There’s nothing quite like Cream of Wheat on a cold winter morning. Warm, comforting, and filling, it’s no wonder this breakfast staple has been around for over 100 years. But if you’re like most people, you probably don’t have a ton of experience working with Cream of Wheat outside of breakfast time. So the big question is: how long does cream of wheat last? Or does it go bad?
The answer is a resounding yes – all food items have a shelf life, even those that are non-perishable. However, the good news is that Cream of Wheat has a relatively long shelf life, and as long as you store it properly, it should last for quite some time.
How long does cream of wheat last?
| Cream of Wheat | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
| Dry (unopened) | 6-8 months | ||
| Dry (opened) | 4-6 months | ||
| Cooked | 4-5 days | 3 months |
Cream of wheat can last for 6-8 months when stored in a pantry. Once opened, it can last for 4-6 months. Cooked cream of wheat will only be good in the fridge for up to 4 days and 3 months when stored in the freezer.
Can cooked and uncooked cream of wheat go bad?
Yes, both cooked and uncooked cream can go bad easily. Because it is made mostly of wheat flour, it will go rancid and spoil quickly. This is why you should always store it in an airtight container, in a cool and dry place.
How can you tell if the cream of wheat is bad?
You can determine the spoilage of cream of wheat by checking the expiration date, observing any physical changes to the packaging, and smelling for any off odors. Here is how you can check it.
- Smell: Check the fragrance of it. If it has a sour smell, it is most likely spoiled.
- Color: It will turn orange over time, which is normal. However, it is likely spoiled if it has turned a greenish color.
- Texture: It should be smooth and clumpy. If it has a gritty texture, it is likely spoiled.
- Packaging: If the packaging is bulging or bloated, it means that gases are being produced from bacteria growth, and the product is most likely spoiled.
- Expiration date: The best indicator of spoilage is the expiration date. If it has passed, the product is most likely spoiled.
How to store cream of wheat properly?
It should be stored in a cool, dry place. However, once opened, cream of wheat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Here is the complete method to store it properly.
Is cream of wheat good for you?
Cream of wheat is a type of porridge made from wheat semolina. It’s popular breakfast food in the United States and many other countries.
Wheat is a nutritious grain that provides your body with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Unfortunately, when these nutrients are milled into flour, they’re lost. However, the semolina in the cream of wheat is a whole grain and retains most nutrients.
Cream of wheat is also fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, and iron. These additions make it a good source of these nutrients. But does cream of wheat expire? And if it does, how long does cream of wheat last?
The answer to both questions is yes. Cream of wheat will expire and has a shelf life of about one year. After that time, the quality and nutrient levels of the product may have diminished.
Summary
Know you know how long does cream of wheat last. Cream of wheat is a type of breakfast cereal made from wheat flour. It is usually served hot, although it can also be eaten cold. The shelf life of a cream of wheat depends on how it is stored.
Cream of wheat can last for months or even years if it is stored properly. The best way to store cream of wheat is in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks.
References
- https://www.quora.com/Can-cream-of-wheat-go-bad-if-unopened-It-says-best-if-used-by-April-2014
- http://www.eatbydate.com/grains/cereal/cereal-shelf-life-expiration-date/