Condiments, Sauces & Canned Goods
How long does honey last in the pantry?
USDA gives honey 2 years in the pantry — keep the jar capped and bone dry, and keep it out of the fridge, which only hurries the crystals along.
Pantry, from purchase
How long does it keep?
| Pantry, from purchase | 2 years |
|---|
Can it sit out?
Honey is shelf-stable, so sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question — storage time is.
How to tell if honey has gone bad
- A boozy, fermented smell — usually water that got into the jar
- Foam or bubbles rising up through the honey
- Mold or fuzz around a sticky, unwiped rim
- Honey darkened and harsh-tasting after a spell somewhere hot
When in doubt, throw it out.
Crystallized honey isn’t spoiled — stand the jar in warm water and stir until it runs clear again.
Quick answers
How long does honey last in the pantry?
USDA gives honey 2 years in the pantry — keep the jar capped and bone dry, and keep it out of the fridge, which only hurries the crystals along.
How long can honey sit out?
Sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question for honey — storage time is.