Mayonnaise is a well-loved ingredient used around the world, but like most ingredients, mayonnaise may not stay fresh for long.
However, you may be wondering if mayonnaise expires. I did the research, and here is what I found!
Does Mayonnaise Expire?
Mayonnaise can expire because mayonnaise contains eggs, which eventually causes the mayonnaise to spoil. How long mayonnaise stays fresh will depend on the type and brand, but most store-bought mayonnaises can stay fresh for 3-4 months past the best-by date. Moreover, all kinds of mayonnaise should be refrigerated immediately to prevent quick spoilage.
Are you interested in learning more about mayonnaise, including how and when mayonnaise expires? Keep reading!
Can Mayonnaise Go Bad?
All types of mayonnaise can go bad because mayonnaise contains eggs, which will eventually spoil.
While mayonnaise contains other ingredients like oil and vinegar that can last indefinitely, the mixture of these ingredients with eggs will eventually cause the entire jar of mayonnaise to go bad.
Moreover, exposure to sunlight, air, and temperature changes can affect oil and vinegar in mayonnaise, causing the mayonnaise to spoil.
How Long Does Unopened Mayonnaise Last?
Typically, unopened mayonnaise can stay fresh for 3-4 months past the best-by date given that the mayonnaise was kept in a cool, dark place away from temperature changes.
However, keeping unopened mayonnaise in the fridge can keep the mayonnaise usable for up to a year.
How Long Does Opened Mayonnaise Last?
Generally, opened mayonnaise will only stay fresh for about 2 months after opening, but the time will vary based on the brand.
Moreover, opened mayonnaise will be safe to eat for 2 months if you keep the mayonnaise in the fridge. Otherwise, opened mayonnaise can last on the counter for 8 hours.
How Long Does Fresh Mayonnaise Last?
Normally, fresh or homemade mayonnaise can last for about 1-2 weeks when refrigerated. Otherwise, fresh mayonnaise can go bad within 1-2 hours on the counter.
How Long Does Hellman’s Mayonnaise Last?
Hellman’s recommends that you follow the best-by date printed on Hellman’s mayonnaise’s label to see how long Hellman’s mayonnaise lasts.
However, you can consume Hellman’s mayonnaise up to 2 months past the best-by date given that the mayonnaise has not spoiled.
Moreover, it is best to consume Hellman’s mayonnaise 2 months after opening the jar and keeping the jar refrigerated.
How Long Does Kewpie Mayonnaise Last?
Kewpie states that it is best to consume Kewpie mayonnaise within a month of opening the product and that Kewpie mayonnaise should be refrigerated after opening.
However, unopened Kewpie mayonnaise can last 10-12 months before opening given that the Kewpie mayonnaise was stored in a dark and cool area.
Is It Safe To Eat Mayonnaise After The Expiration Date?
It can be safe to eat mayonnaise after the expiration date if there are no noticeable signs of spoilage.
For instance, mayonnaise that still looks and tastes the same despite being past the expiration date can be fine to consume.
However, consuming expired mayonnaise only applies if it has been 2-3 months after the expiration date and the mayonnaise has not gone bad.
Otherwise, smelly and bad-tasting expired mayonnaise should not be eaten.
Is It Safe To Eat Unopened Expired Mayonnaise?
It is safe to eat unopened expired mayonnaise if it is still within 2-3 months after the expiration date.
If the date is any further than 2-3 months after the expiration date, it may be best to throw out the expired mayonnaise, even if the mayonnaise is unopened.
How Do You Know If Mayonnaise Is Spoiled?
Typically, you can easily tell if mayonnaise has spoiled by the smell because spoiled mayonnaise is often rancid or pungent. Moreover, your mayonnaise may split or change color.
Generally, it is not a good idea to taste mayonnaise to check if the mayonnaise went bad, especially if the mayonnaise smells or looks bad.
However, it is fine to taste the mayonnaise if there is no distinct odor or obvious sign of spoilage. If the mayonnaise tastes different, you need to throw the mayonnaise away.
Can Mayonnaise Go Bad In The Fridge?
Mayonnaise can still go bad in the fridge because the eggs will eventually spoil despite being kept cold.
Does Mayonnaise Expire If Not Opened?
Mayonnaise can expire if unopened because the eggs in mayonnaise can eventually go bad, spoiling the entire product.
This is especially true if it has been more than 6 months past the expiration date on your mayonnaise’s label.
How Long Does It Take Mayonnaise To Go Bad On A Sandwich?
Typically, a sandwich with mayonnaise can stay fresh for up to four hours out of the fridge, but this will depend on the other ingredients in your sandwich since ingredients like veggies and meat can go bad first.
If the sandwich is kept in the fridge, the sandwich with mayonnaise can last for up to a day.
Does Food With Mayonnaise Spoil Faster?
Generally, mayonnaise will not make food spoil faster because store-bought mayonnaise contains acids like vinegar and lemon juice that can potentially slow down bacteria growth.
However, mayonnaise will not keep your food from spoiling completely since other ingredients in your dish can spoil regardless, making the whole dish go bad.
Take a look at our related articles to learn who invented mayonnaise, what vegan mayonnaise is made of, and what mayonnaise tastes like.
Conclusion
Mayonnaise can expire, but how long mayonnaise will stay fresh will depend on the brand, usage, and storage.
Generally, store-bought mayonnaise can stay fresh for 1-2 months after opening in the fridge while homemade mayonnaise can last for 1-2 weeks when refrigerated.