Expiration & Storage Tips
When does potato starch expire?
When unopened and stored in a cool, dry pantry, potato starch can last for about 3-5 years beyond its 'best by' date printed on the package. Once opened, it should ideally be used within 6 to 12 months, but you might get lucky and find that it’s usable for even longer than that, especially if it’s pure starch with no additives. Atypically for pantry items, potato starch can also be frozen indefinitely, which might be a good idea if you don't plan on using it up quickly.
How do you tell if potato starch is bad?
Check for any changes in the color, smell, or texture. Potato starch should be a fine, white powder with very minimal smell. If it smells funny, turns yellowish, or if you see clumps and hard spots, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Also if it is infested with bugs (this happens sometimes with pantry staples), throw it out.
Tips for storing potato starch to extend shelf life
• Store the potato starch in an airtight container, it will keep the moisture out and keep your starch from clumping.• Keep it in a cool, dry, and dark store or pantry away from heat and light which can induce moisture and cause your starch to clump.• Never use a wet measuring cup or spoon to scoop out potato starch. Any moisture can affect the starch’s texture.• Freeze the potato starch if you don't plan on using it frequently. Whenever you need it, just let it defrost naturally at room temperature for a couple of hours before use. Make sure it gets back to room temp before using, because the cold might affect its thickening properties.
