I consulted an expert to find out how to extend my flour’s shelf life.

Arguably, the key ingredient in just about any dessert is flour.

Ever opened up a bag of all-purpose to find some unwanted friends crawling inside?

Packages of king arthur bread on a store shelf

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Or have you ever mixed almond flour into your batter before you realized it went rancid?

Simply Recipes / Lori Rice

How Long Does Flour Last?

Therefore, it’s difficult to provide a specific time range.

A bunch of colorful bowls with flour in them

Simply Recipes / Lori Rice

For any flour,the key is to first check the expiration date, says Wanders.

The expired flour won’t taste as good as fresh flour.

How To Store Flour To Lengthen Its Shelf Life

For longer-lasting flour, store it correctly.

King Arthur Flour on a kitchen counter

Simply Recipes / Andy Christensen

The best way to keep any flour safe from spoiling is to transfer it to an airtight container ASAP.

Smell It: Give the flour a sniff.

Wander says that white flours that smell sour, musty, or rancid should be tossed.

These flours should have a neutral scent with a faint wheaty aroma.

For whole wheat and whole grain flour, it should not smell rancid or play-doh like.