🤍

Condiments & Spreads

How long does mayonnaise (opened) last?

Q: How long does mayonnaise (opened) last?

Mayonnaise (opened) lasts approximately 2 months after opening. 2 months refrigerated

Q: How can I tell if mayonnaise (opened) has gone bad?

Watch for: Yellow tint; Watery separation that won't mix back; Sour smell; Mold (especially around lid).

Opened mayo jar.

Quick answer

After opening

2 months

2 months refrigerated

Ad slot · ARTICLE_TOP

Mayonnaise (opened) shelf life chart

All times are best-quality guidelines based on USDA FoodKeeper and FDA storage data. Actual shelf life depends on temperature stability, packaging, and how the food was handled.

Storage	Time	Notes
After opening	2 months	2 months refrigerated

Can you freeze mayonnaise (opened)?

Freezing mayonnaise (opened) is generally not recommended. Texture, flavor, and structure change significantly when frozen, and the resulting product is often unappetizing. Refer to the storage chart above for fridge and pantry options.

What to do if…

What if my mayonnaise (opened) is past the printed date?

"Best by," "sell by," and "use by" dates are quality indicators, not safety deadlines. Mayonnaise (opened) is often still safe past the printed date if stored properly and showing none of the spoilage signs above. Use your senses — sight, smell, texture — and the storage times listed in this guide.

What if it smells weird but looks fine?

Trust your nose. Smell is one of the most reliable indicators of spoilage — your nose evolved specifically to detect dangerous food. If mayonnaise (opened) has any sour, ammonia-like, sulfur, or "off" smell beyond its normal aroma, discard it. Visible mold or texture changes confirm the warning.

Can expired mayonnaise (opened) make you sick?

Yes — but the printed date isn't the trigger. Foodborne illness comes from bacterial growth (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Staphylococcus) or fungal toxins, which depend on storage temperature and time, not the calendar date on the package.

Symptoms of food poisoning typically appear within 6–48 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Severe cases — especially in young children, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised people — warrant medical attention. The safest practice: when in doubt, throw it out.

Frequently asked questions

How long does mayonnaise (opened) last in the fridge?

Mayonnaise (opened) is not typically refrigerated — see other storage options above.

How long does mayonnaise (opened) last after opening?

2 months after opening. 2 months refrigerated

How can I tell if mayonnaise (opened) has gone bad?

Look for: Yellow tint; Watery separation that won't mix back; Sour smell; Mold (especially around lid).

Can I eat mayonnaise (opened) past the "best by" date?

"Best by" is a quality date, not a safety date. As long as mayonnaise (opened) has been stored properly and shows no spoilage signs, it's usually safe to eat — but quality may have declined. Use your senses to judge.

Related shelf-life guides

🍅

How long does ketchup last?

🥫

How long does mayonnaise last?

🟡

How long does mustard last?

🥜

How long does peanut butter last?

🌶️

How long does hot sauce last?

🍯

How long does honey last?

Signs mayonnaise (opened) has gone bad

•Yellow tint
•Watery separation that won't mix back
•Sour smell
•Mold (especially around lid)

Storage tips

✓NEVER leave at room temp
✓Use clean utensils
✓Squeeze bottles last longer than jars

Ad slot · ARTICLE_BOTTOM

More condiments & spreads

Sources & review

Compiled by the BestByDates editorial team. Last reviewed: January 2025. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Disclaimer: Times shown are USDA/FDA-recommended best quality periods, not absolute safety guarantees. Storage conditions, packaging, and food handling all affect actual shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.