Thyme lasts 1–2 weeks in the pantry and 2–3 weeks in the fridge.
Shelf life at a glance
Bars show the longest recommended time for each place. Scale runs from 1 hour to 2 years.
- 1Use within days
- 2Keeps a week or two
- 3Keeps for months
- 4Keeps a long time
Based on the longest fridge or pantry time.
About 7–14 more days in the fridge.
About 4–11 more days in the fridge.
It's inside the safe window but near the end. Eat it today or freeze it now.
Past the recommended fridge time. Even if it looks and smells fine, throw it out.
Past the recommended fridge time. Even if it looks and smells fine, throw it out.
Counted from the day it was cooked, opened or bought. Assumes a fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder.
Thyme storage times by method
| Method | Duration | Temperature | Container | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pantry / counter | 1–2 weeks | 68–72°F | Airtight | cool, dry place |
| Refrigerator | 2–3 weeks | ≤ 40°F / 4°C | Airtight | at or below 40°F (4°C) |
Where to store thyme
The crisper drawer holds humidity, which keeps produce from wilting.
Thyme shelf life, answered
How long does thyme last in the fridge?
2–3 weeks at 4°C (40°F) or colder. Keep it sealed so it does not pick up moisture or odours.
How long does thyme last in the freezer?
Not listed. FoodKeeper gives no freezer time for thyme.
How long does thyme last at room temperature?
1–2 weeks in a cool, dry place.
How long is thyme good for past the expiration date?
Thyme past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How can you tell if thyme is bad?
A sour or rotting smell from the bag or bunch. Slimy, wet or wilted leaves that do not perk up in cold water. Dark green-black or brown leaves.
Signs thyme has gone bad
Smell
A sour or rotting smell from the bag or bunch.
Texture
Slimy, wet or wilted leaves that do not perk up in cold water.
Colour
Dark green-black or brown leaves.
Mould
Any fuzzy growth — discard the bag.
Can you freeze thyme?
- 1Step 1
Leafy greens and herbs lose their crunch when frozen.
- 2Step 2
For cooking, blanch greens or chop herbs into ice-cube trays with oil or water.
- 3Step 3
Add straight from frozen to soups, sauces and stir-fries.
Thyme left out overnight
Thyme is shelf-stable. A night on the counter is fine — keep it cool, dry and away from sunlight.
Best-by and use-by dates on thyme
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened thyme 1–2 weeks in the pantry or 2–3 weeks 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
Thyme past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to store thyme
- Store dry, wrapped in a paper towel inside a bag or container.
- Keep in the crisper drawer at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Stand herbs like cilantro and parsley in a glass of water in the fridge, loosely covered.
Thyme vs similar foods
- Dried basil 12 months
- Thyme 2–3 weeks
- Cilantro 2–3 weeks
- Chives 2–3 weeks
- Basil 10 days
- Fresh herbs 7–10 days
- Lemongrass 7–9 days
Same scale as the timeline above: 1 hour to 2 years.
Check any food in seconds: when your leftovers expire, and whether something left out is still safe.
Similar foods
All fresh herbs → Does it go bad? hub → Leftover calculator →Freezer time calculator →Left-out checker →