Pantry storage

Does jam need to be refrigerated?

Not while the jar is sealed: unopened jam keeps 6 to 18 months in the pantry. After opening, yes. Once open, it keeps 6 to 12 months in the fridge.

These times are a guide, not a safety guarantee, and a label that says to refrigerate comes first.

How we checked this: the storage times here come from the sources named on the page, and each one is checked against its source before the page goes live. Editorial policy

The fridge does not rule out mold: FSIS says molds tolerate sugar and can grow in refrigerated jams. If you see any, throw the jar out; microbiologists advise against scooping it off and using the rest. Source: USDA FSIS: molds on food (opens in a new tab)

Kitchen list sorted by use soon, grouped into fridge and pantry, each item with its amount and buttons to change it
Keep track of what’s in the pantry, and type a date if you want a reminder. Free

Unopened and opened

Unopened and opened packages keep for different times. These are the times the source gives.

Unopened
6 to 18 months in the pantry
After opening
6 to 12 months refrigerated
Where to keep it once open
Refrigerator. Refrigeration is required here, not optional.

Sources and limits

The after-opening time runs from the day you opened it, not from the date printed on the package, so write that day down. Well Stockd doesn’t know when your package was made, bought or opened: follow the package directions, keep it in the fridge at 40°F or below once it’s open, and check the official listing when food safety is in question.

The storage times above are quoted from the sources below. They’re a guide, not a safety guarantee: quality varies with packaging, temperature and how the package is handled between uses. Nothing here overrides a label that says to refrigerate. This page was last updated .