Pillsbury biscuits are a refrigerated dough product that come in a cardboard can. They provide a convenient way to make fresh, homemade biscuits by simply popping open the can and baking them according to the package instructions.
Since Pillsbury biscuits are a perishable food product, many people wonder if they can go bad. The short answer is yes, Pillsbury biscuits can go bad if stored improperly or kept past their expiration date.
How to tell if Pillsbury biscuits are bad
There are a few signs that indicate your unopened can of Pillsbury biscuits has gone bad:
- Expired date – If the “use by” or “best by” date has passed, the biscuits may be spoiled.
- Bulging can – If the can looks puffed up or swollen, this indicates gas production by spoilage bacteria and the biscuits should be discarded.
- Mold growth – Any mold on the biscuit dough itself is a sign of spoilage. Discard the can.
- Off odor – If you open the can and detect a sour, unpleasant or “off” smell, the biscuits have likely spoiled.
- Discolored dough – Grayish, greenish or brownish discoloration of the raw biscuit dough indicates spoilage.
If you observe any of these signs, it’s best to throw the Pillsbury biscuits away rather than risk food poisoning from eating spoiled dough.
How long do unopened Pillsbury biscuits last?
An unopened can of Pillsbury biscuits will generally stay fresh for:
- At room temperature: 1-2 weeks past the printed “best by” date
- In the refrigerator: 2-3 weeks past the printed date
- In the freezer: 2-3 months past the printed date (once thawed, use within 1 week)
The exact shelf life depends on proper storage conditions and maintaining optimal temperature. Refrigerating or freezing helps extend the shelf life significantly.
Shelf life after opening
Once opened, Pillsbury biscuits have a much shorter shelf life:
- At room temperature: 3-5 days
- In the refrigerator: 5-7 days
- In the freezer: 2-3 months (thaw before using)
Only keep enough dough out that you will use, and return the rest to the fridge or freezer immediately. Keep unused dough tightly wrapped.
How to store Pillsbury biscuits properly
To get the most shelf life out of Pillsbury biscuits:
- Leave cans sealed until ready to use
- Check “best by” dates and use oldest cans first
- Store unopened cans in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and sunlight
- Refrigerate after opening and minimize how long dough sits at room temperature
- Wrap opened dough tightly in plastic wrap or airtight containers
- Freeze for longer term storage
Proper, consistent refrigeration is the best way to prolong the shelf life of Pillsbury biscuits after opening. Do not leave biscuits sitting on the counter or at room temperature longer than necessary.
Can you eat expired Pillsbury biscuits?
It’s generally not recommended to eat Pillsbury biscuits past their printed expiration date on the packaging. This date indicates when the product is no longer at peak quality. However, biscuits may still be safe to eat for 1-2 weeks after this date if they have been stored properly.
Here are some guidelines on eating expired Pillsbury biscuits:
- 1-2 weeks past date – Likely ok if refrigerated/frozen, examine carefully for signs of spoilage
- 2-3 weeks past date – Increased risk, would not recommend
- More than 3 weeks past date – Do not eat, discard
When in doubt, it’s always safer to throw away old biscuits and avoid getting sick. The biscuits may look and smell normal even when harmful bacteria are present and growing.
How to freeze Pillsbury biscuits
Freezing is an easy way to extend the shelf life of Pillsbury biscuits. Here’s how to do it right:
- Leave biscuits sealed in original packaging
- Place package in freezer bag or airtight container if desired
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator when ready to use
- Follow baking instructions, adding 1-2 minutes to compensate for thawed dough
- Use within 1 week of thawing
- Do not refreeze thawed biscuits
Properly frozen Pillsbury biscuits will keep much longer but sacrifice a bit of texture and rise compared to fresh. Thaw overnight before baking for the best results.
Freezing opened packages
Leftover opened biscuits can also be frozen by:
- Placing dough balls in single layer on cookie sheet
- Freezing solid, about 2 hours
- Transferring to freezer bag
This prevents dough balls from sticking together. Thaw and use as needed. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Common mistakes
Some common mistakes that lead to spoiled Pillsbury biscuits include:
- Leaving biscuit cans in hot car or hot garage
- Storing open packages for over a week at room temperature
- Forgetting biscuits in refrigerator and exceeding shelf life
- Not checking dates and using expired product
- Refreezing thawed biscuit dough
- Leaving dough sit on counter overnight before baking
Avoiding these errors and following proper storage guidelines will help prevent wasting money and biscuits.
Recap
Here are the key points on whether Pillsbury biscuits go bad:
- Yes, unopened biscuits can expire past printed date or from improper storage
- Look for bulging, mold, off smells as signs of spoilage
- Unopened cans last 1-3 weeks past date if refrigerated or frozen
- Once opened, only keep 3-7 days in fridge
- Freeze for long-term storage up to 3 months
- Thaw refrigerated overnight before using frozen biscuits
- Don’t eat more than 1-2 weeks past printed date
- Follow storage guidelines to maximize freshness
Being aware of how to store biscuits properly and signs they may be spoiled can help you avoid wasting uneaten cans and prevent potential foodborne illness.
Conclusion
Pillsbury biscuits do have a shelf life and risk going bad if left too long, especially once opened. Pay close attention to expiration or best by dates printed on the packaging and store biscuits according to guidelines.
Refrigerate biscuits after opening and consider freezing extras for longer storage. Discard any cans that are damaged, puffed, or exhibit signs of mold growth. When properly stored and handled, biscuits can stay safe to eat and maintain good quality for use in all your favorite meals and recipes.