Ketchup and mayonnaise: how long can opened sauces be stored in the fridge.

According to ТСН: We often store sauces 'for later', without thinking about how long they can remain safe after opening. This is a big mistake.

How long do sauces last in sealed packaging

Most commercial sauces in airtight packaging can last about a year. The expiration date is always indicated on the packaging. If the expiration date has passed, the product won't spoil immediately, but the quality will start to deteriorate: the taste will become less pronounced, the consistency unstable, and the aroma altered.

What changes after opening

When you open a jar or bottle, the airtight seal is broken, and the sauce begins to contact air, bacteria, and moisture. Therefore, the fridge becomes an important place to slow down product spoilage, but it doesn't stop it completely.

Storage time for sauces after opening

1. Ketchup – up to 6 months.

2. Mustard – up to 1 year.

3. Mayonnaise – no more than 2 months.

4. Hot sauces – up to 1 year, homemade – about 3 months.

5. Salad dressings – from 1 to 3 months, depending on the ingredients.

How to tell if a sauce has spoiled

If the product has changed color, started to smell sharply, or mold or slime has appeared on the surface, it is not worth experimenting. Such a sauce should be immediately thrown away.

Useful tips for storage

• tighten the lid well after use;

• take the sauce with a clean spoon only;

• avoid contact with raw products;

• store sauces only in the fridge after opening.

Now you know when opened ketchup or mustard can become a threat, and you will no longer risk your health with unsatisfactory products from the fridge. By following these simple rules, you can enjoy your favorite sauces without worrying about their safety.