Despite What You Might Think, Dried Beans Don't Last Forever (2024)

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Ah beans, where would we be without you? These plant-based proteins are extremely good for you, and there are so many different ways to have them: You might try our Smoky Vegan Black Bean Soup or Pepper and Black Bean Salad with Citrus Dressing, or even Chicken, Sausage and White Bean Stew. Legumes can add some creamy goodness, in addition to soluble and insoluble fiber, to just about any meal.

Given the longer shelf life of dried beans when compared to fresh produce, it makes sense to stock up on these (usually) cost-effective veggies. But just how much should you keep on hand? Just like any food, dried beans don't really last forever — despite how it may seem. Here's what you should know about the shelf life of dried beans.

How long do dried beans last?

According to the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, "if stored properly in a cool, dry place, they have a minimum shelf life of one year, keeping indefinitely and withstanding harsh or tropical environments."

Time alone won't make beans go bad, per se, but they certainly won't taste the same. After 2–3 years, the beans will start losing their nutritional value, and most naturally found vitamins will be gone within 5 years.

If you're unsure about when you bought the bag if beans in the back of pantry, they're probably safe to eat as long as they check out with these standards:

• No signs of pantry bugs — if weevils have made a home in your container or bag, it's time to throw it away.
• No mold growth — Pinto beans are usually a beige/tan color. So if you see mottled skin, dark spots or any visible traces of mold, you should toss them.
• No unusual smells — dried beans should not have a strong smell. If there's a rancid aroma when you open your bag of beans, this cold be a sign of molding, fermentation or pest droppings. Toss 'em!

What's the best way to store dried beans?

The best way to keep your beans fresh is to store them a cool, dry place inside an air tight container. This barrier will prevent air quality from prematurely damaging the beans, so you won't have to worry about the beans drying out or retaining unwanted moisture. If you have multiple bags of different types of beans, you might want to keep them in separate air tight containers — that way one rotten bean won't spoil the bunch.