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Gunther Heller

Does Kiwi Go Bad?

Source: USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS · last verified November 2026

Illustration of kiwi
Kiwi Per USDA FoodKeeper
Counter
Until ripe
then refrigerate
Fridge
3–6 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
Freezer
Not recommended
texture or safety suffers
Quick answer

Yes. Kiwi lasts 3–6 days in the fridge. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.

How to tell if kiwi is bad

Smell

Fermented, sour or musty odour.

Texture

Soft, mushy or leaking spots, or wrinkled skin with soft flesh.

Colour

Dark bruising that spreads, or browning inside.

Mould

White, grey or green fuzz — discard soft produce; cut firm produce generously.

Kiwi past the expiration date

Best-by and sell-by

FoodKeeper gives unopened kiwi 3–6 days 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

Kiwi past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.

How to keep kiwi fresh longer

  • Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.
  • Timeline for refrigerator applies to ripe fruit.
  • Store unwashed; wash just before eating.

More about kiwi

More “does it go bad?” answers, A–Z →

FAQ

How long does it take for kiwi to go bad?
3–6 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can kiwi expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened kiwi 3–6 days 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.
What happens if you eat bad kiwi?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep kiwi from going bad?
Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number