Mayonnaise is one of those kitchen staples that can sit quietly in the refrigerator for weeks. You might use it for a sandwich, mix it into a salad, close the jar, and forget about it.
Then one day you open the fridge and wonder:
“Is this mayonnaise still good?”
The answer depends on several things, including whether it is commercially prepared or homemade, how long it has been opened, how it has been stored, and whether there are any signs of spoilage.
🥫 How Long Does Opened Mayonnaise Last?
Commercial mayonnaise is made with ingredients and processing methods that give it a relatively long shelf life.
An unopened jar can generally be kept until the date indicated on the package when stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once opened, however, proper refrigeration becomes especially important. A common guideline is to use opened commercial mayonnaise within about two months, although recommendations can vary by brand and product.
Always check the label first, especially if the manufacturer provides a specific storage recommendation.
🥚 What About Homemade Mayonnaise?
Homemade mayonnaise needs more caution.
Many homemade recipes contain raw eggs and don’t have the same processing and preservation methods used in commercial products. Because of this, homemade mayonnaise can spoil more quickly.
If you make mayonnaise yourself, follow the storage instructions provided with the recipe and use it promptly.
For uncooked recipes containing eggs, pasteurized eggs can be a safer choice.
