Mustard is a condiment made from mustard seeds that is commonly used on sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, and other foods. It adds a tangy, spicy flavor to dishes. Mustard lasts a long time unrefrigerated due to its acidity, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, mustard can expire after a prolonged period. This article provides a comprehensive look at whether it is safe to eat expired mustard.
Can mustard go bad?
Yes, mustard can expire and go bad, but it takes a very long time. An unopened jar of mustard lasts 2-3 years past its printed expiration date. An opened jar of mustard will last 6-8 months in the refrigerator.
Mustard’s acidity prevents bacterial growth. Its key ingredients – mustard seeds, vinegar, and salt – all act as natural preservatives. The antimicrobial properties of mustard seeds provide further protection against spoilage. Ground mustard seeds release an enzyme called myrosinase that produces mustard oils, which have antifungal and antibacterial effects. So while mustard can eventually expire, it has a very long shelf life compared to many other condiments.
How to tell if mustard has gone bad
Here are some signs that mustard has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Changes in texture – Separated liquid, grainy texture, mold growth
- Changes in color – Dull, faded yellow color
- Changes in smell – Sour, unpleasant, funky odor
- Changes in taste – Bitter, spoiled, rancid flavor
If your mustard exhibits any of these characteristics, it is best to throw it away. Fresh mustard should have a smooth, creamy texture, bright yellow color, tangy mustard aroma, and spicy flavor.
Is it dangerous to eat expired mustard?
Eating expired mustard that has been stored properly is generally safe. Mustard is high in acetic acid, which gives it a low pH and inhospitable environment for dangerous bacteria like salmonella or E. coli to grow. The preservatives in mustard also prevent pathogenic bacterial growth.
However, eating spoiled, expired mustard with mold growth can cause health issues. Ingesting mold puts you at risk for allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can cause poisoning. If your mustard contains any mold, err on the side of caution and throw it away.
How long does mustard last after opening?
An opened jar of mustard will stay fresh for 6-8 months past its printed expiration date if stored properly in the refrigerator. The refrigeration temperatures slow the growth of any microbes and enzymes that could cause spoilage.
Make sure to screw the lid on tightly after each use. Store mustard away from light sources and heat to maintain quality. Also keep mustard away from cross-contaminating odors by storing it in a sealed container if needed.
Does expired mustard need to be refrigerated?
Once opened, mustard should always be refrigerated to extend its shelf life, even if it is past the printed expiration date. The cold temperatures keep microbial growth in check. Refrigeration also slows the activity of chemical reactions and enzymes that could gradually reduce mustard’s signature bright color, texture, and tangy flavor over time.
Can you freeze mustard?
Freezing is not recommended for mustard storage. The moisture in mustard forms ice crystals in the freezer, separating the ingredients and changing the texture. This gives thawed mustard a grainy, watery consistency instead of its characteristically smooth, creamy texture.
Freezing can also dull the vibrant yellow color of mustard as the pigments degrade over time in frozen storage. Additionally, freezing won’t significantly extend the shelf life of mustard beyond proper refrigerated storage.
Does mustard need to be consumed by the expiration date?
No, mustard does not necessarily need to be consumed by the printed expiration date. Unopened mustard keeps for 2-3 years past its expiration date if stored in a cool, dry pantry. Opened mustard lasts for 6-8 months past its expiration date if refrigerated.
The key is making sure mustard has been stored properly. As long as it has been kept sealed in the pantry before opening and refrigerated after opening, mustard should retain its normal color, texture, smell and flavor well past its expiration date.
However, it’s worth checking mustard for any signs of spoilage before consuming if it is past its expiration. Look for changes in appearance, texture, odor and taste. If anything seems off, it’s better to be safe and discard the expired mustard.
How to store mustard to extend its shelf life
Here are some tips for maximizing mustard’s shelf life:
- Store unopened mustard in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and light.
- Refrigerate opened mustard jars with the lid tightly sealed.
- Keep refrigerated mustard away from cross-contaminating odors by storing in a sealed container if needed.
- Use clean utensils each time when scooping mustard to avoid introducing bacteria.
- Write the date opened on the jar to track shelf life.
- Use mustard within 6-8 months for best quality and safety.
Is it safe to eat mustard after its expiration date?
