How long to keep ketchup type condiment packets?

[wahoowad]

I have started collecting and storing little condiment packets in my camp kitchen storage box. I'm talking things like ketchup, mustard, mayo, honey, jelly, etc. They really come in handy if I forget something or come up with a new meal idea while on trail. For example this past weekend the packets of picante sauce helped spice up an otherwise bland quesadilla.

I don't see a 'born on' or 'use by' date stamped on any of these and it's easy for a long time to go by before some could get used. Something like picante/hot sauce, honey and mustard I'm not too worried about, but the mayo and maybe jelly...? Anybody employ any useful techniques for avoiding major intestinal distress from a bad packet aside from crossing your fingers?

 

[madcratebuilder]

Mayo is the one that can make you sick. I've kept some of this stuff refrigerated for years and it's still eatable. Ketchup well turn vinegary. Jams can get mold if open.

 

[oldmopars]

Most of that stuff is ketchup(or other) flavored preservatives. My guess would be that it will last a very long time, however I would maybe use a sharpie and put the date you got them on it, then after 1 year if not used, throw out. Mayo maybe 6 months. It is not hard to replace, so no need to risk getting sick.

 

[RonaldHoward1313]

If the package stays intact, it is good almost for eternity.

 

[grubworm]

i keep them until the edge of the packet starts developing rust....

 

[Boort]

I have started collecting and storing little condiment packets in my camp kitchen storage box.

I use Halloween as a great way to get rid of all of he ones I collected over the year. The lil beggers are in for a TREAT! <Joking!>

I've seen lots of articles that give a list along the lines of:

• Mayo, relish, barbecue sauce, tartar sauce, horseradish sauce, maple syrup, nut butters, salad dressing, ketchup: 1 year or less
• Hard cheese flakes, taco sauce, mustard, soy sauce: 1 maybe 2 years depending on actual ingredients
• Single serve Jellies: 2-3 years
• High acid sauces like Tabasco and salad vinegar, Black pepper : 3-4 years
• Salt, Sugar, Honey: nearly forever

The set of dates from: Condiment package expiration guide aligns with what I recall of my time working food service. The boxes of packets did come stamped with expiration dates which were 3 months to a year depending on what they contained. Every restaurant I was in, was good about tossing out of date packets.

• 4 months
  Hot taco sauce
• 7 months
  Chopped onions
  Ketchup
• 8 months
  Mayonnaise / Fat-free mayonnaise
  Horseradish sauce
  Tabasco sauce
  Tartar sauce
• 9 months
  BBQ sauce
  Cocktail sauce
  Mild taco sauce
  Relish
  Steak sauce
  Yellow mustard

Actual life span will vary based on conditions where you store them. Generally, not always, the flavor will deteriorate before they will hurt you.
I never eat any that the packets have started puffing up or come out discolored, smelling off, or otherwise not quite right.

Boort