Condiments....they freak me out!

Crystalina wrote: When do you get rid of yours? I replace them about once a month. We don't use much Ketchup but I always buy the larger size because it's a better deal, the same with mustard and mayo but I always freak out about using it if it's been in the fridge for a few weeks. I know it's supposed to last a lot longer then a month but how long? I'm always worried that something may be growing in there since it's been untouched. I know there is an expiration date but I'm not so sure I trust that. And to go to a restaurant and see the ketchup sitting out on the table like it is... Ewww!

So how long do you change out your condiments? Do you wait until they are empty?

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Hmmmmm...we've had the same mustard container for months. And kethcup we use fairly regularly... so I'd say we go through a big bottle in about 2 months.

The sight/smell of relish makes me gag, so we don't have any... barbecue sauce gets used up pretty quick too... mayo... I dunno, when it's empty?

cameragirl21 replied: i don't know that mustard can spoil at all, it's a combination of vinegar and mustard seed, neither of which can really spoil.
as for mayo, that can be used far beyond its expiration date, although i'd throw it away if it's been expired for more than a month and ketchup in the fridge can definitely last months if not longer.

TheOaf66 replied: our ketchup, mayo, and ranch don't usually last to long in our house so we never have to worry how long it has been sitting there.

gr33n3y3z replied: Ketchup,mustard dont go bad unless were talking years here and mayo last a long time

Mayo will be good beyond the date just as long as you dont double dip into the jar a hint with mayo just as long as it is nice and white and not discolored to a yellowish clear gel its fine

CantWait replied: Condiments for the most part don't last long in our house at all.

If it's a popular restaraunt you go to, then you don't really need to worry about their condiments, they usually acutally get used up within a few days. They do marry the ketchups together in many places (pour one bottle into another), but even that last no more then a day or so, and if there's maybe an inch left in there, a lot of the time it is used for marinades instead of being put back on the table.

grapfruit replied: Check out this site: http://www.slashfood.com/2006/07/07/shelf-...mon-condiments/

I hate condiments, I'll use a little ketchup for fries sometimes, but not often. I guess I'm weird. Oh well! I buy little bottles for people that come over. I know they're not as good of a deal, but I'll NEVER use a big bottle!!!

1lilpeanut2love replied:
Thanks for that website!

Crystalina replied:
OMG, my fear! I always buy squeezable so there is no chance of the double-dipping.

CantWait replied: iew, who double dips in the jar anyway

ediep replied: I keep ketchup and mayo until the are empty, but it doesn't last too long. I will occasionally toss the mustard if I feel like we've had it for a long time.

MM'sMama replied: Hmm I never really thought about it. We don't really use anything other then mustard, mayo and ranch very often. Then those I usually buy once a month when we run out.

redchief replied: Condiments go bad?

sparkys2boys replied: omg, I live with a ketchup monster!!!! My 4 yr old loves the stuff, so it doesn't last long at all!!! I'm not sure that any of it can spoil that fast, a few months i'm sure is ok.