FridgeLife

Condiments & Sauces Shelf Life

Unopened, nearly every condiment is a pantry food with a shelf life of a year or more. Opening is what matters: acidic, salty or sugary condiments hold for months in the fridge, while low-acid sauces such as pesto and pasta sauce last only days. Always use a clean utensil, because what you introduce spoils the jar faster than time does.

31 foods · times shown are for the most common state of each food; tap a food for every state, storage tips and spoilage signs.

Condiments

FoodFridgeFreezerPantry
Horseradish
Opened
3–4 months6 monthsNot recommended
Ketchup
Opened
6 monthsNot recommended1 month
Mayonnaise
Opened
2 monthsNot recommendedNot recommended
Mustard
Opened
1 yearNot recommended1–2 months
Relish
Opened
6 monthsNot recommendedNot recommended

Dressings

FoodFridgeFreezerPantry
Ranch Dressing
Opened
1–2 monthsNot recommendedNot safe
Salad Dressing (Vinaigrette)
Opened
1–3 monthsNot recommendedNot recommended

Oils & vinegars

FoodFridgeFreezerPantry
Coconut Oil
Opened
1–2 yearsNot recommended1–2 years
Olive Oil
Opened
Not recommendedNot recommended3–6 months
Sesame Oil
Opened
6 monthsNot recommended2–3 months
Vegetable Oil
Opened
Not recommendedNot recommended3–6 months
Vinegar
Opened
Not recommendedNot recommendedIndefinitely

Pastes

FoodFridgeFreezerPantry
Miso Paste
Opened
1 year1 yearNot recommended
Tahini
Opened
6 monthsNot recommended1–2 months

Pickled & brined

FoodFridgeFreezerPantry
Olives
Opened
2 weeksNot recommendedNot safe
Pickles
Opened
1–3 monthsNot recommendedNot recommended

Sauces

FoodFridgeFreezerPantry
BBQ Sauce
Opened
6 months3 months1 month
Fish Sauce
Opened
2–3 yearsNot recommended1 year
Hot Sauce
Opened
1–2 yearsNot recommended6 months
Oyster Sauce
Opened
3–6 monthsNot recommendedNot recommended
Pasta Sauce
Opened
4–5 days3 monthsNot safe
Pesto
Opened
5–7 days4–6 monthsNot safe
Salsa
Opened
1 month1–2 monthsNot safe
Soy Sauce
Opened
1–2 yearsNot recommended1 month
Sriracha
Opened
1–2 yearsNot recommended6–9 months
Teriyaki Sauce
Opened
6–12 monthsNot recommendedNot recommended
Worcestershire Sauce
Opened
2–3 yearsNot recommended1 year

Sweet spreads & syrups

FoodFridgeFreezerPantry
Honey
Opened
Not recommendedNot recommendedIndefinitely
Jam & Jelly
Opened
6 monthsNot recommendedNot recommended
Maple Syrup
Opened
1 year2 yearsNot recommended
Nutella (Hazelnut Spread)
Opened
Not recommendedNot recommended2–3 months

Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature. Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers. Freezer times are best-quality windows at 0°F (−18°C).

Other categories