Shelf Life Tips
- How long does mustard last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of opened mustard, store in a cool, dark place and keep tightly covered at all times.
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How long does an opened bottle of mustard last at normal room temperature? Opened mustard will usually keep well for 1 to 2 months when stored in the pantry.
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To extend the shelf life of opened mustard, refrigerate it.
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How long does opened mustard last in the refrigerator? Mustard that has been continuously refrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 12-18 months.
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Is opened mustard safe to use after the "expiration date"? Yes, provided it has been stored properly, the bottle is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially bottled mustard 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 mustard will remain at peak quality.
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The storage time shown for opened mustard is for best quality only - after that, the mustard's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been kept continuously refrigerated, the bottle is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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How can you tell if opened mustard is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the mustard: if the mustard 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
