What is the shelf life of blueberries? 

Blueberries are super tasty and sweet, but also have some health benefits as well: they’re beneficial for your eyes, brain, and heart. But how long do they last? This question has been asked by many people around the world while purchasing them at the grocery store stand.

Today I’m going to answer this question and tell you what you can expect from the shelf life of blueberries when buying them fresh, frozen, or dried.

What is the shelf life of blueberries?

The shelf life of blueberry depends on a lot of factors like where it was grown, how it was stored, how much sugar is in it etc.

If we talk about the shelf life of blueberries in general, then there’s no exact number that can be given because each type of blueberry has its own shelf life. The best thing you can do is to buy them from a reputable source and check their expiration date.

Fresh blueberries 

• Refrigerator: 1 to 2 weeks
• Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality) 

What is the shelf life of blueberries? 

The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions and degree of ripeness of the blueberries at the time of purchase or picking. 

The shelf life of fresh blueberries is not very long—they can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you’re not sure how long your blueberries will last in your fridge, just keep an eye on them so you don’t forget about them!

How long do blueberries keep at room temperature? 

Blueberries should only be stored at room temperature if eaten the same day, as they are highly perishable and do not ripen after being picked. 

Refrigerate blueberries in their original box (if purchased in a box) or loosely place them in a shallow container and cover with plastic wrap. 

Discard damaged or moldy blueberries before storing them in the refrigerator. 

To prolong the shelf life of blueberries, wash them only before eating or using them. 

How long do blueberries keep in the fridge? 

If stored in the right conditions, blueberries will usually keep for one to two weeks in the refrigerator. 

Can you freeze blueberries? Yes. Wash the blueberries thoroughly in cold water, pat them dry with a paper towel, spread them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then put the sheet in the freezer. Once the blueberries are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag and return them to the freezer. 

How long do blueberries keep in the freezer? 

If stored in the right conditions, blueberries maintain optimum quality for about 10 to 12 months in the freezer but remain safe to eat beyond this period. 

How do you know if blueberries are expired? 

Blueberries that spoil usually become soft and deteriorate in color. Discard blueberries if mold appears or if they smell or look unusual. 

Dried blueberries 

• Room temperature: 6 to 12 months
• Refrigerator: 6 to 12 months
• Freezer: 12 to 18 months (best quality) 

What is the shelf life of dried blueberries? 

The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. Dried blueberries can be stored at room temperature and refrigerator for up to 12 months—just like regular ol’ raisins! 

They’ll look darker than fresh ones because of the extra moisture that’s been removed from them during processing. Once frozen, these can be stored in an airtight container for up to 18 months or more.

To maximize the shelf life of dried blueberries after opening the package, store them in an airtight container or heavy-duty plastic bag. 

How long do dried blueberries keep at room temperature? 

Stored in the right conditions, dried blueberries will keep for around 6 to 12 months at room temperature (around 20°C). 

Should you put dried blueberries in the fridge? 

In a warm and humid environment, dried blueberries should be stored in the refrigerator. 

How long do dried blueberries keep in the fridge? 

Dried blueberries will keep for about 6 to 12 months in the refrigerator. 

Can you freeze dried blueberries? 

Yes. Freeze dried blueberries in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. 

How long do dried blueberries keep in the freezer? 

Stored in the right conditions, dried blueberries maintain optimum quality for about 12 to 18 months in the freezer, but remain suitable for consumption beyond this period. 

How do you know if dried blueberries are expired? 

The best way is to smell and examine the dried blueberries. Throw them out if they smell or look unusual, or if mold appears. 

Frozen blueberries 

• Freezer: 1 year (best quality)

What is the shelf life of frozen blueberries? 

If stored in the right conditions, frozen blueberries maintain optimum quality for about 12 months in the freezer, although they generally remain safe to eat after this time. 

This means they are best when eaten within this period. If they’re not used within that time frame, they tend to lose their flavor and texture.

For more information about storing frozen berries, check out our blog post here.

Can frozen blueberries be eaten after the “best before” date on the package? 

Yes, if stored correctly. Frozen blueberries usually have a “best before” date, but this is not a best before date. This is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long frozen blueberries will maintain optimum quality. 

How long are frozen blueberries safe to eat? 

Frozen blueberries stored continuously at -18°C will keep indefinitely, provided they have been stored correctly and the packaging is not damaged. 

How do you know if frozen blueberries are no longer good? 

If any spots or discolorations have developed on frozen blueberries, freezer burn has occurred. This won’t make frozen blueberries unsafe to eat, but it will harm their texture and taste. 

Storing blueberries

Storing blueberries is easy when you follow these tips:

• Store fresh blueberries in the refrigerator.
• To prolong the shelf life of blueberries, wash them only before eating or using them.
• Blueberries should only be stored at room temperature if eaten the same day, as they are highly perishable and do not ripen after being picked.
• Discard damaged or moldy blueberries before storing them in the refrigerator.
• To maximize the shelf life of dried blueberries after opening the package, store them in an airtight container or heavy-duty plastic bag (these will keep out moisture).
• Frozen blueberries must remain in the freezer at all times! If you plan on using them during warmer months, make sure to keep them frozen until ready for use so that they don’t spoil when you take them out of your freezer.
• Store dried blueberries in a cool, dry place like your pantry or cabinet so they stay fresh and delicious longer.