Yes. Frozen fries and hash browns last until the use-by date in the fridge and 12 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, they spoil: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if frozen fries and hash browns are bad
Freezer burn
Dry, greyish-white patches. Safe, but trim them off.
Ice crystals
Heavy ice inside the pack means it has thawed and refrozen.
Smell
Off smell after thawing — discard.
Package
Torn packaging lets air in and speeds quality loss.
Frozen fries and hash browns past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened frozen fries and hash browns not recommended in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
Frozen fries and hash browns past their best-by date are usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep frozen fries and hash browns fresh longer
- Not recommended to refrigerate after cooking due to decreased quality.
- Keep frozen. For safety, cook as directed.
- Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or colder.
