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How long does honey last?
Updated 2026-05-13 · USDA FoodKeeper & FDA guidelines
Pantry / counter
indefinite
Indefinite — honey is the longest-lasting food on earth
The short answer
Honey lasts as long as you store it correctly — which can mean anywhere from a few days on the counter to a year in the freezer. The numbers above represent best quality per USDA and FDA guidelines, not absolute safety limits.
Why these numbers vary
Bee-made sweetener. Storage life depends on temperature consistency, humidity, packaging, and how fresh it was when you got it. Refrigerators that swing between 38°F and 45°F shave days off these numbers; vacuum-sealing or freezing extends them.
How to tell if honey is bad
- Crystallization is NORMAL — warm jar in hot water bath
- Fermentation (rare with raw honey)
Storage tips
- 3000-year-old honey from Egyptian tombs is still edible
- Crystallized? Place jar in warm water
- Don't refrigerate — speeds crystallization
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Frequently asked questions
How long does honey last in the pantry / counter?
Honey lasts indefinite in the pantry / counter. Indefinite — honey is the longest-lasting food on earth
How can you tell if honey is bad?
Watch for: Crystallization is NORMAL — warm jar in hot water bath; Fermentation (rare with raw honey).