Stale crackers lose their crispness and flavor, but proper storage ensures they keep their savory freshness. Although the “use-by” date on the package provides a guide for best flavor, air and moisture can undermine the date if the crackers aren't stored correctly.
Stay Fresh
If pantry pests, such as weevils, aren't an issue, you can store crackers in their original sealed packaging. Store crackers in an airtight bag, or glass or plastic container after opening the package; glass containers work best for keeping pests out of your crackers. You can store sealed crackers for up to eight months in a dark, cool pantry, but they retain their maximum freshness for only about one month after opening.
Refresh Stored Crackers
Heat can refresh crackers that lose their crispness but have no other signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off odor. Spread the crackers out in a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake them in a 425-degree Fahrenheit oven for two to four minutes, or until they become crisp again. Store refreshed crackers in a sealed container.