Vegetarian Proteins
How long does tofu last in the fridge?
Tofu keeps 1 week in the fridge — freeze the block instead if you won’t cook it by then; USDA gives it 5 months frozen, and it thaws chewier and better at soaking up sauce.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 1 week |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 5 months |
Can you freeze tofu? FREEZES, BUT… →
Can it sit out?
Tofu is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if tofu has gone bad
- A sour, sharply tangy smell as the tub opens
- A slick, slippery film on the surface of the block
- Water gone cloudy and thickened
- Edges turned tan or beige against the white center
When in doubt, throw it out.
An opened block keeps best submerged in fresh cold water, changed daily — pressed dry and left bare, it sours noticeably sooner.
Quick answers
How long does tofu last in the fridge?
Tofu keeps 1 week in the fridge — freeze the block instead if you won’t cook it by then; USDA gives it 5 months frozen, and it thaws chewier and better at soaking up sauce.
Can you freeze tofu?
Freezing changes tofu on purpose — it comes back chewy and spongy, and it drinks marinade like nothing else in the fridge.
How long can tofu sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to tofu. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).