Yes. Rehydrated textured soy protein lasts 3–4 months in the pantry. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if rehydrated textured soy protein is bad
Smell
Sour, yeasty or 'off' instead of how it smelled when cooked.
Texture
Slimy film, or liquid separating where it should not.
Colour
Dull or darkened patches, or any discoloured spots.
Mould
Any fuzzy growth — discard the whole container, not just the spot.
Rehydrated textured soy protein past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened rehydrated textured soy protein 3–4 months in the pantry or 3–4 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
Rehydrated textured soy protein past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep rehydrated textured soy protein fresh longer
- Refrigeration time applies to prepared product.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour above 90°F) in shallow, airtight containers.
- Keep the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C); the door shelf is the warmest spot.
