Kewpie mayonnaise, known for its distinctive rich, eggy taste, is a staple condiment in many refrigerators. But once you twist off that signature plastic cap and dig into the creamy contents, the clock starts ticking on its freshness. So does opened Kewpie mayo expire, and if so, how long does it last?
The shelf life of unopened Kewpie mayonnaise
Let’s start with an unopened jar or bottle of Kewpie mayonnaise. When properly stored, unopened Kewpie mayo has a printed “best by” date stamped on the cap or near the nutrition facts label. This date tells you how long the mayonnaise should retain optimal quality and flavor when kept sealed in its original packaging.
An unopened jar of Kewpie mayonnaise will typically stay fresh for at least a few months beyond its “best by” date. But for the longest shelf life, it’s best to use up Kewpie mayo within 3-4 months after opening.
Does opened Kewpie mayonnaise expire?
Once opened, Kewpie mayonnaise, like any mayo, is no longer protected from exposure to microbes, air, light, and temperature fluctuations. Over time, these factors will degrade both the quality and safety of the mayonnaise.
So yes, opened Kewpie mayonnaise does eventually expire and should not be kept indefinitely. But with proper refrigerated storage, an opened jar of Kewpie mayo will stay fresh and usable for about 2-3 months past its printed date.
How to tell if opened Kewpie mayonnaise is bad
Watch for these signs that your opened Kewpie mayo has gone bad:
- Changes in texture – Turns runny, watery, or grainy
- Changes in color – Unnatural darkening or discoloration
- Separation – Clear liquid floating or layer visible
- Off odors – Sour, rancid, or rotten smell
- Mold – Visible fuzzy or stringy growth
If your opened Kewpie mayonnaise displays any of these changes, it’s best to discard it. Consuming spoiled mayonnaise can potentially cause foodborne illness.
How to extend the shelf life of opened Kewpie mayonnaise
To get the most out of your jar of Kewpie mayo after opening, be sure to:
- Refrigerate after opening – Keep mayo chilled at 40°F or below
- Store tightly sealed – Always screw lid on tight to prevent air exposure
- Use clean utensils – Don’t introduce bacteria by double-dipping dirty spoons
- Watch for signs of spoilage – Discard if you see any separation, discoloration, or mold
With proper refrigerated storage and handling, an opened jar of Kewpie mayonnaise should easily stay fresh for about 2-3 months past its “best by” date printed on the jar.
Can you freeze Kewpie mayonnaise?
Freezing is not recommended for mayonnaise, including Kewpie mayo. The high oil content means it will likely separate and become watery when thawed. Refrigeration is the best way to extend the shelf life of opened mayo.
The bottom line
So in summary, here’s a timeline for how long Kewpie mayonnaise is good for:
- Unopened – 3-4 months past “best by” date
- After opening – 2-3 months in fridge
- In freezer – Not recommended
Be sure to store your mayo properly and check for signs of spoilage. With refrigeration, Kewpie mayonnaise should stay fresh about 2-3 months after opening. But remember, when in doubt, throw it out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kewpie mayo need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Kewpie mayonnaise always requires refrigeration, whether it is unopened or opened. Like any perishable mayo product, Kewpie mayo must be kept chilled at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.
Can you eat Kewpie mayo after expiration date?
It’s not recommended to eat Kewpie mayonnaise past its printed “best by” date on the packaging. While an unopened jar should still be fine for 3-4 months after expiration, the quality and flavor will start to degrade. Once opened, Kewpie mayo only lasts about 2-3 months past its date in the fridge.
Does Kewpie mayo need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, opened Kewpie mayonnaise must always be refrigerated. Leaving Kewpie mayo out at room temperature after opening will dramatically decrease its shelf life. To prevent spoilage, keep opened Kewpie mayonnaise chilled in the fridge at 40°F or below.
Can Kewpie mayo be frozen?
It’s not recommended to freeze Kewpie or any mayonnaise. The high oil content means it will likely separate and become watery when thawed. Refrigeration, not freezing, is the best way to store and extend the shelf life of opened Kewpie mayo.
How can you tell if opened Kewpie mayo is bad?
Signs that opened Kewpie mayonnaise has gone bad include changes in texture, color, odor, and the presence of mold. If it becomes runny, watery, or grainy, changes color, smells sour or rancid, separates, or shows mold growth, the Kewpie mayo should be discarded.
What is the shelf life of Kewpie mayo after opening?
If stored properly in the refrigerator, Kewpie mayonnaise should stay fresh about 2-3 months past its printed “best by” date after opening. Be sure to keep it chilled at 40°F or below and tightly sealed. Watch for signs of spoilage.
How Kewpie Mayo is Made
Kewpie mayonnaise has a distinct rich, eggy flavor that sets it apart from other mayo brands. So what makes Kewpie mayo so unique? Here’s a look at how it’s made:
Ingredients
Kewpie mayo contains just a few simple ingredients:
- Soybean oil – Added for creaminess and texture
- Vinegar – Gives acidity to balance the oil
- Whole egg yolks – Provides signature eggy flavor and bright yellow color
- Salt – Enhances overall flavors
- Sugar – Balances acidic vinegar taste
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – Umami flavor enhancer (only in some varieties)
- Spices and natural flavors – Customize flavors of different recipes
The key is using a higher ratio of egg yolks compared to many other mayo brands. This gives Kewpie mayo a richer, more eggy taste.
