Sprouts generally last about 3–7 days in the fridge, depending on how fresh they were to begin with and how well you store them.

Typical fridge shelf life

  • Homegrown or store-bought mixed sprouts (alfalfa, broccoli, clover, etc.): usually 5–7 days in the fridge if kept dry and cold.
  • Bean sprouts (like mung bean): often closer to 2–3 days because they spoil faster and can harbor more bacteria.
  • If they smell sour, feel slimy, or look dull and mushy, they should be thrown away, even if it has been less than a week.

How to store sprouts so they last longer

  • Keep them in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally below 4 °C / 40 °F.
  • Make sure sprouts are as dry as possible before storing; excess moisture makes them spoil quickly.
  • Store in a clean container with a loose lid or small vent so they can breathe, and use a paper towel to absorb condensation.
  • Check them daily and remove any slimy or off-smelling sprouts right away.

Quick rule of thumb

  • Plan to eat sprouts within a week , and bean sprouts within 3 days , for best safety and taste.
  • When in doubt, throw them out —sprouts are high-risk for bacteria, so it is safer not to push their limit.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.