Unfortunately, Pickles Can Actually Go Bad. Here's How Long It Takes

Pickles are just perfect for those moments when you're craving a salty snack. With their crunchy texture, they can be a great addition to salads, sandwiches, deviled eggs, pizza, and everything in between. Unfortunately, this addictive treat can turn into a soggy, slimy mess and ruin your meal. That's right — pickles don't last forever and can go bad within weeks of opening the jar.

Cucumbers are pickled in vinegar or brine, which prevents bacterial growth. After that, they should be stored at 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit for three to four weeks, according to the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Common mistakes, such as using too little vinegar, can promote the growth of bacteria, yeasts, or mold, leading to premature spoilage. There's also a risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a toxin-producing bacterium that attacks the nervous system.

Pickles last longer than most foods but still have an expiration date. Their shelf life can vary depending on the pickling method, the quality and freshness of the ingredients used, the type of packaging, and other factors. You'll also want to make sure the jar has no signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks. 

You can pickle just about any vegetable at home or just buy canned pickles, but you can't store them forever. Generally, store-bought jarred pickles are pasteurized and, therefore, last longer than those stored in barrels, according to dietician Jennifer Schlette. Once you've opened the jar, you can refrigerate the pickles for one to three months.

Unopened pickle jars can be refrigerated for up to 12 months. However, they may still be good past their expiration date if stored properly. Your best bet is to seal the jar before placing it in the fridge. Also, make sure the pickles are submerged in brine at all times. Another option is to place them in your pantry, but they won't last as long as those stored in the fridge or freezer. If you choose to freeze them, place them in a tightly sealed glass jar. Remember to label it with the date.

All in all, there are no hard rules on how long you should store pickles. An unopened jar of refrigerated pickles can last for years, depending on the ingredients used. But once the jar is opened, it's best to consume the pickles within three months. In either case, place them in a clear jar so you can quickly spot any signs of spoilage. 

Generally, it should be pretty easy to tell if your pickles are no longer good. You might notice changes in their color, texture, and taste, such as a foul odor or whitish spots. There may also be mold on the pickles, or other signs of spoilage, like yeast on the bottom of the jar. Soft or slimy pickles are no longer safe for consumption.

As a rule of thumb, discard the pickle jar if the lid is bulging. Check the brine, too. If it's more watery than usual or has tiny bubbles, stay on the safe side and discard the jar. Sometimes, you may notice that one or more pickles have a moldy top. If that's the case, dietician Jennifer Schlette says to throw them away and eat the rest — assuming they look okay. 

Also, note that fermentation can cause the brine to become cloudy. This problem is usually due to lactic acid bacteria and shouldn't pose safety issues. Just make sure you check for other signs of spoilage, especially if the pickles are not fermented. Last but not least, throw away the whole jar if you notice a rotten smell, discoloration, mold, or dark spots.