How Long Do Oysters Last in the Fridge?

TL;DR: Oysters are best when enjoyed fresh, but proper storage can extend their shelf life safely. In this blog, readers learn exactly how long oysters last in the fridge and how to store them to preserve their signature briny flavor and texture.

• Live, unopened oysters can last up to 7–10 days in the refrigerator.
• Shucked oysters should be eaten within 3–5 days for the best quality.
• Keep oysters cold (around 34°F–38°F) and covered with a damp towel to retain freshness.
• Store oysters cup-side down to keep their natural juices intact.
• Discard any with open shells or sour smells, as these indicate spoilage.
  

With proper care, you can enjoy fresh, safe, and delicious oysters just as they’re meant to be.

Fresh oysters are a briny, buttery coastal treasure, beloved by seafood fans the world over. However, these finicky mollusks are best enjoyed at peak freshness. It’s natural to want to enjoy this delicacy at home, but how long do oysters last in the fridge before they’re no longer safe to eat?

The short answer is that live, unopened oysters can last up to 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator. In contrast, shucked oysters should be eaten within 3 to 5 days. Aim to keep them cold and covered to ensure they taste their best!

Below, we’ll explain more about how long oysters keep in the fridge. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to store them safely so you can enjoy every bite of your fresh seafood experience.

How Long Will Oysters Last in the Fridge?

Oysters are living shellfish, so they remain fresh as long as they’re alive. Once they die, they need to be eaten or discarded quickly. So, how long you can keep oysters in the fridge depends on whether they are alive or shucked.

As answered above:

• How Long Do Unopened Oysters Last in the Fridge? Live oysters in the shell can last about 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator
• How Long Do Shucked Oysters Last in the Fridge? Shucked (deceased) oysters can last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator

Note that this is how long oysters are good in the fridge, not a recommendation for when to eat them. Ideally, you will enjoy them much sooner! The general rule is that the sooner you eat fresh oysters, the better the taste and texture will be. Even with proper storage, the flavor can fade over time.

Tips for Storing Oysters Safely

Oysters are good in the fridge for longer when stored properly. Here are the storage practices that help preserve flavor and keep your seafood safe to eat.

• Keep them cold. Store oysters in the coldest part of the fridge (around 34°F to 38°F).
• Store them cup-side down. This keeps their natural juices (or liquor) inside the shell.
• Cover with a damp towel. Moisture helps prevent oysters from drying out.
• Check before eating. Discard oysters with open shells that don’t close when tapped. Also, discard any oysters that smell sour or off.

These tips apply no matter how you plan to prepare your oysters, whether you prefer them raw or baked Rockefeller-style!

Enjoy Fresh Oysters Every Time

At North Coast Seafoods, we take pride in sourcing the freshest, highest-quality oysters from the icy waters of New England. That includes our beloved Wellfleet Oysters. Enjoy premium flavor and trusted freshness with every order.

Shop Wellfleet Oysters from North Coast Seafoods and discover what fresh seafood should taste like.