Shelf Life Tips
- How long does unopened beef gravy last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize shelf life, store in a cool, dry area.
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How long does an unopened can or jar of beef gravy last at room temperature? Properly stored, an unopened can or jar of beef gravy will generally stay at best quality for for 3 to 5 years, although it will usually remain safe to use after that.
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Is unopened beef gravy safe to use after the expiration date on the package? Yes, provided it is properly stored and the can or bottle is undamaged - commercially packaged beef gravy 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 beef gravy will remain at peak quality.
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Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the beef gravy's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the can or bottle is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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Discard all beef gravy from cans that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
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How can you tell if beef gravy is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the beef gravy: if the beef gravy develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
