Quick summary: Yes, mayonnaise can go bad due to its raw egg yolk content. The shelf life of mayonnaise depends on factors like its packaging, preservatives, and whether it’s opened or unopened.
You throw the mayonnaise out of habit if it stays open for a few months in the fridge. But do you really have to do that? Does mayo go bad?
Mayonnaise is an indispensable addition to any good sandwich, potato salad, and various dishes. Somehow we’re already used to mayo being a must-have sauce. But, unlike its sandwich siblings, ketchup and mustard, mayonnaise contains raw egg yolks and some other ingredients that are not prone to excessive duration.
Consuming spoiled mayonnaise can cause severe indigestion and food poisoning, not to mention some much more serious consequences like salmonella poisoning. Caution is always welcome. If you notice that open mayonnaise has been standing in the fridge for too long, you really need to throw it away as a precaution. How long you can count on open packaging and many other tips we bring below.
How Long Does Mayonnaise Last?
How long mayonnaise can last is impossible to say with certainty. There are a lot of manufacturers on the market, and they all put different proportions and ingredients in their products. Some add more preservatives, some less or not at all. Even in shops, you will find some mayonnaise placed in the fridge and some on the regular shelves. Here are some general guidelines to help you.
Unopened mayo
Some general rule says that mayonnaise should be good for another two to three months after the expiration date written on the package. This is true if it is unopened, whether in the refrigerator or the pantry. It has pasteurized eggs and should be more durable. Yet a cooler temperature and distance from any heat sources are necessary. If you have a recently expired mayo jar, you don’t have to throw it away. However, for your safety, check for signs of spoilage.
Opened mayo
For open mayonnaise, the rule that it will last longer than shelf life does not apply. In fact, once you open the jar, the risks of spoilage begin. In the best conditions, the mayonnaise should be consumed within two months, and be sure to keep it in the refrigerator all the time. Don’t risk too much with more extended storage than that. Risk outweighs pleasure.
Homemade mayo
If you are a fan of making homemade mayonnaise, you surely use fresh egg yolk in preparation, which is why your culinary craft won’t survive a long time. It would be ideal to consume homemade mayo within five days, a maximum of one week. Store homemade mayonnaise in the fridge at all times. Raw eggs don’t endure standing on the counter as harmful bacteria will develop.
Can Mayo Go Bad?
Mayonnaise can and will spoil over time, without any doubt. If eggs are present in any product, you know that there is at least a small risk of food poisoning if you overlook the signs of spoilage. Here’s how you’ll most easily recognize that something is wrong with the dressing.
Sign 1: Organic formations
Mayonnaise can develop mold, especially if you have not used a clean spoon and other foods have contaminated it. Any suspicion of mold is an alarm to throw everything in the trash. Mold can look like white, yellowish, or brownish clumps.
Sign 2: Off smell
The odor may be sour and acidic if spoilage has occurred. When you open the jar, give it a good sniff and evaluate whether there is a change compared to the usual smell. Any deviations are a sign you should throw away the product.
Sign 3: Discoloration
Decay can also be seen through discoloration. Again, any deviation is a warning to you to throw everything away. Usually, mayonnaise is white or slightly yellow. If you notice a different color in certain places, brownish or yellowish circles, throw everything away immediately.
What Is The Best Way To Store Mayo?
Proper storage of mayonnaise is extremely important for its quality. Basically, if the mayonnaise in the store was in the fridge, put it in the refrigerator at home as soon as you arrive. If it was standing on a shelf, you could store it in the pantry, but it goes in the fridge as soon as you open it. Homemade mayonnaise must be refrigerated at all times. Here are some more valuable tips.
Tip 1: Adequate hygiene
It would be best always to use a clean spoon when you scoop mayo from a jar. Any contamination with other foods will spoil the product in record time.
Tip 2: Don’t leave out for too long
You should take the mayonnaise out of the fridge, take the desired amount and return it to the refrigerator immediately. Spoilage is quite possible if it stays on the kitchen counter long, especially if the temperature outside is a bit warmer.
Tip 3: Seal well
Always close the jar tightly after use to prevent airflow and possible impurities. If you have mayonnaise in the tube, make sure the top is clean and close the cap tightly.
You can tell if mayo is bad by checking for an off smell, changes in texture, and any signs of mold growth or separation of liquids. If the mayo smells sour, has a rancid odor, or appears curdled or watery, it’s likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Is it okay to eat expired mayo?
No, it’s not recommended to eat expired mayo, especially if it shows signs of spoilage. If the mayo is significantly past its expiration date, has an off smell, or shows signs of spoilage such as separation or mold growth, it’s best to avoid consuming it.
Should you refrigerate mayo?
Yes, you should refrigerate mayo after opening to help preserve its freshness and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Keeping it at a consistent cold temperature can extend its shelf life and maintain its quality.
How long can mayo sit out?
Mayo should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent the risk of bacterial growth. After this time, harmful bacteria can multiply, potentially causing foodborne illness if the mayo is consumed.
Can you freeze mayo?
No, you should not freeze mayo as it can affect its texture and quality.
Does food with mayonnaise spoil faster?
Yes, food containing mayonnaise can spoil faster if not stored properly due to the mayonnaise’s relatively high moisture content. Bacteria can grow more readily in moist environments, which can lead to quicker spoilage of dishes with mayonnaise.
Conclusion
Mayonnaise is a delicacy addition to any sandwich, salad, or various meat and other dishes. Both children and adults love it, so it is often found as a must-have product in every kitchen.
Mayo will not spoil too quickly if it is purchased. Your own prepared mayo will not last longer than a week, but the purchased one can endure even a few months after the expiration date if the package is not opened.
However, if you doubt the correctness of mayonnaise, check all the signs of spoilage and rather throw the product in the trash. Food poisoning and indigestion are possible consequences of consuming lousy mayo.
Finally, if you run out of mayo, you can always find a mayo alternative in your kitchen.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
