In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long are instant mashed potatoes good for in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of instant mashed potatoes. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled instant mashed potatoes.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long are instant mashed potatoes good for in the fridge?
Open instant mashed potatoes last in the fridge for 3-5 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be kept in plastic zipper bags on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for instant mashed potatoes’ expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep instant mashed potatoes at?
Instant mashed potatoes should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your instant mashed potatoes at a lower temperature to keep them fresh for longer.
How long do instant mashed potatoes last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, an open pack of instant mashed potatoes lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, an open pack of instant mashed potatoes left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and an open pack of instant mashed potatoes left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
On the other hand, unopened instant mashed potatoes last for about 12-18 months when stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
How long do instant mashed potatoes last in the freezer?
Open instant mashed potatoes last for 3 months in the freezer if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag.
As a result, freezing the instant mashed potatoes extends their shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the instant mashed potatoes.
How to defrost frozen instant mashed potatoes?
You can quickly defrost frozen instant mashed potatoes by placing them in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed instant mashed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days before reheating and consuming them.
If you’re defrosting frozen instant mashed potatoes in a bowl of cold water, the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize them right away after reheating them till their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to vacuum seal instant mashed potatoes?
You may even vacuum seal your instant mashed potatoes at home to extend their shelf life. It involves placing the instant mashed potatoes in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal instant mashed potatoes at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated instant mashed potatoes?
Once the refrigerated/frozen instant mashed potatoes have been reheated, they should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the instant mashed potatoes goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your instant mashed potatoes, and reheated instant mashed potatoes should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume them completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled instant mashed potatoes?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your instant mashed potatoes have gone bad. To determine if instant mashed potatoes have gone bad, look at their appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your instant mashed potatoes, it’s time to throw them out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy instant mashed potatoes since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If you touch the instant mashed potatoes and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw them out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or foul while sniffing your instant mashed potatoes, it’s time to throw them out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting instant mashed potatoes with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled instant mashed potatoes. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your instant mashed potatoes and spoiled them, the best thing you can do is throw them out.
How to properly store instant mashed potatoes?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the instant mashed potatoes in airtight containers to extend their shelf life while keeping their quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of instant mashed potatoes, keep them in an airtight container in the freezer. Instant mashed potatoes that have been frozen at 0°C are safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Instant mashed potatoes should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow them to cool quickly.
You can read how to make instant mashed potatoes here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long are instant mashed potatoes good for in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of instant mashed potatoes. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled instant mashed potatoes.