Whole grain mustard is a flavorful condiment made from mustard seeds, vinegar, water, salt, and spices. It has a coarse texture from the whole mustard seeds. While it has a long shelf life compared to other condiments, whole grain mustard can eventually go bad. Here are some signs to check if your whole grain mustard has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat.
Check the Expiration Date
The first and easiest way to tell if your whole grain mustard is still good is to check the expiration or “best by” date printed on the jar. This date estimate how long the mustard will retain its optimum quality and flavor when stored properly. For whole grain mustard, this is usually around 2 years after the production date.
So if your mustard jar shows a best by date that has passed, it does not necessarily mean it has gone bad. You just may notice some loss of flavor or change in texture. But if the date has long passed, say by over a year, then the chances are higher that the mustard has spoiled.
Inspect the Color
Fresh, good quality whole grain mustard is a vibrant yellow color. Over time, the mustard can start to oxidize and fade to a paler yellow or even slightly grey hue. If you notice your mustard looks dull, dark, or greyish, this is a red flag that it may be old or spoiled.
Check the Smell
Give your mustard a sniff test. Fresh whole grain mustard has a pungent, tangy aroma. If it starts smelling “off” with a slightly sour or unpleasant odor, then it is likely bad.
Examine the Texture
The texture of whole grain mustard is naturally thick and coarse. Once opened, sometimes the vinegar content may separate a bit at the top of the jar. This is normal. But if you notice any dark flecks, sliminess, dry chunks, or foam in the mustard, it has gone off.
Taste a Little
If you are still unsure after visually inspecting your mustard, do a small taste test. Use a clean utensil to scoop a tiny bit and taste it. Fresh whole grain mustard should taste tangy and robust. Discard it if you notice any bitter, sour, or “off” flavors.
Check for Mold
Visible mold is a clear sign that food has spoiled. Carefully examine the entire contents of the mustard jar before using it. If you see any fuzzy spots, white film, or blue-green mold anywhere, then discard the mustard immediately.
How to Store Whole Grain Mustard
To help extend the shelf life of your whole grain mustard after opening, be sure to store it properly in the fridge:
- Keep mustard jar tightly sealed in between uses
- Store in the refrigerator at 40°F or below
- Keep away from the door where temperature fluctuations can occur
- Wipe clean the lip and threads of the jar before re-sealing
Whole unopened mustard jars can be kept in a cool, dry pantry. But refrigeration after opening is highly recommended. The vinegar content makes it shelf stable at room temperature for a short time, but the fridge will slow down spoilage.
How to Tell if Dry Mustard Powder is Bad
Dry mustard powder is made from ground mustard seeds. It has a long shelf life of 2-3 years unopened. Here are some tips for checking if opened dry mustard powder is still good:
- Give it a smell test – discard if the aroma is not potent
- Check for fading of the bright yellow color
- Look for any dark specks or clumping of the powder
- Taste a pinch to check if the flavor is very weak
As long as it smells, looks, and tastes vibrant, the mustard powder should still be fine. Storing in an airtight container away from humidity helps prolong its shelf life once opened.
How to Tell if Prepared Yellow Mustard is Bad
Prepared yellow mustard like the squeeze bottle kind you find at the grocery store also has a relatively long fridge life. Here are some signs that prepared yellow mustard is past its prime or spoiled:
- Check the expiration or best by date
- Look for a darker yellow color than when freshly opened
- Check if the texture is thicker and separating
- Smell for any sour or unpleasant odors
- Taste for any bitter, tangy, or “off” flavors
If your prepared yellow mustard passes these checks, it should be fine to use. Proper refrigeration after opening helps extend its shelf life. The vinegar and salt content inhibit microbial growth. But over time, its quality and flavor will deteriorate.
Can You Eat Mustard After It Expires?
It is not recommended to eat mustard weeks or months after its expiration date, even if it looks and smells normal. The risk of foodborne illness increases over time. So play it safe and discard any mustard that is over a year past its date, just to be cautious.
How Long Does Opened Mustard Last in the Fridge?
Here is a general guide to how long different types of mustard can last refrigerated after opening:
| Mustard Type | Fridge Life After Opening |
|---|---|
| Whole grain mustard | 6-12 months |
| Prepared yellow mustard | 6-9 months |
| Dijon mustard | 6-9 months |
| Honey mustard | 4-6 months |
| Spicy brown mustard | 4-6 months |
Keep in mind these timelines are estimates based on standard refrigerator temperatures around 40°F. The shelf life can vary based on storage conditions and how often the jar is opened.
Can You Freeze Mustard?
Freezing is not necessary for mustard, given its already long shelf life. But it can extend the life of an opened jar for occasional use. Here are some mustard freezing tips:
- Only freeze clean, completely sealed jars to prevent freezer burn
- Let thawed mustard come to room temperature before opening
- Prepare yellow and honey mustard may separate after thawing
- Whole grain and Dijon mustard hold up better in the freezer
- Frozen mustard keeps for 2-3 months in airtight packaging
For short term storage, the refrigerator is still best for mustard. But the freezer can buy you some extra time if you have a partially used jar you won’t finish quickly.
Signs of Spoiled Mustard
Here is a summary of the most common signs that your mustard has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Expired date is well past
- Noticeable change in color
- Changes in texture – thicker, separates, slimy
- Unpleasant sour smell
- Bitter, tangy, or “off” taste
- Any mold, dry chunks, or foam
Trust your senses when inspecting mustard. If anything seems off from its normal appearance, aroma, and flavor, it is safest to throw it out. With an unopened shelf life of up to 2 years for most mustards, an opened jar that is past its prime should be discarded.
How to Safely Discard Bad Mustard
If you determine your mustard has spoiled, here are some recommendations for getting rid of it properly:
- Place the mustard jar in a sealed plastic bag to contain any leaks
- Dispose in the main garbage can or bin right away
- Do not try to mask odors by burying in other trash
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Clean any surfaces or utensils the mustard touched with hot soapy water
Never taste food that you suspect may be spoiled. Potentially harmful bacteria could be present. Erring on the side of caution is always best when determining if condiments are still fresh or need to be discarded.
Conclusion
Always inspect your whole grain mustard before using it if you are unsure of its freshness. Check the expiry date, appearance, aroma, and taste for any signs of spoilage. Be diligent about proper storage after opening to get the longest shelf life. Tightly sealed in the refrigerator, whole grain mustard can often last 6-12 months past its printed best by date if it has been handled properly. But when in doubt, do not take risks and simply discard it.
