Find out how long you can expect Panko breadcrumbs to last before they go bad. Tips for how to store so they don't go bad fast.
📋 What's New In This Post (4/10/25) - Added some new ideas for using up leftover Panko breadcrumbs depending on how much you have left.
Forgot About That!
Have you ever gotten breadcrumbs for a recipe but ended up with more than you needed? They end up hanging out in your pantry, until you suddenly need them again.
But you wonder, are they still good? How long can you expect them to last to begin with? What if you never even opened then up yet?
I am going to answer all your questions today so you can rest easy. You don't want to waste perfectly good breadcrumbs, especially the Panko ones as they as Panko makes the most crispy fried foods!
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📅 How Long Do They Last
When you buy them in the store you will typically find a "best by" date on the package. This doesn't mean when the Panko goes bad, it's just a date that the company puts on to say when they are best by. But if unopened they will be fine long after that date, even when considered expired.
In most stores you will probably find the best buy date will be around 9-12 months from right now. How do I know this? I checked at several stores and noted the dates and that's the range I found.
👐 After Opening
Once you have opened up a container of Panko, the amount of time you have to use it really depends on you. You need to store it correctly. Keep dry they will last and last. If moisture gets to them they could do stale or worse. If they aren't crunchy anymore they aren't going to work the way you want them to.
Since Panko is fat free you don't have to worry about it going rancid on you. But you may still need to be worried about bugs getting into them. If the Panko ever smells bad, for sure just toss them, they should never have a strong odor at all.
🏆 Best Way to Store
An airtight container is what you want to store them in. I remove them from the package I bought them in and right into a plastic container with a tight fitting lid. I do this mainly for organization. But also it's helpful to be able to glance into the pantry and see what I am running out of.
I love the Rubbermaid containers that stack nicely and fit in the cabinet perfectly. They have a red lid which is my favorite color. You can put chalk board stickers on them and then write on them with a chalkboard marker.
You can also store them in a Mason jar.
🥶 Storing in the Fridge or Freezer
Yes, you can store them in the fridge or freezer. But it's really not necessary or recommended. Usually space in the fridge and freezer is limited, so last thing you want to do is add something that isn't necessary. Also if you get any condensation inside your container, your breadcrumbs are going to be ruined. They will be mushy and if you still use them your food won't be crispy either.
➕ Ways to Use Up Your Panko
Are you looking for some different ways you can use up the leftover Panko you got hanging around in your pantry here are some great options. Next to each one I share how much Panko you will need:
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Panko | ½ cup |
| Panko + Ramen Brined & Breaded Pork Chops | 1 cup |
| Alton Brown's Homemade Fish Sticks | 1 ¾ cups |
| Panko Fried Shrimp | 2 cups |
What are your favorite type of recipes to use Panko breadcrumbs in? Leave a comment below and share your favorites. I would love to hear from you!
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