Shelf Life Tips
- How long does an unopened jar or can or can of pickled beets last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions -to maximize the shelf life of pickled beets store in a cool, dry area.
-
How long does an unopened jar or can or can of pickled beets last at room temperature? Properly stored, an unopened jar or can of pickled beets will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months.
-
Are unopened pickled beets safe to use after the expiration date on the jar or can? Yes, provided they are properly stored and the jar or can is undamaged - commercially packaged pickled beets will typically carry a Best By," "Best if Used By," Best Before, or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the pickled beets will remain at peak quality.
-
Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the pickled beets' texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, they will still be safe to consume if they have been stored properly, the jar or can is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
-
How can you tell if pickled beets are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the pickled beets: if pickled beets develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
-
Discard all pickled beets from jars or cans that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
About Our Authors
Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here