Dijon mustard is a type of mustard that originated in Dijon, France. It’s made from brown or black mustard seeds and white wine. Dijon mustard has a smooth, creamy texture and a sharp, tangy flavor.
Like most condiments, Dijon mustard has a pretty long shelf life. But it won’t last forever. So does Dijon mustard go bad?
Does Dijon mustard go bad?
Yes, Dijon mustard can go bad eventually if not stored properly. An unopened jar of Dijon mustard can last 2-3 years past the “best by” date on the jar when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, an jar of Dijon mustard will last about 6 months in the refrigerator.
Over time, Dijon mustard can start to lose its flavor, texture, and color. It may also start to separate, with water or oil coming out of the mustard. If your Dijon mustard has changed in color, texture, or smell, it’s time to throw it out.
How to tell if Dijon mustard has gone bad
Here are some signs that your Dijon mustard has gone bad and should be discarded:
Smell
Fresh, good Dijon mustard should have a zesty, tangy smell. If your Dijon mustard smells sour or rancid, it has spoiled.
Texture
Dijon mustard should have a smooth, creamy texture. If it becomes grainy or watery, that’s a sign it has gone bad.
Color
When fresh, Dijon mustard is a pale yellow color. If it darkens significantly or becomes brown, gray, or green, it’s time to toss it.
Mold
The development of mold on the mustard is a sure sign it has spoiled and should be discarded immediately.
Separation
If you notice separation in the mustard, with water or oil visibly separating, it means the emulsion has broken down and the mustard is past its prime.
How long does unopened Dijon mustard last?
An unopened jar of Dijon mustard will generally stay good for:
| Pantry/cupboard | 2-3 years past printed “best by” date |
| Fridge | 3-4 years past printed “best by” date |
| Freezer | Indefinitely |
The shelf life depends on storage conditions. Keeping it in the fridge or freezer helps it stay fresher longer. The “best by” date is usually 2 years from the production date.
How long does opened Dijon mustard last?
Once opened, Dijon mustard will last:
| Refrigerator | 6-8 months |
| Pantry/cupboard | 3-4 months |
Make sure to screw the lid on tightly and store in the fridge to maximize the shelf life once opened. Keep it away from the door where the temperature fluctuates.
Does Dijon mustard need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is not strictly necessary for an unopened jar of Dijon mustard. It can be stored at room temperature in a pantry or cupboard before opening.
However, chilling it in the refrigerator helps extend its shelf life. It will last several years in the fridge vs. 2-3 years in the pantry.
Once a jar is opened, it’s best to store it in the fridge to optimize its remaining shelf life. Refrigeration slows down the growth of mold and bacteria.
Can you freeze Dijon mustard?
Yes, you can freeze Dijon mustard to make it last even longer. Freezing stops the progress of any chemical reactions so the mustard stays fresh.
To freeze Dijon mustard:
- Make sure the jar is tightly sealed.
- Wrap jar tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight freezer bag.
- Store in the freezer, where it will keep for 6-12 months.
Let the frozen mustard thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Make sure to use within 1-2 months after thawing.
How to store Dijon mustard
To get the longest shelf life out of your Dijon mustard:
- Keep unopened jars in a cool, dry place like the pantry or cupboard. Avoid hot spots like near the stove.
- Refrigerate after opening. This slows bacteria growth and enzymatic breakdown of the mustard.
- Screw the lid on tightly to prevent air from getting in.
- Use clean and dry utensils when scooping mustard to prevent contamination.
- Don’t return any leftover mustard to the original jar after double-dipping.
- Freeze for long term storage. Thaw overnight before using.
How to tell if frozen Dijon mustard has gone bad
Look for these signs that previously frozen Dijon mustard has spoiled:
- Bright yellow or greenish color
- Grainy, separated texture
- Sour, bitter, or funky smell
- Mold growing in or on the mustard
- Watery liquid leaking out of the thawed jar
If your thawed Dijon mustard displays any of these characteristics, it should be discarded. Don’t take chances with spoiled mustard.
Can spoiled Dijon mustard make you sick?
Eating spoiled Dijon mustard is unlikely to cause serious illness in most people. But it can definitely cause unpleasant symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- General malaise
These symptoms may last 24-48 hours as your body works to expel the spoiled food. Make sure to drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
However, some people may be at higher risk for adverse effects from spoiled Dijon mustard. This includes young children, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems. It’s better to be safe and discard any expired, rotten, or moldy mustard.
Can you save separated Dijon mustard?
If your Dijon mustard has started to separate with pools of water or oil on top, it may be possible to temporarily rescue it:
- Remove the cap and tightly cover with plastic wrap.
- Shake the jar vigorously for 30-60 seconds to re-emulsify.
- Uncover and stir the mustard to evenly distribute the texture.
- Use rescued mustard within 1 week.
However, separation means the mustard is past peak quality. It likely has an altered flavor and texture. Saving separated mustard is only a short term fix. Don’t eat it if it smells or looks bad.
Can expired Dijon mustard make you sick?
Dijon mustard can become unsafe to eat after its expiration date has passed. Using very expired or spoiled Dijon mustard can increase your risk of food poisoning.
How long after the “best by” or expiration date Dijon mustard is still edible depends on storage conditions. An unopened jar lasting 1-3 months past its date is generally still good. But Dijon mustard that’s more than 6 months expired is risky to eat.
Always inspect the mustard closely. Signs it’s too old and potentially dangerous include:
- Mold growth
- Strong sour smell
- Curdled texture
- Separation
- Discolored appearance
When in doubt, throw expired Dijon mustard out. Don’t rely on smell or taste alone to determine safety.
Conclusion
Dijon mustard can eventually go bad, whether it’s been opened or not. Signs of spoiled Dijon mustard include changes in texture, consistency, smell, and appearance. Unopened Dijon mustard lasts about 2-3 years past its printed date. Once opened, use within 6 months. For maximum shelf life, refrigerate after opening and discard if you see any mold or separation.
While eating spoiled Dijon mustard likely won’t make most people seriously ill, it’s still best practice to err on the side of caution and throw away Dijon mustard past its prime. When properly stored, your Dijon mustard can stay fresh and flavorful for a long time.