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How Long Does Guacamole Last? | Proper Storage Guidelines

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Nothing beats fresh guacamole since it is healthy, light, and tasty. The problem is that it always seems so delicate and tends to turn brown really fast. I have often wondered how long it will last and the best way storage method. So, I did some research and decided to share my answer here.

Unopened guacamole bought from a store will last for up to 2 weeks. Once opened, it will only last for 2 days. When frozen, homemade guacamole can last 4 months, and store-bought guacamole 8 months. Browning does not necessarily mean guacamole is bad, but if it smells off, it is best to throw it out.

The rest of the article will explore how long guacamole lasts in greater detail and also give you guidelines for proper storage.

Guacamole and Tortilla Chips on a Plate

Should Guacamole Be Refrigerated?

After you make guacamole or even buy it from the store, you should always store it in the fridge. When in warmer temperatures, guacamole can quickly grow bacteria that could result in food poisoning if ingested.

How Long Does Guacamole Last in the Fridge?

Store-bought guacamole will last for up to 2 weeks past the sell-by date when stored in the fridge. Homemade guacamole will last for a shorter amount of time, usually only up to 3 or 4 days. It is important to store your guacamole in a fridge that is under 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celcius), as temperatures higher than this will not adequately preserve its freshness.

Related Does Dip Need to Be Refrigerated? | All Types Covered.

How Long Does Guacamole Last Unrefrigerated?

Guacamole is only safe to eat up to 2 hours out of the fridge. If it has been out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours, it is best not to chance it. Just dispose of it immediately. Also, at extreme heat of more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celcius), guacamole will only be safe to eat for 1 hour.

How Long Does Guacamole Last in the Freezer?

You can freeze both homemade and store-bought guacamole. Homemade guacamole will last for up to 4 months in the freezer, and store-bought guacamole is usually good for up to 8 months. However, if you have opened the store-bought guacamole, it will only last for up to 6 months.

It should be noted that freezing guacamole will most likely change the texture of the dip and that it may taste differently to it would normally. Once you have defrosted your guacamole, you should immediately consume it. Refreezing it is a bad idea.

How to Properly Store Guacamole

If you store your guacamole in the refrigerator, it is best to use an airtight container to maximize how long it will stay fresh and to help prevent it from developing any bacteria.

Please make sure you choose one that has a silicone seal present. This will ensure that it is actually an airtight container. Here is a good one that is available on Amazon.

Before putting the lid on, use a spoon to press down on the guacamole to ensure it is packed in tight. This will get rid of oxygen pockets that can cause your guacamole to go back before its time. You can also wrap the container with plastic wrap or add some lime juice to the top of the guacamole before placing the lid to make sure it stays as fresh as possible for as long as possible.

Always ensure that your fridge is working at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celcius), and store your guacamole further back in the refrigerator, not in the door, to ensure your guacamole stays chilled. A root cellar is even a good place to keep it.

If you are storing your guacamole in the freezer, you can store it in an airtight container or a freezer bag. I recommend using a freezer-safe container, like this one.

It is crucial that you don’t add seasoning like cilantro, tomato, or onion until you’ve thawed your guacamole, as this can make the guacamole watery during the freezing process. Place your guacamole in the fridge for one day before freezing it, as this will help it to acclimatize to the cold and reduce the risk of freezer burn.

Can You Make Guacamole Last Longer?

Guacamole bowl with mint with avocados nearby

You can ensure that guacamole stays fresh for longer by adding half an inch of water to the top before putting the lid on the container and placing it in the refrigerator. This water will act as a barrier for any oxygen and will help prevent bacteria from growing.

Do not mix the water into the guacamole. Simply pour out the water when you want to consume it. If it has been stored in the fridge for more than 2 weeks past the date on the packaging, you should throw it away as you cannot be sure if it is still safe to eat.

How Do You Keep Guacamole From Turning Brown?

Adding a thin layer of water, lemon juice, or lime juice on top of your guacamole before refrigerating is the best way to prevent it from turning brown. Before you do this, ensure that the guacamole is packed into the container to ensure there are no oxygen bubbles, which often lead to bacteria growth, and ensure the container you are storing it in it airtight.

Related Should Avocados Be Refrigerated? (Or Left Out).

How Do You Know When Guacamole Goes Bad?

There are a few things you can look out for to figure out whether your guacamole has gone bad:

  • It is starting to grow mold or look “furry.”
  • It has a strange smell.
  • It tastes bitter or has no taste at all.

It’s vital that, should your guacamole display any of these signs, you do not continue eating it.

What Happens If You Eat Bad Guacamole?

If you eat bad guacamole, you could fall victim to food poisoning due to bacteria like salmonella that has cultivated on it.

Food poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, contact a medical professional as some severe cases of food poisoning can prove extremely dangerous. It is critically important that you do not consume bad guacamole, as it could make you very sick.

Can You Still Eat Guacamole If It Turns Brown?

Guacamole turns brown as it is made up of avocados, and the inside of avocados turn brown when exposed to oxygen. This is why it is important to pack your guacamole into an airtight container so that it stays fresh.

You can eat brown guacamole as it does not pose any health risks, but if your guacamole starts to smell odd, grow mold, or taste bitter, you should not eat it and throw it away.

Final Thoughts

Guacamole is an excellent treat for any occasion. Whether you want a light and healthy snack or to have it as the centerpiece at your next get-together, Guac is always sure to be a big hit. I hope this article has helped you learn how to store it better to maximize its freshness.

Thanks for reading!

For more, don’t miss How Long Does Queso Last?