Are you hungry for breakfast? A bagel is one of the first things that comes to mind. And whether you like raisin, blueberry, or everything bagel flavors, you should know how long they last. After all, who wants to eat a soggy bagel? I most certainly do not!

Hi! My name is Shea, and my family and I eat bagels at least once a week (usually three or four times!). Having said that, I always purchase a fresh pack of bagels on my weekend supermarket run.

While bagels seldom stay more than a week in my home, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. For example, if we are out of town or there is a two-for-one deal, I need to put it somewhere else from my dependable countertop to ensure its durability.

Therefore, if you’re wondering how long bagels last (and how to store them to extend their shelf life), I’m here to help.

Let’s talk about how long bagels truly last.

How Long Do Bagels Last

Bagels may survive as little as two days or as long as six months. It all depends on where you keep your bagels and what you keep them in. Let’s go a little further into the details.

On the Countertop

If you want to eat your bagels in less than a week, the best location to keep them is on the counter at room temperature. That way, they’ll keep their wetness and freshness while maintaining the correct slightly chewy texture.

The way you keep your bagels will determine how long they last at room temperature.

• Bagels may be stored in a paper bag for up to two days.

• Bagels may be stored in a plastic bag for up to seven days.

Check that the bags are completely closed but not too tight around the bagels.

In the Fridge

Most people would tell you to avoid the fridge at all costs when it comes to bread. Nevertheless, to be honest, I keep practically all of my bread in the fridge for short-term storage and have yet to have any problems.

Bagels may be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks if placed in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag.

If you take them out and they are dried out or taste stale, spray them with water and toast them. They’ll revert to their original, delectable condition.

You may alternatively spray it with water and reheat it in the oven for five minutes at 350F, or microwave it for 30 seconds wrapped in a moist paper towel.

In the Freezer

If you want to keep your bagels for a long time, store them in your freezer. Bagels may be stored in the freezer for up to three months at their freshest. They will still be edible after 6 months, although they may be stale and dried out.

To freeze bagels, split them in half and wrap the individual pieces in plastic wrap. Finally, put the slices in a freezer-safe plastic bag. This will make it simple to remove the appropriate amount of bagels when needed, with no faults such as freezer burn.

When you’re ready to eat, don’t let the bagel defrost. Bagels that have been thawed do not return to their original form. Instead, toast them in the toaster or heat them in the oven at 350°F.

Homemade Bagels

Handmade bagels are certainly wonderful, and you can easily produce a variety of tastes. They also have a relatively long shelf life.

Handmade bagels may be stored at room temperature for four to seven days, in the fridge for two weeks, or in the freezer for up to three months.

Place each bagel in its own paper bag. After that, put all of the paper bags in an extra-large resealable freezer bag. This will greatly increase lifespan.

How to Tell if Bagels Have Gone Bad (4 Signs)

The shelf life shown above are just estimates. Just because a bagel can survive that long doesn’t mean it should. With this in mind, the best thing you can do is keep an eye out for symptoms that your bagels have gone bad.

1. Discoloration

The first step is to inspect your bagel. Is there any evidence of discoloration? If there is even a single spot on your bagel, it must be discarded. Don’t attempt to eat it since it might be mold in its early stages.

2. Mold

Speaking of mold, mold is another major sign that your bagels have gone bad and should be discarded right away. Mold often appears as a white, blue, or green fuzzy patch on bagels.

3. Odd Smell

The fragrance is another warning sign. You know what your bagels should smell like. If they change scent or develop a powerful, unpleasant odor, it is likely that they are no longer good.

4. Hard Texture

Bagels may get dry and stale, particularly if kept poorly or in the refrigerator. A rock-hard texture, on the other hand, cannot be repaired.

If you take out your bagel and it feels more like a rock than a bagel, I recommend tossing it and purchasing or creating a new batch.

FAQs

Bagels, like most other forms of bread, have a rather limited shelf life unless kept in the freezer. If you have any more questions, please see the commonly asked questions section below.

How long do bagels last past the expiration date?

At room temperature, bagels may survive a few days over the marked expiry date if kept properly. These will keep in the freezer for a few months after the printed date.

Take note that the date is most likely a best by date, referring to how long the bagel will be at its freshest.

Do bagels last a month?

Bagels may be kept in the fridge for up to a month (or longer). Wrap them with plastic wrap after breaking or cutting them in half. Finally, put the slices in a big, sealed plastic freezer bag. They will remain safe and delicious for up to six months.

Is it OK to eat a bagel with a bit of mold?

It is not acceptable to consume a bagel with visible mold, even if the apparent mold has been removed. Mold has roots that will spread throughout the bagel.

Although ingesting a little amount of mold is unlikely to get you ill, it is possible to experience stomach discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea. If you are allergic to mold, your symptoms will be exacerbated.

Final Words

Bagels have a shelf life of two to six months, depending on where and how they are kept. If you aren’t going to consume them within a week, I suggest freezing them. However, the kitchen countertop is an excellent choice. The fridge is also OK, although it will dry up faster and will need to be refilled.

How do you keep your bagels?