Production Process
Kewpie mayonnaise goes through the following production steps:
- Mixing – Oil, vinegar, and seasonings are combined and whipped to form an emulsion.
- Adding egg yolks – Pasteurized egg yolks are slowly drizzled into the emulsion while mixing.
- Homogenization – The mayonnaise is pumped through a homogenizer to evenly distribute ingredients.
- Packaging – Kewpie mayo is packaged into plastic jars, squeeze bottles, and other containers.
- Pasteurization – The finished mayonnaise is heat-treated to destroy any harmful bacteria.
- Cooling and storage – The mayo is cooled to 41°F and held chilled until distribution.
By using quality ingredients and specialized production methods, Kewpie is able to achieve its signature dense, egg-forward mayonnaise taste.
Selecting and Storing Kewpie Mayo
Follow these tips for picking out and storing Kewpie mayonnaise:
Shopping Tips
- Check “best by” date – Choose package with latest date.
- Inspect container – Avoid jars with damage or swelling.
- Refrigerate quickly – Get Kewpie mayo into fridge within 2 hours.
- Buy small jar – If not using often, start with smaller amount.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate unopened – Store sealed jar in fridge.
- Refrigerate after opening – Transfer to airtight container if needed.
- Keep chilled – Maintain temperature at 40°F or below.
- Use clean utensils – Don’t introduce bacteria with dirty knives or spoons.
- Check for spoilage – Discard if you see any mold or separation.
Following proper purchasing and storage methods will help maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of your Kewpie mayonnaise.
How to Use Kewpie Mayo
Kewpie mayonnaise can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some popular ways to use this Japanese-style mayo:
Sandwiches and Burgers
Spread or dollop Kewpie mayo on sandwiches and burgers for added richness. It’s especially delicious on egg, chicken, or fish sandwiches.
Salads and Slaws
Mix Kewpie mayo into potato, tuna, chicken, or macaroni salads. Also makes a great base for coleslaws.
Dips and Spreads
Stir Kewpie mayo into artichoke, crab, or spinach dips. Also excellent spread on sandwiches or burgers.
Sushi Rolls
Use as a signature condiment for sushi rolls, especially shrimp tempura or spicy tuna rolls.
French Fries and Fried Foods
Dip fries, fried fish, chicken tenders, and other crispy foods into Kewpie mayo for a tangy complement.
Salad Dressings
Emulsify Kewpie mayo with vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings for creamy dressings and vinaigrettes.
Sauces and Marinades
Blend Kewpie mayo into sauces for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Also great in marinades.
With its rich egg flavor, Kewpie mayonnaise makes an ideal condiment, spread, or ingredient in many savory dishes.
Kewpie Mayo Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a 1 tablespoon serving of Kewpie mayonnaise, according to the label:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 75mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
As a high fat, emulsified product, Kewpie mayo is high in calories and total fat. It also provides cholesterol, sodium, and minimal vitamins and minerals.
Overall, Kewpie mayonnaise can be enjoyed in moderation as part of an otherwise balanced diet.
History of Kewpie Mayonnaise
Kewpie mayonnaise has an interesting backstory. Here are some key facts about the history of this famous Japanese condiment brand:
- 1925 – Kewpie mayonnaise is created by Tochigiya food company in Japan.
- 1927 – Kewpie gets its name and iconic doll logo, inspired by Rose O’Neill’s Kewpie comic strip characters.
- 1960s – Plastic squeeze bottles introduced for easier use.
- 1970s – Mass production using automated factory lines begins.
- 1980s – Kewpie becomes the #1 selling mayonnaise in Japan.
- 2000s – New varieties introduced, including light, Caesar, and wasabi flavors.
- Today – Kewpie mayo remains Japan’s favorite with over 50% market share.
With its distinctive packaging and signature rich, creamy taste, Kewpie mayonnaise has earned cult status both in Japan and increasingly overseas as well.
Fun Facts About Kewpie Mayo
Here are some interesting fun facts about Kewpie mayonnaise:
- Kewpie comes in a smaller 170g jar compared to American 500g jars since mayo is used as a condiment, not a main ingredient in Japan.
- Some varieties sold in Asian markets contain MSG for enhanced umami flavor.
- Kewpie operates a mayonnaise museum in Japan where you can learn mayo making techniques.
- Kewpie mayo appeared in the cult classic movie Kill Bill, boosting its recognition.
- In Japan, Kewpie makes nearly half of all commercially sold mayonnaise.
- The original Kewpie doll logo was inspired by Rose O’Neill’s cherubic comic strip characters.
- Kewpie mayo makes a great secret ingredient for creamy salad dressings and dips.
- In the US, Kewpie can be found at major grocery chains and speciality Asian food stores.
With its cute mascot, iconic packaging, and huge popularity in Japan, Kewpie mayonnaise has developed an almost cult-like foodie following over the decades!
Conclusion
Kewpie mayonnaise is known for its signature rich, egg yolk-forward taste that sets it apart from standard American-style mayos. When stored properly refrigerated, opened Kewpie mayo will stay fresh for about 2-3 months past its printed “best by” date.
Check your opened Kewpie mayo occasionally for signs of spoilage like separation, off-smells, or mold. Discard if any of these occur. With proper handling, Kewpie mayonnaise can be enjoyed as a delicious condiment or ingredient in a variety of dishes for months after opening.