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.
2 years
from the package date
1 to 2 days
from purchase
Refrigeration time applies to prepared product.
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.