As much as I love making homemade bread, I can’t deny the handiness of canned biscuits. They’re a lifesaver when I want to make a quick batch of breakfast sandwiches or need a delicious, buttery side dish to go with steak and asparagus.
Unfortunately, though, canned biscuits don’t last forever. Canned biscuits can last at room temperature for two hours, in the refrigerator for up to a month past the expiration date, and up to three months past the expiration date in the freezer – as long as they’re stored properly.
Hello, there! My name’s Michelle, and I’ve enjoyed being a baker for the past ten years. I love learning new facts, especially when it comes to expiration dates. After all, the last thing I want to do is end up serving “old” food that makes my family and me sick.
Let’s discover how long canned biscuits last and how to tell when they’ve gone bad, plus other interesting information!
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Do Canned Biscuits Go Bad?
As much as it would be convenient, canned biscuits don’t last forever and eventually go bad. The good news is that canned biscuits undergo sterilization and preservation processes to extend their shelf life. They still need to be stored correctly, though.
How Long Do Canned Biscuits Last?
Clearly, canned biscuits can and do go bad – just like other bread products. But it’s essential to know how long they last. Here’s a rough breakdown.
1. At Room Temperature (1-2 Hours)
If you look at your package of canned biscuits, you will find words such as “Keep Refrigerated” or “Must Be Refrigerated.” It’s best to follow these guidelines, as canned biscuits are made with perishable ingredients that won’t fare well at room temperature.
Canned biscuits only last up to two hours at room temperature or one hour if it’s a sweltering and humid day. Bacteria can grow in as little as two hours, and you don’t want to consume biscuits that an influx of bacteria has contaminated.
2. In the Refrigerator (1 Month After Expiration Date)
The refrigerator is the very best spot to store your canned biscuits. They will stay at the perfect temperature, halting potential bacterial growth in its tracks. Keep them in the back of your fridge to ensure consistent temperatures.
When stored in the refrigerator, canned biscuits can easily last a month after expiration. While it’s best to consume before the expiry date, a few weeks later is usually a-okay. You will just need to check for signs of spoilage (which we will discuss later in this article!).
Keep in mind that bacterial growth may occur more rapidly if the package of canned biscuits has a crack, hole, or is otherwise compromised or opened. In such instances, canned biscuits likely won’t make it to the one-month mark.
3. In the Freezer (3 Months After Expiration Date)
It’s no secret that the freezer is the best spot for impressively long food storage – including our beloved canned biscuits! Canned biscuits can easily last up to three months beyond the expiration date when stored in the freezer.
In fact, most people argue that canned biscuits are safe to consume beyond the three-month mark. They may lose some quality at this point, though, so I don’t recommend it.
| At Room Temperature | Two Hours |
| In the Fridge | One Month Past Expiration Date |
| In the Freezer | Three Months Past Expiration Date |
How to Freeze Canned Biscuits
Some people don’t think they can freeze canned biscuits, or they don’t know how. But if you bought a ton on sale and don’t want them to go bad before you can gobble them up, the freezer will be a lifesaver.
That said, I wanted to briefly explain how to freeze canned biscuits.
- Leave them in the unopened, uncompromised can. You can simply chuck your can of biscuit dough into the freezer without any prep. Don’t worry; it won’t explode. When ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge for about 24 hours before opening and baking.
- Open, line on a baking sheet, and freeze. You can make life simpler with some prep. Open the can of biscuits, line them on a baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and freeze. You can thaw on the counter for an hour before baking.
How to Tell if Canned Biscuits Are Bad
Eating spoiled food can make you sick, from tummy aches to full-fledged food poisoning that may or may not require medical attention. That said, you need to be well aware of the signs of spoilage when it comes to canned biscuits.
1. Mold (Most Obvious Indicator)
Take a good look at your canned biscuits. Do you notice any discoloration? Mold can present itself in many colors, whether yellow, black, green, or other shades. Regardless of the color, though, you need to toss the canned biscuits.
Mold indicates that canned biscuits have passed their prime and need to be discarded immediately.
2. Rancid Smell (Second Clearest Sign of Spoilage)
Not sure if you see any discoloration? The next option is to give your canned biscuits a whiff. Canned biscuits typically do not have an odor, and if they do, it will be quite pleasant. If your canned biscuits emit an awful odor, they’re spoiled and should be tossed.
3. Bloated Can (Less Common)
If bacteria have found their way into your can of biscuits, they will begin feeding on the dough, creating gasses. Over time, these gasses will cause the can to expand. If you notice that your can of biscuits looks a little bloated, don’t risk it – throw it out and buy or bake fresh.
FAQs
Canned biscuits can go bad over time, but proper storage and an uncompromised package will result in a relatively long shelf life. Check out these frequently asked questions if you want to learn more!
Can expired biscuits make you sick?
Canned biscuits can last beyond their expiration date. It’s better to look for other signs of spoilage, like mold and rancid odors, to determine whether the canned biscuits are safe to consume. Spoiled canned biscuits will likely make you sick with gastrointestinal distress.
Are Pillsbury biscuits safe to eat expired?
As long as the Pillsbury biscuits are stored, unopened in the refrigerator, they will be safe to consume for a month or two past expiration. Remember – you need to check for signs of spoilage rather than depend on the expiration date to determine if they’re safe to consume.
Do refrigerated cinnamon rolls go bad?
Canned cinnamon rolls are just as popular as canned biscuits, and the guidelines for shelf life are about the same.
When unopened and stored properly, they will last up to two hours at room temp, a few weeks past the expiration date in the fridge, and a few months past the expiration date in the freezer.
Final Words
Canned biscuits go bad over time, but they have a pretty grand shelf life – as long as they are stored properly and unopened. You can get the longest longevity when storing in the freezer. If you plan to use them in the upcoming weeks, the back of the fridge is the ideal spot.
How do you store your canned biscuits? Did you know how long they last? Share some thoughts with us!
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