Condiments, Sauces & Canned Goods
How long does mayonnaise last in the fridge after opening?
An opened jar of commercial mayonnaise keeps 2 months in the fridge, and a sealed one 3–6 months in the pantry — once the seal’s broken, cold is the only place it lives.
How long does it keep?
| Pantry, from purchase | 3–6 months |
|---|---|
| Fridge, opened | 2 months |
Can it sit out?
Unopened, mayonnaise 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 mayonnaise has gone bad
- A sour, sharp smell instead of the usual mild tang
- Yellowing or a darkened crust at the surface
- Oil separating into a slick on top
- Dark specks or fuzz tracked in by a dirty knife
When in doubt, throw it out.
Mayonnaise doesn’t freeze — it splits into oil and water and won’t whisk back, so keep it cold rather than frozen.
Quick answers
How long does mayonnaise last in the fridge after opening?
An opened jar of commercial mayonnaise keeps 2 months in the fridge, and a sealed one 3–6 months in the pantry — once the seal’s broken, cold is the only place it lives.
How long can mayonnaise sit out?
Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened mayonnaise — 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).