Primal Kitchen Mayo made with avocado oil is a popular condiment known for its smooth, rich texture and healthy avocado oil ingredients. But once you open a jar of Primal Kitchen mayo, how long does it last before it goes bad and needs to be discarded?
Quick Answer
An opened jar of Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayo will generally last 2-3 months past its “best by” date if stored properly in the refrigerator. The high quality ingredients like avocado oil allow it to maintain freshness longer than typical mayo. But you should watch for signs of spoilage like changes in texture, color, or smell once opened.
How Can You Tell When Primal Kitchen Mayo Goes Bad?
Here are some tips for identifying when an opened jar of Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayo has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Appearance changes – Separation of oil, discoloration, or mold growth indicate spoilage.
- Texture changes – Becomes runnier, more watery, or has an odd gloopy or slimy texture.
- Smell – Smells rancid, rotten, sour, or “off” in any way.
- Taste – Strong bitter, acidic, or unpleasant flavors are a sign it’s spoiled.
As long as the mayo looks and smells normal with a smooth, creamy texture, it should still be safe to consume. But if you notice any of the above changes, it’s best to throw it out.
Does Primal Kitchen Mayo Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, Primal Kitchen mayo made with avocado oil must be stored in the refrigerator after opening. The jar labels indicate “Refrigerate after opening.”
Refrigeration is important for preventing bacterial growth and spoilage in opened mayo. The cold temperatures of the fridge (40°F or below) significantly slow the growth of harmful bacteria and mold.
Storing an opened jar of Primal Kitchen mayo at room temperature can allow bacteria to multiply quickly, causing the mayo to spoil much faster.
How Long Does Opened Primal Kitchen Mayo Last in the Fridge?
Once opened, an unexpired jar of Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayo will typically last:
- 2-3 months past the “best by” date if stored properly in the fridge.
- About 4-6 months total after opening, including time before and after the “best by” date.
The exact shelf life depends on storage conditions and how often it’s used. But you can generally expect an opened jar to stay fresh for at least 2-3 months if kept continuously refrigerated.
Factors Affecting Opened Mayo Shelf Life
Here are some key factors that influence how long Primal Kitchen mayo lasts after opening:
- Ingredients – The avocado oil and other natural, high-quality ingredients allow Primal Kitchen mayo to maintain freshness longer than standard mayo.
- Storage temperature – Consistent refrigeration at 40°F or below is ideal. Higher fridge temps shorten shelf life.
- Exposure to air – Each time it’s opened, oxygen can react with ingredients and decrease freshness faster.
- How often used – Repeated openings and contaminants introduced from spoons and knives can introduce bacteria.
- Food safety practices – Double dipping spoons or not washing hands before use introduces bacteria and speeds spoilage.
How to Store Primal Kitchen Mayo After Opening
To help maximize the shelf life of Primal Kitchen mayo after opening, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate immediately after use at 40°F or below.
- Keep mayo towards the back of the fridge where temps are coldest.
- Keep the lid sealed tightly between uses.
- Do not store mayo on fridge door, where the temp fluctuates.
- Wipe jar clean of any food residues before resealing.
- Use clean utensils each time and don’t double dip.
- Check for signs of spoilage every 1-2 months.
Can You Freeze Primal Kitchen Mayo?
Freezing is not recommended for storing opened Primal Kitchen mayo. The emulsion is likely to break down and separate when thawed.
However, if you do freeze Primal Kitchen mayo, here are some tips:
- Freeze it in small portions rather than whole jar.
- Spoon mayo into freezer bags, ice cube trays, or small airtight containers.
- Lay bags flat in freezer to prevent separating.
- Thaw in fridge before using to help maintain texture.
- Expect some separation – stir well before using.
- Use within 1-2 months for best quality and flavor.
For short-term freezing up to 1-2 months, the mayo should retain acceptable flavor and texture. But freezing is still not recommended for long-term storage.
Can You Freeze Unopened Primal Kitchen Mayo?
Unopened jars of Primal Kitchen mayo can be frozen, although this is not required. The mayo can maintain quality and freshness for many months if stored in a cool, dark pantry.
But if you want to extend the shelf life even further, whole unopened jars can be safely frozen. Here are some guidelines:
- Check “best by” date and freeze before expiration.
- Leave mayo in original jar – do not open.
- Freeze immediately after purchasing for longest shelf life.
- Double wrap jar in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Place upright in freezer and freeze for up to 1 year.
- Thaw in fridge before opening jar.
