in your freezer.
- The bagels that have gone bad can taste salty sometimes.
- Any “funny” smell coming off your bagels clearly indicates that you should get rid of them. After all, eating any unhealthy bagel can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach ache.
If you have expired bagels that are still fresh and unopened, then you may consume them within 2 days of unpacking. Otherwise, it is suitable to err on the side of caution and throw them away.
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FAQs on How Long Do Bagels Last?
1. How do you know when bagels go bad?
The 4 red flags that can be easily spotted while looking for bad bagels are – discoloration, foul odor, hard texture, and moldy appearance. If you find any one of them, it is advisable that you discard those bagels. Also, avoid cutting off the moldy portions as it will not improve the edibility of bagels.
2. How long do bagels last in the pantry?
If you store the unopened bagels inside an airtight sealed bag, then they will last up to a week inside the kitchen pantry. However, any contact with the outside environment will drastically increase the likelihood of spoilage in bagels.
3. Is it safe to eat bagels after the expiration date?
Yes, absolutely. Most companies that label bagel packaging with the expiry dates use the metrics to gauge the best “use by” date i. e. The time up to which bagels will taste fresh. So, if you are okay with eating a little stale bagel or toasting them naturally, then you can easily and safely eat an expired bagel.
Summary
We hope this article answered all your questions about bagels and their shelf life. Next time you happily enjoy these sweet treats, you won’t have to worry about storing them and the options available. However, given the number of processed ingredients used in bagels, they should be consumed only in moderation. Stay tuned for more such articles like How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last and about your favorite foods, desserts, and drinks.