Pickles are a delicious and healthy addition to your sandwiches and burgers, or just for a quick and easy snack with a snap. But have you ever taken a bite from a pickle that just didn't taste right? We spoke with a pickle expert to find out if pickles go bad, and how to make sure you're storing them correctly.
Do pickles go bad?
Yes. Like any other food, pickles can go bad. No matter what veggie is being pickled, whether it's a classic cucumber, snap peas or even mini bell peppers, they can go bad for a couple reasons:
- Age: Like any food, pickles won't last forever. But they may be consumed past the "Best- by" date if no signs of spoiling are present (more on that below).
- Improper storage: If your pickles haven't been properly stored, especially after opening, this can lead to faster spoilage.
How to tell if pickles have gone bad?
Here are a few signs your pickles are a little too far gone:
- Visible mold: This is an obvious sign that your pickles have gone bad.
- Unusually sour taste and smell: If things smell and taste a bit more sour than usual, in an unpleasant way, this may not be a good sign. If you're not liking the taste anyway, it may be time to toss those pickles.
- Off colors and textures: If your pickles are looking mushy with off coloring and the brine isn't looking as clear as usual, it's time to say goodbye.
- Bulging jar: This could mean your pickles were not sealed properly and there is carbon dioxide present, an indicator that they have begun to ferment or that harmful bacteria may be present.
That being said, there haven't been any food-borne illnesses reported from commercial pickles in the U.S. for much of the past 50 years, according to the USDA. Pickled-caused food poisoning is very rare.
"With a fresh pickle like ours, if you see the top of the lid domed up or bubbled, this typically means the product has fermented and gone bad," says Eddie Andre, director of brand experience at Grillo's Pickles. "This can happen with our pickles due to temperature abuse (getting warm) or too much oxygen in the jar causing the pickles to ferment at a much faster rate. This happens because we make everything cold and fresh to order without boiling or pasteurizing our product." If your pickle juice is fizzy like soda, this also is an indicator it has begun to fermented and go bad.
How to store pickles
For fresh pickles, like Grillo's, that are carried in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, make sure they stay in the refrigerator at home before and after opening (cold temperatures prevent fermentation). "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. On a shelf in your refrigerator's door is a common place to store jarred items, but inside the fridge where you can ensure your pickles stay cold may be a better spot. Though it's not necessary, you can store unopened pickle jars in the fridge if you have the room, but the pantry is also just fine.
And just in case you can't eat all of your pickles in the fridge before they start turning bad, freezing them can be an option. However, Grillo's "wouldn't recommend it." Andre says, "If Grillo's freeze, they tend to become transparent and get very mushy. We do, however, encourage freezing the brine and making pickle juice pops!" (But not if your salt sensitive!)
What if I ate expired pickles?
Even if your pickles are past the marked date, as long as there are no obvious signs of spoilage, you'll likely be okay if they have been properly stored. But just because there are no visible signs of spoilage, the quality still may not be up to par with what you're used to. "We wouldn't encourage eating expired pickles because the taste alone wouldn't represent the quality of our product," says Andre.
But if you see even one of the above signs present and the pickles aren't yet past their expiration date (or if they have passed the expiration date), it may be time to toss them and make sure you adhere to proper storage guidelines for your next jar.
Bottom line
Pickles can go bad, but even so, they are rarely a cause for food safety concerns. Try and use up your pickles within three months of purchase, if you can. And be on the look out for any off colors, tastes, smells or textures—let your senses be your guide!
Now that you've increased your pickle knowledge, dredge them in a breadcrumb mix to make Oven-Fried Pickles, which pair perfectly with herby sour cream, or, if you have an air-fryer, try these Crispy Air-Fryer Pickle Chips.
FAQs
Pickles do expire after opening and are certainly not shelf-stable once opened, so they should be stored in the refrigerator once the seal on the jar is broken. Pickles can last in the fridge for up to two years if stored correctly.
Are pickles ok after the expiration date? ›
Even if your pickles are past the marked date, as long as there are no obvious signs of spoilage, you'll likely be okay if they have been properly stored. But just because there are no visible signs of spoilage, the quality still may not be up to par with what you're used to.
How can you tell if pickles are bad? ›
Bad smell in jar of pickles: Spoiled pickles will smell bad and unpleasantly sour. If the smell makes you recoil or is foul, the jar has gone bad. Discolored pickles or brine: All pickles are stored in brine. If the pickles have gone bad, both the pickles themselves and the brine will be discolored and/or cloudy.
Can pickles go bad if not refrigerated? ›
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 will home canned pickles last? ›
As long as you keep them in the brine (pickle juice), they will last for over a year. They do get more sour over time and at some point get too acidic to eat. But it is not a safety issue unless they get moldy. They just do not taste as good.
Can I eat 3 year old pickles? ›
If the jars are properly heat-processed, both homemade and commercially sealed pickles can sit unopened at room temperature for years, says Julie Laing, author of The Complete Guide to Pickling. But eating them sooner will ensure the best texture and flavor.
Are soft pickles safe to eat? ›
It may be a normal reaction during fermentation caused by bacteria. 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.
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 does botulism look like in pickles? ›
In any type of pickle you have placed into a jar, a bulging lid is a sign of spoilage and possibly botulism. If you see this, discard the pickles, regardless if they smell bad or not. This is due to the gas given off by the bacteria.
Are cloudy pickles safe to eat? ›
Some batches are naturally cloudier than others, but all are safe to consume and taste delicious. Shake Until Cloudy and Enjoy! Cloudy brine is a sign that you have a safe, successful, and tasty ferment. Even after all the pickles are gone and you have a jar of delicious brine leftover, don't toss it!
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.
Can dogs eat pickles? ›
Overall, pickles aren't harmful to dogs in moderation. Offering your dog a plain pickle every once in a while is okay! Just don't give your dog pickles covered in garlic, peppers, or onions because these ingredients are highly toxic to your pet.
Does pickle juice help with cramps? ›
According to a 2020 analysis published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, both yellow mustard and pickle juice were found to be the most practical foods for potentially preventing or treating muscle cramps in athletes.
How to tell if homemade pickles are bad? ›
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.
What is the white stuff on my pickles? ›
When fermenting vegetables, it is common to notice a white layer forming on top of the liquid after a few days. Often this white film is mistaken for mold, and the entire ferment is discarded. However, the white film is usually a type of yeast known as kahm yeast.
Can pickled food last for years? ›
How long do pickled vegetables last? Your quick pickled vegetables will last at least three to four weeks in the fridge, possibly longer if unopened. Pickles that have gone through the correct water bath canning process will typically keep for about a year.
How long is pickle relish good after the expiration date? ›
Yellow mustard can be stored unopened for up to two years past its best before date, or for a year in the refrigerator after opening. Unopened pickle relish can be kept in your pantry for up to two and a half years, or up to nine months in the fridge after opening.
Why pickles do 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.
Does pickle juice go bad in the refrigerator? ›
Refrigerator pickles usually last for about 2 months if properly stored in the fridge in a sealed container, like a lidded jar or plastic container with a tight fitting lid. As long as the brine looks clear, you're ok, but if it starts to look murky, that could indicate bacterial growth and it's time to toss.
Do pickles get better with age? ›
Yes, as pickles age, say between 6-12 months old, they tend to get tastier. This is true for 90% of pickles at our store.
