Ever wonder how long that mayonnaise in your fridge will last? For some reason, I have this idea in my head that mayo keeps forever. Literally. I think I might have a jar of mayo on the bottom shelf of my fridge from 2004. Yikes.
But we all know that even condiments have expiration dates. Hopefully the ketchup, mustard, and mayo you're setting out on the patio table for your BBQ-ing this summer aren't from last summer! Here are a few rough shelf-lives of some common condiments:
- Ketchup – 8 -12 months in the fridge, though some sources list 2 years. Otherwise 1month at room temperature (though I am not sure I've everh eard of anyone keeping ketchup in the pantry
- Mayo – 2 - 6 months
- Relish – 1 year
- Mustard – 8 months
- Jam, jelly, or preserves – 1 year
- Salad dressing – 9 months
- Maple Syrup – 1 year
- Soy sauce – 3 months (and if you look on th bottle, it says you're supposed to keep soy sauce refrigerated!)
- Butter – 2 weeks
As a rule of thumb, condiments that have a higher sugar and salt content stay fresh longer and have a longer shelf life. And if there is no expiration date on the package, just use this rule: "When in doubt, throw it out."
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