Generally, eating mustard shortly after its expiration date is safe, provided it has been properly stored. Unopened mustard can often be safely consumed within 2-3 years of its printed expiration date. Opened mustard can last 6-8 months past its expiration when refrigerated.
The most important factors are the storage method and checking for signs of spoilage before eating expired mustard. Look for changes in color, texture, smell and taste. As long as the mustard still looks, smells and tastes normal, it should be fine. But if any signs of spoilage are detected, it’s best to discard the expired mustard.
Signs mustard has spoiled and is unsafe to eat
Here are the most common signs that mustard has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Appearance: Mold growth, liquid separation, abnormal dull or faded yellow color
- Texture: Grainy, watery, or slimy texture
- Smell: Sour, rotten, or funky odor
- Taste: Bitter, rancid, or off flavors
Mustard that displays any of these characteristics should not be consumed. Some molds and bacteria produce toxins that can cause illness, so spoiled mustard is not worth the risk.
Health risks of eating rancid mustard
Eating rancid mustard that has been contaminated with pathogenic bacteria or mold can cause the following health issues:
- Foodborne Illness – Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Staphylococcus aureus
- Allergic Reactions – Rhinitis, hives, asthma
- Respiratory Problems – Wheezing, trouble breathing, sinus congestion
- Mycotoxins – Poisoning from toxins produced by mold
The risky molds and bacteria may produce mycotoxins and endotoxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and other symptoms of food poisoning or toxin ingestion. If you experience concerning symptoms after eating expired mustard, seek medical care.
How to tell if unopened mustard is still good?
To evaluate if unopened mustard is still safe and fresh to eat, look for these signs of quality:
- Mustard looks smooth and creamy, not separated or dried out
- Bright, vibrant yellow color without dull or brown hues
- Tight vacuum seal on jar – no bulging lid, leaks, cracks, or rust
- Legible, intact product label without fading or damage
- Jars feel heavy and substantial in weight
- No off odors, scents of fermentation, or sour smell when jarred opened
- Spicy, tangy flavor without bitterness or harshness
If the unopened mustard shows any odd changes in appearance, consistency, seal quality, or smell, it may be time to discard it.
How to tell if opened mustard is still usable?
To determine if previously opened mustard is still good, check that:
- Mustard has been stored in the refrigerator sealed
- No mold, film, or bubbles have developed on the mustard’s surface
- Mustard looks smooth, creamy, and uniform throughout the jar
- Vibrant yellow color has not become dull, brown, or faded
- No separating liquid or oil sitting at the top of the mustard
- Mustard smells tangy and spicy, not sour or rancid
- Flavor is bold, aromatic, and acidic without any bitter or funky aftertaste
If opened mustard passes all these checks, it should be safe to enjoy past its printed expiration date. But if anything seems off, don’t take a chance and throw the mustard away.
Can expired mustard make you sick?
Eating expired mustard that has been stored properly is unlikely to make you sick. Mustard’s low moisture content and highly acidic pH prevent dangerous bacteria from growing. Even when past its expiration date, properly stored mustard does not present much risk of foodborne illness.
However, expired mustard that has been contaminated with pathogenic mold or bacteria could potentially cause illness. Look for signs of spoilage like discoloration, slimy texture, or foul odors. If expired mustard exhibits these qualities, do not eat it as it may contain toxins capable of causing vomiting or diarrhea if consumed.
As long as expired mustard looks and smells normal, it should not make you sick. But if its appearance, odor, or texture seems off, it is better to be safe than sorry and discard it.
Bottom Line
Thanks to its natural preservatives, mustard has a long shelf life and the risk of eating expired mustard is low if it has been continuously refrigerated. Unopened mustard lasts 2-3 years past its printed expiration date, while opened mustard stays fresh for 6-8 months in the refrigerator.
Check expired mustard closely for any signs of spoilage like mold, separation, changes in color or odor. As long as its appearance seems normal, consuming mustard shortly after its expiration date is unlikely to pose any health risks. However, it is best practice to discard mustard that shows major changes in texture, smell or other qualities, even if the expiration date has not passed.
With proper refrigerated storage, mustard can often be enjoyed within several months past its printed expiration. But the safest approach is to use opened mustard within 6-8 months and unopened mustard within 2-3 years for optimal freshness and flavor.
