So, let’s cut to the chase: The answer to this question is, “possibly...eventually...but probably not before you have a chance to eat them.” In other words, pickles stay safe to eat for a very long time, regardless of what the ‘best by’ date says. (While we’re on the subject, it’s worth noting that ‘best by’ and ‘sell by’ dates actually have no bearing on the safety of a food product—they are actually labels slapped on by manufacturers to indicate best quality.)
Pickles are especially hardy, though, and are likely to stay fresh in both the pantry and the fridge for one to two years past that (misleading) expiration date, provided they’re properly sealed, the experts at Healthy Canning tell us. In fact, staying power is kind of the point of the pickling process. The highly acidic and uber salty brine that makes pickles possible was once the go-to method for preserving all types of food, and for good reason: The pickled environment is particularly inhospitable to bad bacteria. So, yeah, once a boring cuke undergoes that transformation, there’s really no turning back...or, erm, bad.
But wait, is it possible for a pickle to go bad? Yes, but it’s highly unlikely. First of all, there’s no reason it should take you two years to make your way through a jar of dill pickles—unless, say, you never liked them to begin with and bought them by accident. Even after two years, the odds that a pickle will make you sick are pretty slim. However, it is still a possibility—especially if you didn’t properly reseal the jar after opening it. When it comes to pickles that have been hanging around a little too long, the far more likely outcome is simply that they will lose their satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Like all perishable foods, they should be stored in the refrigerator once opened. Assuming nothing has gotten into the jar to cause your pickles to go bad, they should last up to three months in the coldest part of your fridge (i.e. towards the back).
How long are pickles good for after opening? ›
"As long as the pickles are kept cold, they can last upwards of 75 days unopened in the fridge," Andre shares. Once opened, any pickles should be stored in the fridge, submerged in brine, to maintain freshness for at least up to three months, according to the USDA.
What causes pickles to go bad? ›
If the pickles are soft, they are spoiled from the yeast fermentation. Don't use them. Using too weak a salt brine or vinegar solution may cause soft or slippery pickles, as can using moldy garlic or storing the pickles at too warm a temperature. These pickles are spoiled and should be discarded.
How long do fermented pickles last once opened? ›
When they're fresh, they're oh-so-good, but just because pickles are pickled doesn't mean they can't go bad. Once you open a jar, it doesn't have an unlimited lifespan, but it may last longer than you think — anywhere from one to three months in the refrigerator.
Are refrigerator pickles safe? ›
Cautions about Refrigerator Pickles
For many years, refrigerator pickles have been regarded as very safe.
Does pickle juice go bad in the refrigerator? ›
Pickle juice is usually very acidic, which creates an environment less conducive to bacterial growth. However, if left for too long, it can still go bad. The most visible sign would be mold growth. If the juice turns cloudy, or if it develops an off smell or taste, it's time to discard it.
When should you not eat pickles? ›
Sweet pickles aren't quite as high in sodium, but they still have plenty of it. And they're high in sugar. Because of their high levels of sodium, people who have heart issues should generally steer clear of pickles.
Are 2 year old pickles still good? ›
An unopened jar of pickles can be stored at room temperature (i.e., the pantry) or in the fridge for up to two years past the expiration date. Once opened, pickles will stay fresh for roughly the same length of time as long as they are stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container.
Why does pickle not spoil? ›
Salt and oil do not allow moisture and air to enter the material and hence bacteria cannot thrive on them. Therefore, pickles do not get spoiled for months together. Q.
What happens if you eat a bad pickle? ›
Eating spoiled pickles can expose one to harmful bacteria that potentially cause serious foodborne illnesses. Paramount recognition of bacterial growth and associated symptoms is essential for the consumer's safety.
If it feels very soft and mushy, or the texture is different than usual, they're definitely not safe to eat. If you're ever unsure or if you feel like your pickles might be bad, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Remember, to avoid foodborne illness — when in doubt, throw it out.
How to tell if pickles have botulism? ›
How Can You Tell If Pickles Have Botulism? If your produce is properly canned, it should be safe to eat. Never eat pickled produce from a can or jar that is damaged. Check to make sure the jar is not leaking, bulging or cracked.
Can pickles in a jar go bad after opened? ›
After the seal of the jar has been cracked, the pickles can spoil, but this process is slower than with other perishable foods. For example, if opened pickles are kept refrigerated in an airtight container with enough brine to fully cover them, they can easily last for three months.
What do pickles look like when they go bad? ›
If the pickles have gone bad, both the pickles themselves and the brine will be discolored and/or cloudy. Murky-looking brine and dull, brown, or faded-looking pickles are not safe to eat. Visible mold on pickles: If you see any mold on the pickles or floating in the brine, they have gone bad and are unsafe to consume.
How long do pickles last once opened unrefrigerated? ›
Like most other foods, pickles should be left out on the counter for no more than two hours. Despite being preserved in brine, bacteria can still form in the pickle jar. Even in two hours, pickles' texture can start to change. Warm temperatures cause pickles to soften and lose their crunchy texture.
How long does it take for unrefrigerated pickles to go bad? ›
How long do pickles last on the counter? Like most other foods, pickles should be left out on the counter for no more than two hours. Despite being preserved in brine, bacteria can still form in the pickle jar. Even in two hours, pickles' texture can start to change.
How long are quick pickles good for? ›
Once cool, store in the fridge. The quick pickles can be enjoyed right away, although they'll taste much better after 24 hours and even better after a week. Quick pickles will keep for about 3 months in a sealed jar in the fridge.
Why don't pickle jars say pickle? ›
Olive all use the term on their websites, in advertisem*nts, and in the product descriptions of their pickle varieties. When asked why the word isn't on the front of the jars, all three companies provided nearly the same answer: They feel the word “pickle” isn't necessary on pickles packaged in clear glass containers.
How long are Claussen pickles good for after opening? ›
After opening, the spears should be consumed within a few months for optimal taste and texture. It's important to use clean utensils when handling pickles to prevent contamination and to ensure the lid is securely fastened before returning them to the refrigerator.
