When to Say Goodbye to Your Condiments
When to Say Goodbye to Your Condiments?
The weather is warming up and that means grilling season! With the grilling season comes the opportunity to use up condiments that have been left in the side door of the refrigerator. We have so many options available from barbeque sauce and ketchup to mustard and mayo and so much more, it’s time to decide whether to say goodbye to our condiments or if they are invited to the next cookout!
Understanding Expiration Dates
Most condiments come with a "best by" or "use by" date, this date tells us the time frame for when the product is at its best quality. While these dates are not always strict indicators of safety, they are good guidelines. Once a condiment passes its expiration date, it may lose flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Once an item is past its expiration date, it may be spoiled. Make sure to be cautious and check the food for signs of spoilage before consuming.
Common Condiments and Their Shelf Lives
|
Condiment
|
Unopened Shelf Life
|
After Opening
|
|
Ketchup
|
1 year
|
6 months
|
|
Mayonnaise
|
3-4 months past best by date
|
3 months
|
|
Mustard
|
2 years
|
1 year
|
|
Soy Sauce
|
3 years
|
6 months - 1 year
|
|
Hot Sauce
|
2 years
|
6 months
|
|
Miracle Whip
|
1 year
|
2-3 months
|
|
Barbeque Sauce
|
6 months - 1 year
|
4 months
|
Remember that the shelf life is a guide, but you should still check the food for spoilage before eating. Homemade versions of condiments have a much shorter shelf life and may only last for about 1 week refrigerated. Recipes typically give a timeframe for safe storage. It can be hard to keep track of when you opened various items, one tip is to write the date of opening on the container with a permanent marker.
Signs Your Condiments Have Gone Bad
There are multiple signs you can look for to determine if your condiments have gone bad. Make sure to be aware of these signs even if the product has not expired or been opened for long.
- Weird Smell: If the condiment smells unusually sour, rancid, or significantly different than usual.
- Change in Texture: If the texture has changed significantly, such as separation in mayo or clumps in mustard.
- Mold: Any mold is a clear sign of spoilage. Look for fuzzy spots, white dust, and green, white, or gray discolorations.
- Change in Color: If the color has darkened or changed, it’s a good indication that the condiment is spoiled.
If you are unsure, it is best to follow the motto of “When in doubt, throw it out!”
Safe Disposal of Expired Condiments
So you found some condiments that are spoiled, now what?
- Check if the container can be recycled. Glass containers and most plastic should be recyclable.
- If recycling, you can pour the condiment into a separate bag and seal it, then throw that bag into the trash to prevent rotten smells and messy mishaps when taking out the trash.
- Prep your containers for recycling! Rinse out the container and place in the proper bin.
With this knowledge you will be equipped to know when to say goodbye to your condiments to maintain food safety for safe and delicious meals throughout the grilling season and the rest of the year too!
by Jaylana Miles, Dietetic Intern, April 2025