Are you a fan of tartar sauce? Do you love to add it to your fish or egg salad?
If so, you might be wondering how long it can last in your fridge. While tartar sauce is a condiment that can last for a while, it’s important to know the shelf life of the specific brand you’re using.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on Trader Joe’s tartar sauce and answering the question: how long can it last?
Keep reading to find out!
How Long Can Trader Joe’s Tartar Sauce Last?
Trader Joe’s tartar sauce has a shelf life of six months. This means that if you keep an unopened bottle of tartar sauce in your pantry, it can last for up to six months. However, once you open the bottle, it’s important to store it in your refrigerator to maintain its freshness and quality.
If you follow proper storage guidelines, an opened bottle of Trader Joe’s tartar sauce can last for up to six months in your refrigerator. Make sure to keep the bottle tightly covered at all times and check for any signs of spoilage before using it.
Understanding Tartar Sauce And Its Shelf Life
Tartar sauce is a condiment that is commonly used as a dip for seafood or as a spread for sandwiches. It is made from mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and other seasonings. Tartar sauce is not a shelf-stable food, which means it needs to be refrigerated after opening to maintain its quality and flavor.
The shelf life of tartar sauce depends on how it is stored. An unopened bottle of tartar sauce can last for up to 18 months in your pantry. However, once you open the bottle, it needs to be refrigerated and can last for up to six months if stored properly. It is important to keep the bottle tightly covered at all times and check for any signs of spoilage before using it.
If you are making homemade tartar sauce, it can last for up to two weeks in your refrigerator if stored in an airtight container or jar. However, if you are using tartar sauce as an ingredient in a dish such as fish or egg salad, follow the instructions and keep refrigerated until the use-by date.
It’s important to note that condiments, including tartar sauce, have shorter shelf lives than other foods and need to be pruned occasionally. If you suspect your tartar sauce is going bad, check the bottle for an expiration date. If it has a strange odor or appears to have lost its texture, it’s probably time for a new bottle.
The Ingredients In Trader Joe’s Tartar Sauce
Trader Joe’s Tartar Sauce is made up of various ingredients, including expeller pressed canola oil, water, relish, cane sugar, distilled vinegar, egg yolks, dried onion, salt, ground mustard seed, xanthan gum, extra virgin olive oil, and rosemary oleoresin.
The relish in this tartar sauce is made up of cucumbers, water, distilled vinegar, salt, calcium chloride, dried red bell pepper, xanthan gum, spices, and natural flavors. The use of xanthan gum is a common ingredient in many condiments as it acts as a thickening agent.
The egg yolks in this tartar sauce are used to create a creamy texture and add flavor. The use of cane sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the tangy relish and vinegar. The dried onion and ground mustard seed add depth of flavor to the sauce.
It’s important to note that some of these ingredients may contain FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols), which are types of carbohydrates that can be difficult to digest for some people. Therefore, if you have a sensitive stomach or dietary restrictions, it’s important to check the ingredient list carefully before consuming this product.
Factors That Affect The Shelf Life Of Tartar Sauce
There are several factors that can affect the shelf life of tartar sauce, including storage conditions, quality of ingredients, and whether the bottle has been opened or not.
Storage conditions play a crucial role in determining how long tartar sauce can last. As mentioned earlier, an unopened bottle of tartar sauce can last up to 18 months in your pantry. However, once you open the bottle, it’s important to store it in your refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Tartar sauce that has been continuously refrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about six months.
The quality of ingredients used in tartar sauce can also affect its shelf life. Homemade tartar sauce, for instance, may not last as long as commercially bottled tartar sauce due to the absence of preservatives. If you’re making homemade tartar sauce, it’s best to make it in small batches and store them in the refrigerator. The homemade version lasts up to two weeks and can be refrigerated but not frozen.
Lastly, whether the bottle has been opened or not can also affect the shelf life of tartar sauce. An unopened bottle of tartar sauce can last up to 18 months in your pantry. However, once you open the bottle, its shelf life is reduced to six months if stored properly in your refrigerator.
How To Store Trader Joe’s Tartar Sauce
To store Trader Joe’s tartar sauce, make sure to keep the bottle tightly sealed and store it in your refrigerator. It’s important to keep the tartar sauce at a consistent temperature to maintain its freshness and quality.
When storing the tartar sauce, make sure to place it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, such as the back of the bottom shelf. This will help to prevent any fluctuations in temperature that can cause the sauce to spoil more quickly.
If you notice any changes in the color, texture, or smell of the tartar sauce, it’s important to discard it immediately. Signs of spoilage can include mold growth, a sour smell, or a slimy texture.
To prevent contamination, always use a clean utensil when scooping out the tartar sauce. Avoid using your fingers or a dirty utensil as this can introduce bacteria into the jar and cause it to spoil more quickly.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your Trader Joe’s tartar sauce stays fresh and delicious for up to six months after opening.
Signs That Your Tartar Sauce Has Gone Bad
Tartar sauce can go bad if it’s not stored properly or if it’s been sitting in your refrigerator for too long. Here are some signs that your Trader Joe’s tartar sauce has gone bad:
1. Strange odor: If your tartar sauce has a sour or rancid smell, it’s a clear sign that it has gone bad. The odor may be accompanied by a change in color or texture.
2. Change in texture: If your tartar sauce has become watery or separated, it’s a sign that it has gone bad. The texture should be smooth and creamy.
3. Mold growth: If you notice any mold growth on the surface of your tartar sauce, discard it immediately. Mold growth is a clear indication that the sauce has spoiled.
4. Expiration date: Always check the expiration date on the bottle before using your tartar sauce. If the date has passed, it’s best to discard the sauce.
It’s important to note that consuming spoiled tartar sauce can lead to food poisoning and other health issues. To avoid any risks, always check for signs of spoilage before using your Trader Joe’s tartar sauce.
Conclusion: Is Trader Joe’s Tartar Sauce Safe To Eat?
Based on the information provided, Trader Joe’s tartar sauce is safe to eat as long as it’s stored properly and used within the recommended time frame. However, it’s important to note that if your refrigerator has been without power for more than four hours, you should discard any opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce, and horseradish that were held above 50 °F for over eight hours. Additionally, if any food has an unusual odor, color, or texture, it should be thrown out.
