Does Popcorn Go Bad

February 28, 2023

All There Is To Know About Popcorn and Its Expiration

Is your popcorn expired, and you don’t know what to do with your fluffy masses of crunchy snacks? Or are you worried about your popcorn that’s just about to expire? Well, fret not! Popcorn expires, but it can get consumed beyond its sell-by or best-by date. However, you’ll need to taste the popcorn’s palatability and learn some stale popcorn revival techniques.

So, what’s the shelf life of popcorn, and what can you do with expired popcorn? Read on for insightful tips on dealing with expiration issues of your favorite movie and sporting event snack.

What’s the Shelf Life of Popcorn Stored in the Pantry?

The pantry is a dry and cool place ideal for popcorn storage. The use of airtight popcorn containers and bags also lengthens the shelf life of your popcorn by keeping out excess moisture and ensuring that the popped kernels don’t dry out. So, how long is popcorn good after it has expired?

A factory-sealed airtight bag of un-popped popcorn kernels stored in your pantry may last for two years or more. But you should pop and use them at least six months after purchase. Otherwise, they may be less fluffy and hard to pop consistently.

With proper pantry storage, your homemade, microwave-popped, or opened popped popcorn bags and tins may last for 1 – 2 weeks. The unopened packaged popped popcorn may last for 1 – 2 months, and the microwave unopened packaged popcorn may last for up to 2 – 3 months in your pantry. But the stated shelf life for such packaged popcorn is only attainable if the seals are airtight.

Does Your Microwave-Popped Popcorn Expire?

Yes. Like other foods with processed oils, seasoning, and fats, your microwave popcorn may get rancid. But it takes a while before becoming stale, and the popcorn may last for approximately 6 – 8 months if stored properly. Microwave popcorn may also get used 2 – 3 months after its sell-by date, but it tends to become stale faster than your regular popcorn.

So, Should You Eat Your Expired Popcorn?

Yes. You can consume your popcorn after the expiration date. But after two or more months, your popcorn may become excessively dry, have an unusual taste, smell off, and get moldy and rubbery. Expired popcorn with mold and an off or awful smell may not be edible. But there are various ways to revive stale popcorn that may have an unusual taste or a rubbery and dry nature.

How Can You Use Your Old Topsys Popcorn?

Topsys popcorn tins and bags are expensive goodies perfect for all your social occasions and events, and discarding expired popcorn should be the last resort. But if your popcorn has expired recently, here are some hacks and tricks to use your stale popcorn.

  • You can steam your un-popped popcorn kernels to get them moist for fresh popping
  • You may bake your stale popcorn to make wafer cookies
  • You can use your stale popcorn to top fruit crumbles and crisps
  • You can shape it into baked masses of popcorn balls.

Always Go for the Best Popcorn in Town

Topsys’ popcorn is an ideal and iconic snack for any event. You can buy the crunchy, salty, and flavorful masses of popped kernels of corn from Topsys by placing an order on Topsys’ online platform. Alternatively, you can call Topsys at (816)523-5555 or visit one of Topsys’ brick-and-mortar establishments in Kansas City.