Grains, Beans & Pasta

How long does uncooked white or wild rice last in the pantry?

2 years
Pantry, from purchase — USDA FoodKeeper guidance for rice (white or wild)

Sealed white or wild rice keeps 2 years in the pantry and 1 year after opening, against 6 months in the fridge — leave it in the cupboard in a sealed jar and it outlasts almost everything near it.

How long does it keep?

Pantry, from purchase 2 years
Pantry, opened 1 year
Fridge, opened 6 months

Can it sit out?

Uncooked white rice is shelf-stable, so sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question — storage time is.

The 2-hour rule, in full →

How to tell if uncooked white rice has gone bad

  • Moths, or small beetles moving in the bag
  • A musty smell from grain that’s taken on damp
  • Discolored or clumping grains

When in doubt, throw it out.

Quick answers

How long does uncooked white or wild rice last in the pantry?

Sealed white or wild rice keeps 2 years in the pantry and 1 year after opening, against 6 months in the fridge — leave it in the cupboard in a sealed jar and it outlasts almost everything near it.

How long can uncooked white rice sit out?

Sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question for uncooked white rice — storage time is.