Shelf Stable Foods
How long do capers last in the jar?
USDA gives capers the package use-by date — keep them fully under their brine and that date holds.
How long does it keep?
| Pantry | Package use-by date |
|---|
Can it sit out?
Unopened, capers is shelf-stable. Once opened, treat it as perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if capers has gone bad
- Brine turned cloudy or slimy
- Capers gone mushy instead of firm and poppy
- A moldy film where capers sit above the liquid
When in doubt, throw it out.
Top the jar up with a splash of its own brine or plain vinegar so nothing sits dry above the line.
Quick answers
How long do capers last in the jar?
USDA gives capers the package use-by date — keep them fully under their brine and that date holds.
How long can capers sit out?
Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened capers — once opened, the FSIS 2-hour rule applies. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).