How long are egg-free dressings like Just Mayo okay to eat after sell by date?
I recently ordered a jar of Just Mayo from an online store and was sent a bottle that has a sell by date for about a month ago. The obvious complaint aside, it got me wondering how likely it is that such a product would actually be unsuitable for consumption. I mean, products like Just Mayo or Vegenaise don't have any eggs or dairy in them (its kind of their selling point). So they wouldn't 'turn' nearly as quickly as traditional mayonnaise, right?
My question is, how long would it take for an egg-free mayo to actually go bad? I've seen similar questions here about condiments and sell by dates, but whenever it comes to mayo, the eggs always come up as a key factor and that's not an issue with the products I'm talking about.
Best Answer
I couldn't find a previous answer specific to sell by dates and condiments. Most condiments, mayo with egg included, are made safe by creating an inhospitable environment for bacterial growth. The addition of acids (i.e, vinegar, lemon) or other "preservatives" accomplishes this. Sell by dates are usually an indicator of quality, not safety. Items such as this are safe for a very long time after the expatriation, especially if unopened, though the quality (taste and consistency) degrades. Once opened, you have the opportunity to introduce bacteria and spores to the contents. Again, bacterial growth will be inhibited by the product itself. The most likely problem would be mold growth. If this occurs, discard.
Pictures about "How long are egg-free dressings like Just Mayo okay to eat after sell by date?"
Can we eat expired eggless mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise As long as it's been stored according to the temperature instructions, it should be good 3 to 4 months after the expiry date.Is vegan mayo good past the expiration date?
Vegenaise is good until the Use By date printed on the side of the jar, whether opened or unopened. Can your cheese be frozen? Shreds & Parmesan \u2013 If frozen within its shelf life, it can be used for up to six months past the Use By date.How long does vegan mayo last in the fridge?
This thick, creamy vegan mayo is just as good as the real thing! Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will keep for about 2 weeks.Does just mayo expire?
An unopened jar of mayonnaise is shelf-stable for 3-4 months after its best by date. You can see the date written on the side of the mayonnaise jar. Three to four months is the shelf life when you decide to store it in the pantry. It can last for up to a year if left unopened and kept refrigerated throughout.Expired MAYO! Is it still any good??
More answers regarding how long are egg-free dressings like Just Mayo okay to eat after sell by date?
Answer 2
I do not think that there is a definite time period that can be given for this question. In the UK, and I think this is the same for all of Europe, foods that do not spoil because of microbes are given a minimum expected lifespan. Companies fully complying with the law do not need to invest any more money in, i.e. bother to research, finding an upper limit.
Once this date has passed it becomes a game of chance - a certain percentage of the same batch of foodstuffs spoil after a certain time. As time goes on this percentage increases. This is dependent on many things, such as cooking process, just as much as ingredients. Unless someone buys a large batch of Just Mayo and samples them until they spoil (usually by taste testing), then releases their findings, I think that no suitable definitive answer can be given.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Katerina Holmes, Katerina Holmes, Filio Christofi, Rachel Claire