MayonnaiseShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide
Pantry
Not RecommendedUnsafe after opening
Unopened commercial mayonnaise can be stored in a cool, dark pantry until its 'Best By' date. Once opened, it must be refrigerated immediately.
Refrigerator
2 months
Always refrigerate promptly after opening. Keep tightly sealed in its original container. Do not store in the refrigerator door, where temperatures fluctuate.
Freezer
Not RecommendedNot recommended
Freezing mayonnaise is not recommended as it causes the emulsion to break, resulting in an oily, separated product with an undesirable texture.
Signs of Spoilage
- Sour, rancid, or off-odor
- Discoloration (darkening or yellowing)
- Presence of mold
- Separation of ingredients (oily layer on top)
- Unusual texture (thicker, thinner, or lumpy)
Room Temperature Safety
The danger zone for food is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), where bacteria can multiply rapidly.
Always refrigerate mayonnaise promptly after use. Discard any mayonnaise or mayonnaise-containing dishes that have been left in the danger zone for longer than the recommended time limits.
Safe Handling
Always refrigerate mayonnaise immediately after opening.
Do not leave mayonnaise-based dishes (e.g., potato salad, coleslaw) at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Use clean utensils to scoop mayonnaise to prevent cross-contamination.
Discard if left out in the danger zone (40°F–140°F) for too long.