Condiments, Sauces & Canned Goods

How long does jarred gravy last after opening?

2–5 years
Pantry, from purchase — USDA FoodKeeper guidance for gravy (jars and cans)

Opened jarred or canned gravy gets just 1–2 days in the fridge, though a sealed jar holds 2–5 years in the pantry — reheat only the amount you mean to pour.

How long does it keep?

Pantry, from purchase 2–5 years
Fridge, opened 1–2 days

Can it sit out?

Unopened, jarred gravy 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).

The 2-hour rule, in full →

How to tell if jarred gravy has gone bad

  • A sour smell coming off it as it reheats
  • A skin on top with fuzz sitting in it
  • Gravy gone gluey and stringy off the spoon
  • A domed lid, or a jar that hisses as it opens

When in doubt, throw it out.

Bring it to a full bubble and whisk hard — reheated gravy splits into a sludge otherwise, and pouring it over the meat won’t hide it.

Quick answers

How long does jarred gravy last after opening?

Opened jarred or canned gravy gets just 1–2 days in the fridge, though a sealed jar holds 2–5 years in the pantry — reheat only the amount you mean to pour.

How long can jarred gravy sit out?

Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened jarred gravy — 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).