Condiments, Sauces & Canned Goods
How long does mustard last in the fridge once opened?
Opened mustard holds 1 year in the fridge against 1–2 years sealed in the pantry — the bite fades long before anything else does, so buy the jar you’ll finish.
How long does it keep?
| Pantry, from purchase | 1–2 years |
|---|---|
| Fridge, opened | 1 year |
Can it sit out?
Unopened, mustard 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 mustard has gone bad
- A crust of dried mustard gluing the cap shut
- A dark liquid ring separating out at the edges
- Mold on the surface or around the rim
- A flat, bitter taste with no heat left behind it
When in doubt, throw it out.
A pinch of dry mustard powder wakes a tired jar back up — cheaper than opening a new one for a single sandwich.
Quick answers
How long does mustard last in the fridge once opened?
Opened mustard holds 1 year in the fridge against 1–2 years sealed in the pantry — the bite fades long before anything else does, so buy the jar you’ll finish.
How long can mustard sit out?
Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened mustard — 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).