DecodedGuides

How to store dry gravy mixes

Best place: the pantry. Dry gravy mixes keep for 2 years in the pantry and 1 to 2 days in the fridge, so the fridge adds no time.

Pantry

2 years

from the package date

Fridge

1 to 2 days

from purchase

Refrigeration time applies to prepared product.

Freezer

No guideline

USDA notes for dry gravy mixes

  • Refrigeration time applies to prepared product.

How to tell dry gravy mixes have gone bad

General signs for condiments, sauces & canned goods, the group USDA lists dry gravy mixes under.

  • Dented, bulging or rusted cans, especially at the seams
  • Hissing sound or spray when a can or jar is opened
  • Mould on the surface of a sauce or condiment
  • Separation, discoloration or a sharp off smell from the jar
  • Metallic taste or cloudy liquid in canned food

More on condiments, sauces & canned goods. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.

Storage habits that make the difference

Refrigerate opened condiments and sauces with their lids on tightly, and use a clean spoon each time to avoid contamination. Store unopened cans in a cool, dry cupboard, and once opened, transfer leftover canned food to a covered container in the fridge rather than storing it in the can.

How to store other condiments, sauces & canned goods

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.