How to Determine if Mayo Has Gone Bad

You're rooting through your refrigerator and spot a container of mayonnaise tucked away in the back. How long has it been sitting there? Is it still safe to consume? Before you consider using it in your sandwich, continue reading because we've compiled all you need to understand about identifying spoiled mayo—and all you require are your five senses!

Presence of Mold

- If you spot green, blue, or black spores on or near your mayonnaise, it's a clear sign of spoilage. Remove the label to inspect the spread inside the jar closely. Even a small amount of mold warrants discarding the mayo immediately.

Unusual Color - Fresh mayonnaise typically has an off-white hue. Any deviation towards yellow or brown indicates spoilage and should prompt you to discard it.

Abnormal Odor - Mayonnaise should not have a strong smell. If you detect a sour or putrid odor upon opening the jar, it's a sign that the mayo has gone bad and should be disposed of.

Strange Taste - Test the mayo by dipping your finger and tasting it. If it tastes sour or bitter, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.

Unopened Mayonnaise - Unopened mayo can typically last 2 to 3 months beyond the 'best by' date. While it's generally safe to consume, always inspect it for signs of spoilage before using it.

Opened Mayonnaise - Once opened, mayo can last for about 2 months when stored in the refrigerator. However, it's essential to check for any changes in texture or smell to ensure it hasn't spoiled.

Room Temperature Storage - Avoid leaving opened mayo at room temperature for more than 8 hours to prevent bacterial contamination and spoilage. Promptly refrigerate any leftover mayo after use.

Homemade Mayonnaise - Homemade mayo typically lasts around 7 days in the fridge due to the absence of preservatives. While it offers a fresher taste, it's important to consume it within a week to avoid spoilage. Some suggest using it within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Refrigeration - Once opened, store your mayo in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. The cold temperature helps preserve the mayo's freshness, especially since it contains perishable ingredients like egg yolks.

Freezing - While you can freeze mayo before its expiration date, note that it may change in texture and appearance upon thawing. This is due to the separation of acidic components and oil during freezing. Thaw frozen mayo before use to restore its original consistency.