Mayonnaise is a not-so-secretly risky condiment. Every summer there are warnings about eating that potato salad at the family picnic or lobster roll at the beach thats been sitting out in the sun for hours, for fear of getting sick. You might be feeling brave and take a bite anyway, which begs the question. How long can be mayo be left out of the fridge, really? And whats the shelf life of mayonnaise anyway? Well, it really depends on what kind of mayonnaise youve got on hand, but chances are good its much shorter than you think.
To be clear, were not talking about imitation mayo or vegan mayo here. Were talking about the shelf life of real mayonnaise, as defined by the US government (because of course theres a regulation in the United States about whats actually considered to be mayo and whats not). According to the US Food and Drug Administration, in the United States, real mayonnaise needs to be no less than 65 percent vegetable oil, with vinegar, lemon juice, and some type of egg yolk.
Its the inclusion of an egg yolk that makes mayo perishable and notoriously tricky to handle. “Traditionally, mayonnaise is made with raw egg yolks, and therefore carries a slight risk of salmonella infection,” explains food scientist Harold McGee in his book On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen, adding, “Manufacturers use pasteurized yolks, and cooks concerned about salmonella can now find pasteurized eggs in supermarkets.” This raw egg is part of the reason McGee recommends treating mayo, “as a highly perishable food that should be served immediately or kept refrigerated.”
Most commercial mayonnaises, like Hellmans Real Mayonnaise or Sir Kensigntons Mayonnaise, are shelf-stable before opening. Thats why the bottle or jar can sit unrefrigerated in the supermarket. But once you open it up, youve got to store mayo in the fridge, and Sir Kensingtons notes that refrigerated mayonnaise will “be safe to enjoy approximately 2 months after you first open your jar or bottle.” So if youve had an open jar of mayo in your fridge for the better part of the year, its probably time to throw that stuff away.
The perishable nature of mayonnaise is also why you should throw out mayo thats been left out unrefrigerated overnight. It could be totally fine—until you get food poisoning. And, in general, the FDA recommends tossing perishable foods, including mayo, that have been left out at room temperature for two or more hours.
So put that mayo in the fridge and replace it after two months, or just make your own mayo and use it ASAP. Just be smart, and please dont get salmonella from your potato salad. `
Usually, mayonnaise is an off-white color. If you look in the jar, and the mayo appears to be more on the yellow side leaning towards brown, it’s most likely spoiled. The mayo smells acidic or putrid. Mayonnaise doesn’t have much of a smell, so if you open that jar and are hit with a strong sour odor, it’s bad.
Its the inclusion of an egg yolk that makes mayo perishable and notoriously tricky to handle. “Traditionally, mayonnaise is made with raw egg yolks, and therefore carries a slight risk of salmonella infection,” explains food scientist Harold McGee in his book On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen, adding, “Manufacturers use pasteurized yolks, and cooks concerned about salmonella can now find pasteurized eggs in supermarkets.” This raw egg is part of the reason McGee recommends treating mayo, “as a highly perishable food that should be served immediately or kept refrigerated.”
So put that mayo in the fridge and replace it after two months, or just make your own mayo and use it ASAP. Just be smart, and please dont get salmonella from your potato salad. `
Most commercial mayonnaises, like Hellmans Real Mayonnaise or Sir Kensigntons Mayonnaise, are shelf-stable before opening. Thats why the bottle or jar can sit unrefrigerated in the supermarket. But once you open it up, youve got to store mayo in the fridge, and Sir Kensingtons notes that refrigerated mayonnaise will “be safe to enjoy approximately 2 months after you first open your jar or bottle.” So if youve had an open jar of mayo in your fridge for the better part of the year, its probably time to throw that stuff away.
The perishable nature of mayonnaise is also why you should throw out mayo thats been left out unrefrigerated overnight. It could be totally fine—until you get food poisoning. And, in general, the FDA recommends tossing perishable foods, including mayo, that have been left out at room temperature for two or more hours.
Mayonnaise is a not-so-secretly risky condiment. Every summer there are warnings about eating that potato salad at the family picnic or lobster roll at the beach thats been sitting out in the sun for hours, for fear of getting sick. You might be feeling brave and take a bite anyway, which begs the question. How long can be mayo be left out of the fridge, really? And whats the shelf life of mayonnaise anyway? Well, it really depends on what kind of mayonnaise youve got on hand, but chances are good its much shorter than you think.
What To Know Before Buying Hellmann’s Mayonnaise Again
FAQ
How long does Hellman’s mayonnaise last in the fridge?
What can happen if you eat bad mayonnaise?
Can you use expired Hellmann’s mayonnaise?
How do you know if Hellmann’s Mayonnaise has gone bad?
You can tell if Hellmann’s mayonnaise has gone bad if it has an unusual color, texture, or smell. If the mayonnaise looks discolored or has an off-putting odor, it is best to discard it. Can I still use Hellmannʼs mayonnaise after the expiration date?
What are the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning?
The symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can vary depending on the type of metal, the amount of exposure, and the individual’s health. However, some common symptoms include: 1. Gastrointestinal symptoms: These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. 2. Neurological symptoms: These can include headache, dizziness, confusion, seizures, and coma. 3. Skin symptoms: These can include rash, itching, and peeling. 4. Respiratory symptoms: These can include shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. 5. Cardiovascular symptoms: These can include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. 6. Renal symptoms: These can include kidney pain, blood in the urine, and decreased urine output. 7. Hematological symptoms: These can include anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count.
How do you know if Mayo is bad?
The mayo smells acidic or putrid. Mayonnaise doesn’t have much of a smell, so if you open that jar and are hit with a strong sour odor, it’s bad. Screw back on the lid and throw it out. The mayo tastes sour or bitter. Dip the tip of your finger in the questionable mayonnaise and take a small lick. If it tastes strange or “off,” toss it out.
Does Hellmann’s have Mayo?
Hellmann’s is somewhat known for offering strange suggestions for using its mayo in recipes. For instance, one vintage advertisement touted ways to combine peanut butter and Hellmann’s Mayonnaise on bread, with suggestions like topping both condiments with apples and marmalade.