Quick Answer:How Long Does Pancake Mix Last?
Pancake mix often has a shelf life of around one year. It can last for a few months after its best-by date. It is exactly the same if the box has been opened too. The only time this changes is if you have not stored the box correctly – for example the box was left open.
Pancakes are easy to make, and can be done by either whipping up the ingredients yourself, or by using it straight from the box.
Either way is delicious, with the latter being so much more convenient – especially if you are usually rushed for time.
Using pancake mix is a convenient way to rustle up some tasty treats for a breakfast or as a quick lunch. You can top them with all sorts, from flavored syrups, to fruit and bacon. Yummy!
However, if you are the kind of person who does not use all of the pancake mix and have just found some in the back of your cupboard, you might want to know how long it lasts for.
In this quick guide, we shall take a look at how long the pancake mix lasts for, and if it will go bad.
Let’s get to it!
How Long Can Pancake Mix Last For?
Pancake mix is quite hardy, but only when left in the right conditions. If stored correctly, pancake mix can last for a year, or even more, past its best-by date.
If you have opened up the box, it still stands. However, once you open the box, it is important that you store the pancake mix correctly to avoid it spoiling.
The last thing you want is creepy crawlies finding their way into the deliciously warm and tasty mix, or dampness from breeding its mold everywhere.
It is unlikely that you will use the whole box of a pancake mix in one go, so learning how to store it will mean that it can last for months without going bad.
Is the Best-By Date Important On Pancake Mix?
The best-by date on pancake mix actually is not that important. While it does mean something, what it does not mean is that you will need to throw it out once the date has passed.
The best-by date on pancake mix is about the quality of the food, rather than about safety. This means that you are not risking your own health if the pancake mix is passed its best-by date.
The date is just a note from the manufacturer who says that up until this date you will be guaranteed optimal flavor and quality.
Once the best-by date comes and goes, the quality of the pancake mix will begin to dip, and dip, and dip.
The ingredients in pancake mix are dry, often just being the likes of sugar, flour, baking soda, and so on. It is not farfetched to say it will last for many months post best-by date.
Can Pancake Mix In A Box Go Bad?
While pancake mix does not go bad in the same way something like a product with dairy or meat in it will, over time it will lose its quality.
The reason for this is because it contains what is called leavening agents. For example, baking soda. After a while it will lose its ability to do what it is supposed to.
In this case, it helps the pancake to be fluffy and light. If the baking soda has lost its potency, then the finished pancake will be flat and stodgy.
So, while the pancake will likely not taste off or weird, the texture may be different. While not necessarily a deal breaker, it can ruin the pancake eating experience.
However, adding some baking soda yourself can correct the issue.
While pancake mix might not go bad on its own, there are ways to tell if the pancake mix has actually gone bad. Let’s take a look at that next.
What Are The Signs Pancake Mix Has Gone Bad?
Pancake mix doesn’t often go bad if looked after correctly. Like we have said, it can last for quite a long time. Even so, it can spoil if not taken care of – example, when stored correctly.
Here are some signs that the pancake mixture should not be consumed:
- There are obvious signs of bugs or eggs belonging to bugs.
- The mixture has an odd smell, maybe sour or moldy.
- There are visible signs of mold or dampness.
- If you feel like it has been too long, for example 5 years after the best-by date, then you don’t need to eat it. Go and buy some more!
You might find that the mixture is lumpy. If it is dry and there are no obvious spoilage signs, then it is likely fine to eat. If the lumps are damp, then throw it out.
What Is The Safety Surrounding Pancake Mix?
Because pancake mix is dry, it can last much longer than something that is wet. A wet-based food, or something like meat or dairy, can become unsafe pretty quickly.
This is due to needing particular temperatures to keep the food safe to eat, or the wetness promoting mold and bacteria.
So long as you keep the dry pancake mix sealed tightly, it should last for a very long time. If you have heard any scare stories involving pancake mix, then it is highly likely due to how it was stored, rather than the pancake mix itself.
If the pancake mix is not stored properly, then mold spores, bacteria, and bugs can find their way into the box. It is more common than you might think – so keep the box tightly shut!
If you find your pancake box open, even if it is just a little bit, then it may be best just to throw it out. Is it really worth risking your health for?
How To Use Expired Pancake Mix?
Expired pancake mix does not mean that it should be thrown out. If you have stored it correctly and it looks and smells fine, then you should still use it. However, if you want to give it a test run to make sure, then here is some advice:
Because you have not used the pancake mix for a few months, you might be a little unsure if the pancakes will be any good. So, create the batter for at least one pancake and follow the instructions.
If the pancake looks and tastes how it should, then carry on flipping those pancakes. If you find that the pancake has an odd flavor, then throw it out.
If the pancake tastes great but appears flat, then add in two teaspoons worth of baking soda for every cup of pancake mix. This will fluff them up in no time.
If the pancake still appears too flat and dense, it might be worth either buying some new pancake mix.
Is It Okay To Freeze Pancake Mix?
It is perfectly fine to freeze pancake mix. If you are worried about the mix losing its quality and the best-by date is close, then it can help it to retain its optimum quality for longer.
However, it also is not necessary to do. The pancake mix will not instantly lose its quality on the day of the best-by date. Even so, if you are not going to use it any time soon, then freezing it might just be the best option.
One of the important things to think about is making sure the box is tightly sealed. In fact, you may want to restore it in an airtight container. If you only have half of the box left, then transfer it to a freezer bag.
Once you need to use it again, there is no need for defrosting. You can use it right away, with nothing special to add. Just follow the instructions on the box.
What Is The Best Way To Store Pancake Mix?
The best way to store pancake mix is in a dry but cool place, such as a kitchen cupboard or pantry. Make sure it stays away from any sources of heat, and that the box is tightly sealed shut.
If the box cannot be resealed and you have leftover pancake mix, transfer it into an airtight container, or ziplock bag. You can also just use a bag clip on the inner packaging if need be.
Storing the pancake mix correctly will ensure that the product lasts for a much longer time, and is safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
If you have some leftover pancake mix in your cupboard, or you have just found a box of unopened pancake mix in the pantry passed its best-by date, then you might be wondering if it is still edible.
So long as it has been stored correctly, and it tastes and smells fine, then you should give the batter a try.
Pancake mix does not go bad, unless it has been left poorly stored. If it has, throw it o
Hi! My name is Jessica, and I recently decided to set up the site My Baking Heart, as an extension of my love for baking. It is something I have enjoyed since being a young child, when I would bake cookies and cakes with my grandma
Over the years, I have developed my skills and love to try all kinds of baking, from genoise sponges, to peach cobbler, and everything in between. New recipes are so much fun to follow and recreate.
Through this site, I hope to teach others the basics of baking, from how to use certain equipment, to the best types of recipes to follow. My site is a mixture of useful informational content, recipes, and of course, review of the best types of baking equipment.
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