Do fried tortillas go bad? - The Ultimate Guide

Tortilla chips are perfect for any type of dip. With their simple and savory design, they can be very versatile in their use. Whether you use the tortilla chips for salsa, cheese, or guacamole, they’re a great buy!

It can be challenging to keep things like tortilla chips fresh. When a small handful goes a long way, you will surely have plenty.

You never know how to use the last of the bag, so what do you do with them? Do you keep them forever or do you find a way to use those crumbs?

Do the tortillas go bad?

Since tortilla chips have a low moisture content, they are not likely to spoil soon if stored in dry conditions. They should be safe to eat, even if stale, for up to 2-3 months. However, if you notice moisture, mold, or any strange odor, you should throw them away.

In this guide, we’ll cover the reasons why your tortilla chips are unlikely to go bad for a while, and what to look for when they do.

We’ve also got some helpful tips for keeping them, so read on for the best ways to keep your tortilla chips fresh for longer.

Do fried tortillas go bad?

You are not likely to get sick from eating old tortillas. Tortilla chips are so salty that their moisture content is extremely low.

Plus, these chips are made with corn tortillas, which tend to last longer than regular tortillas before going bad.

When they go through the process of frying (or baking), drying, and salting, they become even more resistant to spoilage.

Bacteria and mold need moisture to thrive, so your salt-filled, airtight bag of chips is probably the last place you’ll find it.

However, if you live somewhere with high humidity or are concerned that your fries may have somehow been exposed to extra moisture, you should check for mold to be sure. If you find any jagged white spots, throw them away.

While your old tortillas won’t make you sick, they can go stale if they’ve been exposed to too much moving air.

Even stale tortilla chips can be revived slightly by toasting them in the oven. The good news is that as long as your tortilla chips don’t grow mold or have anything unusual happen to them, they’re safe to eat.

Old tortilla chips probably won’t make you sick as long as you watch for these signs.

How to tell if fried tortillas have gone bad

Keep in mind that the chance of the tortilla chips going bad is pretty unlikely. They can go rancid, but there’s a difference between going rancid and being bad to eat.

Some people prefer not to eat stale chips, and that’s totally fine! You can throw them away, but they are not necessarily bad, that is, it will not hurt you to eat them.

There are a few signs to look out for if you’re worried your tortilla chips have gone bad.

Take a good look at them. If you notice mold or white spots anywhere on the tortillas or the packaging, we recommend that you throw them away. It is a sure sign that they are bad.

Other than that, you can smell them and see if they have a bad smell, possibly sour or pungent.

If your fries look or smell bad, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Discard the chips instead of eating them.

The good news is that tortilla chips don’t go bad easily.

How do you preserve tortilla chips?

Tortilla chips are made with corn tortillas. You can buy them at the store or even make your own. They are a very popular snack because they are light and airy, but also a bit salty. They go perfectly with many things.

You can enjoy some simple chips with salsa, smash them up and sprinkle them over your chili or taco salad, enjoy them as a complete meal on a plate of loaded nachos, and so much more. There are many options, so don’t limit yourself to these.

When you’ve got these crispy fries, a little goes a long way. Often you have leftovers and you don’t plan to use them.

Or maybe you have an unopened package in the pantry and you’re worried that they’re not good anymore. What are you doing?

If you store your chips properly, they will probably be good for up to 3 months after the best before date stamped on the bag. It is not an expiration date, but a recommended period to obtain the best quality.

When we say that it is stored correctly, this is what you should take into account:

• airtight storage
• Stored in a cool and dry place
• Not in direct sunlight
• Away from wet areas

You can even freeze them, but we really don’t recommend that process because it’s not necessary and can make your tokens even more brittle than they already are. Also, they can collect moisture from the freezer.

If you make your own tortillas and are looking for a way to keep them longer, you may want to consider freezing them before making them.

If your bag is unopened, safely store it. To store an open bag, roll it up tightly and seal it in a container or storage bag that is airtight.