With proper freezing technique, unopened Primal Kitchen mayo can last 6-12 months frozen. But always use frozen mayo within 1 week after thawing for best flavor and texture.
How Long Does Primal Kitchen Mayo Last After Opening if Unrefrigerated?
Leaving Primal Kitchen mayo unrefrigerated after opening significantly shortens its shelf life. Here’s an estimate of how long opened mayo lasts at room temperature:
- Up to 4 hours – Safe to consume if kept no longer than 4 hours at room temp.
- 1-2 days – Quality quickly deteriorates but may still be safe in this short time.
- Over 2 days – High risk of spoilage. Mold, bacteria growth likely.
For food safety, opened Primal Kitchen mayo should always be refrigerated and never left unrefrigerated for longer than 4 hours after use.
Can You Extend the Shelf Life of Opened Mayonnaise?
Proper refrigerated storage is the best way to extend the shelf life after opening. But here are a few additional tips:
- Keep container clean – Always wipe jar clean after each use.
- Use clean utensils – Never re-dip dirty spoons back into jar.
- Minimize air exposure – Press plastic wrap directly on surface before sealing lid.
- Check seals – Ensure lid is tight and container is sealed.
- Fill with less air – Buy smaller jars rather than large if you won’t use it quickly.
How to Use Up Primal Kitchen Mayo Before It Spoils
If you want to use up an opened jar of Primal Kitchen mayo more quickly, here are some easy ways to enjoy it before it goes bad:
- Use as a creamy salad dressing base – blend with herbs, vinegar, mustard, etc.
- Make quick chicken, tuna, or egg salads for sandwiches.
- Use as a dip for raw veggies, chips, or chicken tenders.
- Spread on bread instead of butter for sandwiches and toast.
- Mix with spices and lime juice for taco meat topping or burger sauce.
- Add dollop to top of soups, chili, baked potatoes, etc.
- Use in place of sour cream on nachos, tacos, chili, etc.
- Make creamy coleslaw dressing by blending with apple cider vinegar.
With so many uses, an opened jar of Primal Kitchen mayo can be enjoyed in many meals and snacks before it expires.
What Happens If You Eat Primal Kitchen Mayo After It Expires?
Consuming Primal Kitchen mayo shortly after the “best by” date is generally safe if it was stored properly. But here’s what can happen if you eat expired mayo:
- Lower quality – Flavor, texture, and color may deteriorate but not be hazardous.
- Upset stomach – May cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if bacteria grows.
- Foodborne illness – Pathogens like salmonella can cause fever, cramps, chills if highly spoiled.
- Rancid taste – Spoiled fats create unpleasant bitter, metallic, soapy flavors.
- Mold presence – Surface mold visible or unseen mold below surface.
Severe sickness is unlikely from Primal Kitchen mayo shortly after the date if refrigerated. But rancid tastes indicate it’s best not to consume and to discard instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Primal Kitchen mayo last longer than regular mayonnaise?
Primal Kitchen mayo is able to maintain freshness and quality longer due to its natural ingredients and lack of preservatives. The avocado oil also resists spoilage better than more delicate vegetable oils used in regular mayo.
Can Primal Kitchen mayo be unrefrigerated before opening?
Yes, unopened jars of Primal Kitchen mayo have a long shelf life at room temperature before opening. Store unopened mayo in a cool, dry pantry away from direct light. Refrigerate promptly after opening.
What happens if you freeze then thaw Primal Kitchen mayo?
Freezing opened Primal Kitchen mayo can cause it to separate slightly or have a thicker, grainy texture after thawing. Always stir vigorously before use and consume within 1 week for best quality.
Does avocado oil go bad faster than other oils?
No, avocado oil actually resists spoilage and rancidity better than many other oils. Its high monounsaturated fat content provides good stability. Olive, canola, vegetable, and nut oils tend to go rancid faster.
Can expired Primal Kitchen mayo make you sick?
Eating Primal Kitchen mayo shortly after its expiry is unlikely to make you sick if it was refrigerated. But severely expired, moldy, or improperly stored mayo has higher risks of foodborne illness.
Conclusion
An opened jar of Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayo can maintain quality and freshness for 2-3 months past its “best by” date if refrigerated properly. Check for changes in appearance, texture, smell, or taste to determine if it’s gone bad. With its all-natural ingredients and lack of preservatives, Primal Kitchen mayo can stay fresher longer than typical mayo if stored in the fridge. But always discard it if you see any signs of spoilage.