Tartar sauce is a popular condiment made with mayonnaise, dill pickles, onions, and other ingredients. It’s commonly served with seafood dishes like fish and chips or shrimp. Some people also use it on sandwiches or burgers. Since tartar sauce contains mayonnaise, which can spoil after a while, you may wonder if tartar sauce also has an expiration date. Here’s a detailed look at whether tartar sauce expires and how long it lasts.
Does Tartar Sauce Go Bad?
Yes, tartar sauce does eventually expire and go bad. Like mayonnaise and other oil and egg based sauces, tartar sauce can spoil over time. The main reasons tartar sauce expires are:
- Oil deterioration – The vegetable oil in mayonnaise can become rancid with prolonged storage.
- Bacterial growth – Tartar sauce provides a moist and nutritious environment for bacteria to grow.
- Mold growth – Mold can develop if tartar sauce is not stored properly.
These processes cause tartar sauce to degrade in quality, texture, and flavor. Rancid oil leads to an unpleasant taste. Bacteria and mold growth can make tartar sauce unsafe for consumption. So like any perishable food, tartar sauce has a limited shelf life and will eventually expire.
How Long Does Tartar Sauce Last?
How long tartar sauce lasts depends on several factors:
Ingredients
Tartar sauce made with all natural ingredients and less preservatives will have a shorter shelf life of 1-2 weeks. Tartar sauces with more artificial preservatives can last up to 2-3 months when unopened.
Storage method
Proper refrigeration at 40°F or below extends the shelf life of tartar sauce. Storage in the fridge after opening gives tartar sauce about 2-4 weeks before it expires. Storing tartar sauce in the freezer can make it last 4-6 months.
Package date
Check the “best by” or “sell by” date on the tartar sauce package. This gives an indication of how long the manufacturer guarantees optimal flavor and texture. The actual shelf life may extend past the package date.
As a general guideline, tartar sauce made fresh at home lasts about 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Store-bought tartar sauce will last:
| Storage Method | Unopened Shelf Life | Opened Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | 2-3 months | Don’t store opened |
| Refrigerator | 3-4 months | 2-4 weeks |
| Freezer | 4-6 months | 2-3 months |
How to Tell if Tartar Sauce Is Bad
Check tartar sauce for the following signs of spoilage before consuming:
- Color changes – Fresh tartar sauce is pale yellow or off-white. Discoloration to brown, grey, or green indicates spoilage.
- Texture changes – Tartar sauce will become more thin, watery, or oily rather than thick and creamy.
- Mold – Check for fuzzy mold spots which signal decay.
- Unpleasant sour smell – Rancid tartar sauce gives off a distinctive sour, unpleasant odor.
- Taste – Spoiled tartar sauce will taste noticeably more bitter, sour, or unpleasant.
Any odd colors, textures, or smells means the tartar sauce has expired and should be discarded. When in doubt, remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it out.
How to Store Tartar Sauce Properly
To maximize the shelf life of tartar sauce after opening, follow these storage guidelines:
- Refrigerate promptly – Keep tartar sauce refrigerated at 40°F or below after use.
- Use clean utensils – Use a clean spoon each time to avoid introducing bacteria.
- Seal tightly – Seal the tartar sauce container tightly after each use.
- Check for expiration date – Write the date opened on the container and discard after 2-4 weeks.
- Watch for signs of spoilage – Check the color, smell, and texture periodically.
Also, store tartar sauce towards the back of the fridge rather than the door to minimize temperature fluctuations.
Can You Save Expired Tartar Sauce?
It’s not recommended to eat tartar sauce that has expired. The bacteria and mold that causes food spoilage can be dangerous if ingested. Spoiled tartar sauce may contain Clostridium botulinum, staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, listeria, or other harmful pathogens that can cause foodborne illness symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To avoid getting sick, you should throw away expired tartar sauce. Some signs that tartar sauce has spoiled and should be discarded include:
- Mold spots or fuzzy texture
- Separation of oil and liquids
- Very thin, watery texture
- Noticeable sour smell
- Discoloration
Don’t rely on freezing or cooking expired tartar sauce to make it safe again. The toxins from bacteria can persist even after heating. It’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid eating spoiled tartar sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is homemade tartar sauce good for?
Homemade tartar sauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. The shelf life is shortened compared to commercial tartar sauce since homemade versions don’t contain as many preservatives.
Can you freeze tartar sauce?
Yes, tartar sauce can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Freeze tartar sauce in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Frozen tartar sauce keeps for 4-6 months in the freezer before quality declines. Let it thaw in the fridge before using again.
What happens if you eat expired tartar sauce?
Eating expired tartar sauce puts you at risk for foodborne illness. Outdated tartar sauce may contain dangerous levels of bacteria that can cause symptoms like vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. In severe cases, food poisoning from contaminated tartar sauce can even be life-threatening.
How can you tell if tartar sauce has gone bad?
Check for changes in the color, smell, texture, and taste of tartar sauce. Signs it has spoiled include grey, brown, or green discoloration; thin, watery texture; sour odor; mold; and an unpleasant flavor. Tartar sauce that displays any odd changes should be discarded.
Does tartar sauce need to be refrigerated?
Yes, tartar sauce should always be refrigerated. The mayonnaise and egg-based ingredients in tartar sauce can quickly spoil at room temperature. Refrigeration is necessary to prevent harmful bacteria growth. Store tartar sauce in the fridge after opening, and don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours.
Conclusion
Tartar sauce does have an expiration date and can go bad within several weeks or months. Discard any tartar sauce that shows signs of spoilage like changes in appearance, smell, or texture. Following proper storage methods of refrigeration after opening and checking expiration dates can help extend the shelf life. But when in doubt, throw old tartar sauce out to avoid any foodborne illness risks. Being aware of tartar sauce’s limited lifespan can help you enjoy this flavorful condiment while it’s still fresh.