However, guacamole may be purchased, stored and prepared in many different ways, each of which can result in a different expiration date. Like a lot of other condiments, it usually has a best by date and not an expiration date. Because of this distinction, you may safely use it to compliment your favorite meals even after the best by date has lapsed.

How to tell if Guacamole is bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

Fresh or packaged guacamole will begin to turn brown when exposed to air. So, as soon as you open the package or finish making the homemade guacamole it will begin the oxidation process and in 3-4 hours the top of the dip will appear brown. This layer can be scraped off and the guacamole is fresh and green underneath for the time periods in the above table. When spoiled, there will be a considerable brown puddle of liquid separated in the bowl.

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Guacamole to extend its shelf life?

The best way to store guacamole is covered tightly in an airtight container. The best way to keep homemade guacamole looking fresh is to keep the avocado pit and place it in the middle of your bowl - that's how to guacamole! The best way to accomplish an air tight seal on guacamole is to place plastic wrap tightly over the top of the dip, pressing out any air and sealing the sides of the wrap onto the sides of the bowl. If there is any air in between the dip and the top of the lid, that air will work quickly to deteriorate your dip. Packaged guacamole freezes beautifully and can be defrosted quickly by placing the package in a bowl of cold water.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

How long is Guacamole good for when prepared in a dish?

How long does guacamole last? That depends. How long do tomatoes last? In general, guacamole will be the quickest expiring ingredient in your dish, but you still should be aware of the expiration dates of the other ingredients in the dish.

What are our shelf life resources?

In determining how long Guacamole lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Guacamole.

*An important note about expiration dates...

Although the Guacamole shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!