Wondering how long guacamole lasts? This article will tell you how long guacamole can last outside at your dinner party, how long you can keep it in the fridge, and how best to store it to keep it freshest.

Quick Answer

• Guacamole can last outside above 40F temperatures for two hours. Guacamole can last outside above 90F temperatures for one hour. 
• Guacamole can last in the fridge for three to four days in an airtight container before going bad.
• Guacamole cannot be frozen well, and should only be done as a last resort. 

Does Guacamole Go Bad? How Long Does Guacamole Last?

Everyone loves chips and dip, but not many know much about how to keep it fresh when serving it and how long guacamole can sit outside or you didn’t get around to finishing it after a movie night and want to know how much longer it can last in the fridge.

How Long Does Guacamole Last Outside?

If you have a dinner party, people love chips, and what are tortilla chips without guacamole? Guacamole can last outside safely for short periods of time before growing bacteria.

Guacamole can last for two hours outside if the temperature is above 40 degrees F or 4 degrees C. If the temperature rises above 90 degrees F or 32 degrees C, guacamole can only be left unrefrigerated for one hour. If the guacamole is left out of the fridge any longer than 1-2 hours within degree constraints, it should be tossed and not attempted to be put back in the refrigerator or risk consuming bacteria that can make you ill later. This timer starts as soon as the item is taken from the fridge – even when at the store, so calculate the remaining time carefully.

How Long Does Guacamole Last in the Fridge?

You saw the guacamole at the store, and decided to snag it at the last second. When you get home, you decide to have a snack, but now that you’ve broke the seal on your guacamole, how long will it last?

Guacamole is best in the fridge. If bought fresh made from the store, it will last until at least the best-buy date on the container. If the guacamole has been opened, it will last three to four days in the fridge. If the guacamole is made fresh, and stored properly in an air-tight container, it will also last 3-4 days in the fridge and then should be tossed if not finished off. Guacamole should only be put in the fridge after being left out for less than two hours at room temperature, and one hour if outside over 90 degrees.

How Long Does Guacamole Last in the Freezer?

We all know shelf life of many products can be extended in multiple ways like freezing cookie dough or pureeing vegetables, but some products don’t freeze well – guacamole included.

It is not recommended that you freeze guacamole as it would lose flavor and have to be thawed to eat which would cause bacteria growth. Guacamole does not freeze well due to ingredients like tomatoes, avocado, and herbs. You can, however, freeze the individual ingredient (avocado) to use to make guacamole at a later date, if need be. Avocados should be sliced, diced, and have the skin off and stored in a freezer-safe container. Keep as little moisture in the avocado as possible to prevent freezer burn.

I hope this showed you how to keep your guacamole fresh and safe for consumption for many days after opening. When in doubt, just toss the guacamole – no use in giving yourself a foodborne illness because of a little confusion.

How To Tell if Guacamole Is Fresh?

Guacamole, when stored properly, will remain fresh with refrigeration for three to four days. Any longer than three or four days and guacamole should be tossed because of the rate of bacteria growth. A fridge only slows down bacteria growth, it does not prevent it.

Color: Your guacamole may have developed a bit of browning on the top layer. It’s safe and it is not mold, but it doesn’t taste good to eat so shouldn’t be served. The browning on the top of your guacamole is known as a process called oxidation. To eat or serve promptly and without grossing out any one who may want to eat the chips and dip you’ve just served, just scrape the top browned layer off with a spoon, toss it out, and then serve as normal – guacamole should be served chilled, not warmed so to prevent bacteria growth and illness, do not heat the guacamole before serving.

Follow proper refrigeration guidelines after finished serving if guacamole is left over again.

Added Lemon: When making guacamole, lemon juice can be added to the recipe to help prevent browning and help it to retain freshness day to day, and helps to add a bit of extra flavor to your guacamole.

How To Store Guacamole?

Guacamole, if store-bought, should be kept in its original packaging or transferred to an airtight container.

Store in an Airtight Container with Plastic Wrap: To help retain freshness of home-made guacamole, the guacamole should be stored in an air-tight container with plastic wrap on the top to help prevent air from getting into the dish and causing browning. Make sure the lid is on tightly. If you did store your guacamole in a non-airtight dish or only with some plastic wrap on top instead of a lid, don’t use it and just toss it. Without the lid being air-tight, bacteria could have gotten in and spread within the guacamole.

Frequently Asked Questions About Guacamole’s Shelf Life

Is there a difference in fresh or pre-made guacamole when storing?

No, there is not a difference in storing fresh or store bought guacamole. Both should be stored at the proper temperature and for the same length of time after serving or preparing. Neither should be served for extended periods of time as illness causing bacteria could grow. Both may brown when exposed to air.

Is there a difference in using fresh ingredients or frozen ingredients when making guacamole?

Fresh ingredients in guacamole tend to have more flavor and be easier to combine. Using dried or frozen ingredients can take longer due to thawing times and flavor quality. While frozen and dried ingredients can be the best option for those on a budget, fresh is best for making guacamole dip.

Wrap Up

So this article should have shown how to keep your guacamole fresh, and safe to consume whether it’s been outside, in the fridge, or just sitting out at room temperature at your house party. It also should have answered a few other questions you may have about whether your guacamole is fresh or why it’s browned, and any differences in picking it up from the store.