[Fern]

I have a dilemma regarding some flour I found in my pantry. The best before date on the package is February 2024. We’re now in July 2024. Is it still safe to use? What are the signs that flour has gone bad, and can I still use it for baking or cooking?

I would appreciate any advice or personal experiences.

Thank you!

[Carol]

I’ve had the same flour for a long, long time. It’s never been in the freezer. It is beautifully white. There is absolutely nothing in it, I checked and double checked.

This might help more: If you open the bag and it smells bad, it probably is. This is a sign that the fat in the flour has oxidized, usually resulting in a musty or sour smell. Physically, the flour could be clumpy or beginning to yellow, indicating moisture has gotten to it. Then of course, if you see pests like weevils, ditch the bag.

Healthline.com 2023

[L.M]

it is still good. just not at its best. (kinda like me in my 50s!)

[Cheryl]

I would check for bugs. If there are no visible bugs I would use it.

I always put my flour in the freezer for 48 hours to kill the bugs.

[Ashley]

As long as it’s still dry and doesn’t have bugs or mold or anything, sure.

[Diana]

Smell it!

Flour can turn rancid, and believe me, it smells awful when it has spoiled.

[Helen]

Put a few bay leaves in your flower, corn meal, oatmeal, etc and you will not have bugs. I keep flour in freezer until I need to fill my large rectangular Tupperware container; then I place the bay leaves in container. Use your flour.

[Author]

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