How Long Does Sea Moss Last & How to Store it Properly?

 

Sea moss is an incredible food to add to your daily routine. It's packed with minerals and vitamins and has proven to have numerous benefits for health. 

But unlike conventional health supplements, it’s a perishable food. So, if you’ve joined the new health and wellness trend, you may ask yourself how to store your sea moss gel properly. Should you keep it in the fridge? How long is it good for? How to tell if it's gone bad?

Related article: How to make sea moss gel at home?

Does Sea Moss Expire and Go Bad? 

Sea moss, also called Chondrus crispus or Irish moss, is a type of red algae growing along the rocky Atlantic coasts. With potentially over 90 minerals and vitamins, this seaweed is one of the most potent superfoods.

Although it can be consumed fresh or dry, in capsule or powder, the gel is the most popular way to have sea moss. Sea moss is a natural ingredient coming straight from the ocean. Therefore, like any plant, vegetable, and food in general, it is perishable and has a limited shelf life. 

What does expired sea moss gel look like?

For obvious reasons, knowing how to tell when sea moss has gone bad is essential if you're consuming it regularly. There are different signs that indicate sea moss gel has expired: 

1. Changes of color. Natural sea moss gel is light tan or grey, resembling oatmeal or sand. When it ages, it can become darker, which indicates it's reaching the end of its shelf life.
2. A strong fishy smell. Sure, sea moss gel may have a slight ocean smell, but the most significant indicator that your gel has expired is a foul, sour, or fishy smell.
3. A different consistency. Usually, sea moss gel that has gone bad or is beginning to turn is extra watery or slimier than usual.
4. Mold on top. Obviously, molded sea moss is bad. So when green, grey, or black mold patches have begun to emerge on top of your sea moss gel, there's no doubt it's time to throw it in the garbage! 

Related article: What does sea moss really taste like?

What happens if you eat expired sea moss?

Eating expired sea moss gel is not safe and can make you sick. Bad sea moss may contain mold, mildew, or bacteria that can cause an upset stomach in the best cases and severe health problems or food poisoning in the worst ones.

Like with any food, when it doubts, throw it out! Do not use bad sea moss gel on your skin, either.

Related article: What are sea moss side effects?

How Long Does Sea Moss Last?

Ultimately, all forms of sea moss will start to degrade and go bad at some point, even if kept in the fridge or frozen. But they all have a different shelf life. Naturally, sea moss products that contain water (fresh sea moss or sea moss gel) spoil faster than dry ones (dry sea moss, sea moss capsules, or powder).

How long does sea moss gel last?

Organic sea moss gel generally lasts 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge if kept in an airtight container. However, if not refrigerated, it starts deteriorating and going bad within a few days or hours, depending on the temperature.

Stay away from any industrial sea moss gel that claims to be good for more than 4 weeks. They probably have been bleached with chemicals or contain harmful preservatives. Sea moss gel should be 100% natural, even if it means it spoils faster!

Related article: What’s the difference between real and fake sea moss?

We've run laboratory tests on our Organic gel, and it's safe to use within 4 weeks if kept in the fridge. It contains zero preservatives or chemicals.

 

 

Organics Nature Sea Moss Gel is 100% Natural  - Try it here!

Always note the date of your homemade sea moss on the container to avoid any confusion.

How long does dry sea moss last?

Dry sea moss lasts longer than sea moss gel. This is because it does not contain any water, and the salts act as natural preservatives. The one we sell at Organics Nature has been naturally sundried and lasts up to 2 years in cool and dry storage conditions.

 

 

Organics Nature Raw Dry Sea Moss from Saint Lucia

Dry sea moss can be added to savory recipes like salads or soups or used to make your own sea moss gel at home. 

How long does raw sea moss last? 

Raw or fresh sea moss can last up to 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge. It’s like sea moss gel and spoils within a few days maximum when not refrigerated. You can eat raw sea moss, use it to make seaweed salads, or add it to your soups or other savory recipes.  

Related article: The right way to use sea moss for weight loss

How long do sea moss capsules or powder last?

Sea moss capsules and powder are popular ways to supplement your body with sea moss’s exceptional nutrients.

They’re made with dehydrated sea moss that has been turned into powder. Because there’s no more water, their shelf life is much longer than that of sea moss gel or fresh sea moss.

Organics Nature’s sea moss capsules and powder last about 2 years if stored in dry, cool places. You can find the exact expiration date on the bottle. 

 

 

 

Our Sea Moss Capsules are Enriched with Bladderwrack & Burdock Roots

How to Store Sea Moss Properly? 

Storing sea moss in the right conditions allows you to keep it longer and extend its shelf life by avoiding contamination and spoiling. Depending on the form of sea moss you’re using, you must store it in the fridge (gel or fresh) or a cool, dry place (dry, capsules, or powder).

 

 

Organics Nature's Sea Moss & Collagen Powder - Flavoured 

How to store sea moss gel?

Whether homemade or store-bought, organic sea moss gel must be stored in an airtight container (preferably a well-concealed glass jar) in the refrigerator. It will last for about a month.

To keep it fresh the longest possible and avoid contamination, always use a clean spoon or utensil to take the gel out of the jar and put it right back in the fridge after use.

If you’re making your own sea moss gel at home, we recommend preparing small batches or freezing it for future use.

Related article: How much sea moss can you take daily?

Can you freeze sea moss gel?

Yes, you can freeze sea moss gel. It’s an excellent way to extend its shelf life, especially if you've made or purchased big batches.

Pour sea moss gel into a sealed container or a covered ice cube tray, leaving room for expansion. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to store dry sea moss?

Dry sea moss does not have to be refrigerated. Instead, you can store it in a dark, cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. The salts it contains act as a natural preservative, so it can be used over an extensive period of time (usually more than a year).

Have you ever had any experience with expired sea moss? How could you tell it was bad? What happened? Let us know in the comment section below!