How long does mustard last?

Checked 25 Oct 20265 official publishers, 6 sources

Unopened: 1-2 years in the pantry.

Storage times for mustard by state and place
StatePantryFridge 40 °FFreezer 0 °F
Unopened 1-2 years FoodKeeper Extension Extension Not stated Not stated
Opened 1 year Extension 1 year FoodKeeper Extension Extension Not stated
Dried, ground 6 months FoodKeeper Not stated 1-2 years best quality FoodKeeper
Times assume continuous refrigeration at 40 °F or below. When in doubt, throw it out. Freezer times are for quality: “Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.” FDA

Sources compared

SourceStatePantryFridgeFreezer
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018Unopened1-2 years--
NDSU ExtensionUnopened1-2 years--
Nebraska ExtensionUnopened1-2 years--
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018Opened-1 year-
NDSU ExtensionOpened1 year--
Nebraska ExtensionOpened-1 year-
Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine)Opened-1 year-
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018Dried, ground6 months-1-2 years

A dash means that source gives no time for that place.

Handling and freezing notes

  • Refrigeration ensures that commercial sauces and condiments stay fresh for a longer period of time. Shelf-stable commercial mustard is safe when stored at room temperature after opening. Quality, not safety, is the reason the labels on these products suggest that they be refrigerated after opening. FoodKeeper
  • “Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressing Use for up to 2 years past the date marked on the package. Refrigerate after opening.” Extension
  • “Condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, and salad dressings, are often opened and forgotten on the door or shelf of your refrigerator.” Extension

What the sources say

Mustard keeps a long time by the official numbers: FoodKeeper gives 1 to 2 years in the pantry from the date of purchase and 1 year in the refrigerator once opened.1

The Nebraska Extension chart matches both figures, and Iowa State University Extension lists mustard at 1 year in its table of refrigerated condiments after opening.34

The NDSU Extension food storage guide places prepared yellow mustard in its shelf chart with 1 to 2 years unopened and 1 year opened, noting that it may be refrigerated and should be stirred before using.2

FoodKeeper explains why the cupboard is allowed: shelf-stable commercial mustard is safe at room temperature after opening, and the advice on labels to refrigerate it is about quality, not safety.1

The University of Wisconsin-Extension sheet on product dating counts from the package date instead, saying ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and salad dressing can be used for up to 2 years past that date and refrigerated after opening.6

Iowa State points out that condiments such as mustard are often opened and forgotten in the refrigerator, and suggests labeling the container with the date it is first opened.4

Dried ground mustard has its own FoodKeeper entry, with 6 months in the pantry and 1 to 2 years in the freezer.5

Rules that apply here

Best-by and use-by dates
MayonnaisePicklesVinegarSoy sauce

Sources

  1. USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 351: Mustard. USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Mustard. Pantry: - (Refrigeration ensures that commercial sauces and condiments stay fresh for a longer period of time. Shelf-stable commercial mustard is safe when stored at room temperature after opening. Quality, not safety, is the reason the labels on these products suggest that they be refrigerated after opening.); DOP_Pantry: 1-2 Years; Refrigerate_After_Opening: 1 Years
  2. 1 • FN579 • Food Storage GuideNDSU Extension. NDSU Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25. Mustard, prepared yellow – unopened 1 to 2 years – opened 1 year May be refrigerated; stir before using.
  3. Home Food Storage | UNL Food | Nebraska. Nebraska Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24. Mustard 1 to 2 years (unopened) 1 year*
  4. Refrigerated Condiment Safety Tips • Words on Wellness • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine). No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25. Shelf life of common condiments after opening ... Mustard: 1 yearCondiments, such as ketchup, mustard, and salad dressings, are often opened and forgotten on the door or shelf of your refrigerator.
  5. USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 684: Mustard, dried, ground. USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Mustard, dried, ground. Pantry: 6 Months; Freeze: 1-2 Years
  6. Safe and Healthy: Food Product Dating. University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24. Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressing Use for up to 2 years past the date marked on the package. Refrigerate after opening.
  7. REFRIGERATOR & FREEZER STORAGE CHART. FDA. Dated 2018-03-01. Checked 2026-10-24. Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.