How long does Kimchi (Opened Jar) last?
Kimchi (Opened Jar) lasts 3–6 months in the fridge. Spoilage signs to check, storage tips, and cited food-safety sources.
Quick answer
Can I still eat it?
Use this as a conservative screen before you rely on the storage window. If anything seems unsafe, discard it.
Use whole days since it was opened, cooked, or bought.
Sealed / unopened: Check date
Signs Kimchi (Opened Jar) has gone bad
- Fuzzy blue/green/black mold (not the normal white film).
- Mushy, slimy texture with an off smell.
- Putrid odor beyond normal sourness.
Still good if
- A thin white film on top is usually Kahm yeast — skim it off if desired.
- Growing sourness and mild fizz over time is normal active fermentation when solids stay submerged.
Discard immediately if
- Fuzzy blue/green/black mold (not a thin white Kahm film)
- Putrid, rotten, or otherwise abnormal smell — not normal sour kimchi aroma
- Mushy, slimy cabbage with an off smell, or brine that is no longer covering the solids with obvious spoilage
Why guidance varies
Kimchi keeps fermenting in the fridge; it grows more sour over time but stays safe as long as it's submerged and mold-free.
Get a heads-up before it expires. Search the full database instead.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kimchi (Opened Jar) last?
In the fridge: 3–6 months. Sealed / unopened: Check date. Keep cabbage submerged under the brine and seal tightly. Kimchi continues to ferment and grow more sour in the fridge — that is expected. A thin white film is often Kahm yeast (skim); fuzzy colored mold is not. Mild fizz or pressure can occur with active fermentation; discard for true mold, putrid odor, or spoiled texture.
How can you tell if Kimchi (Opened Jar) has gone bad?
Signs that Kimchi (Opened Jar) has gone bad: Fuzzy blue/green/black mold (not the normal white film); Mushy, slimy texture with an off smell; Putrid odor beyond normal sourness. Still good if: A thin white film on top is usually Kahm yeast — skim it off if desired; Growing sourness and mild fizz over time is normal active fermentation when solids stay submerged.
What does the date label on Kimchi (Opened Jar) mean?
Kimchi (Opened Jar) usually carries a "Best By" date. A quality marker — the product is at peak quality before this date, but it’s safe to eat afterward if stored correctly. See our date-labels guide for the full breakdown.
Sources for this answer
- A USDA FSIS — Molds on Food — Discard moldy high-moisture foods; distinguish mold from surface films where applicable.
- A FDA — Are You Storing Food Safely? — Refrigerate opened perishable/fermented products; discard for mold and abnormal spoilage.