Rice is a cooking essential around the world thanks to its versatility and wide variety, including white, brown, jasmine, basmati, and wild rice. But like any food item, you might wonder: How long does rice stay good?

This guide covers everything you need to know about how long uncooked and cooked rice lasts, how to spot spoilage, and why eating expired rice can be risky.

How Long Uncooked Rice Lasts

The shelf life of dry rice depends largely on the variety. The biggest contrast is between white rice and brown rice.

White rice is processed and polished, which removes oils and makes it last longer. Brown rice, on the other hand, retains its bran layer, giving it a higher fat content that causes it to spoil faster.

Even so, both are considered shelf-stable and safe to store at room temperature when dry.

Estimated shelf lives for common types of dry rice:

• White rice – up to 2 years

• Brown rice – around 3 to 6 months from the production date

For longer storage, consider keeping rice in the fridge or freezer, which can significantly extend its lifespan.

How to Identify Spoiled Dry Rice

While most shelf-stable products have a “best-by” or “use-by” date, rice can still be good past that date as long as there are no signs of spoilage.

Signs that uncooked rice may have gone bad:

• Tears or holes in the packaging

• Insect activity or droppings

• Moisture inside the bag

• Mold growth

Brown rice is especially prone to spoilage. Look for:

• Discoloration

• Oily or sticky texture

• Sour or off-putting odor

To prevent issues, store your rice in a cool, dry location, such as a kitchen cupboard or pantry. After opening, transfer it to an airtight container to keep out moisture and pests.

Lifespan of Cooked Rice

Unlike dry rice, all types of rice have a similar shelf life once they’re cooked.

Cooked rice will typically stay fresh in the refrigerator for:

• 3 to 4 days (some people report it lasting up to a week)

Frozen cooked rice can last up to:

• 8 months

How to Know If Cooked Rice Has Spoiled

Cooked rice is more perishable and easier to evaluate for freshness.

Watch for the following signs of spoilage:

• A sour or strange smell (fresh rice has almost no odor)

• Slimy or sticky texture instead of fluffy grains

• Visible mold (green, black, or blue spots)

If any of these symptoms appear, it’s safest to throw the rice out.

Health Risks of Eating Spoiled Rice

Consuming expired or improperly stored rice can lead to foodborne illness. Moldy or stale rice may contain mycotoxins, harmful compounds linked to:

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Digestive upset

• Immune suppression

• Increased cancer risk in long-term exposure

Even if rice hasn’t gone “bad” in the traditional sense, cooked rice left at room temperature for more than 2 hours can allow Bacillus cereus bacteria to grow. This microorganism survives the cooking process and can produce toxins, leading to symptoms like:

• Cramps

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

Final Thoughts

Dry rice has different shelf lives based on type—white rice can last for up to 2 years, while brown rice is good for around 6 months. Refrigeration or freezing can make both last even longer.

Once cooked, rice should be kept cold and eaten within 3 to 4 days, or frozen for extended use.

If your rice changes in appearance, texture, or smell—or shows any signs of pests, mold, or spoilage—it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.