How long does unopened store bought jam last?

Answer 1

Answer:In short, a very, very long time.

Ideally, jam will be heat sealed into an air-tight container. This means that bacteria will lack the air it needs to reproduce, and it will be in an unfavorable Ph range due to the massive levels of sugar involved. Also, the fact that the jam was heated, very hot for a long period of time, would have killed any existing bacteria. The only bacteria that would be present would have been introduced between the time that the jam was cooled to below 65 degrees centigrade (about 150 Fahrenheit), and the time it was placed into the jar.

So assuming that the jam was jarred properly, this food will be safe to eat and although it may possibly taste unpleasant (and it probably won't), it won't present a health risk.

Answer:Jam can last for years in the right conditions. If home-made, sterilising the jars is very important, so make sure you sterilise everything really well. You need to put grease-proof paper on top of the jam before you put on the lids… directly onto the top surface to prevent any mold forming. The sugar is a preservative!

My Nan used to make jam and chutney for all of us every year. It was never stored in a fridge, just in a cool, dark place. It can be stored for up to 2 years or even more if the sterilizing process and storage is good. Just boil the jars, make the jam, then heat the jars up again and pour the hot jam into the hot jars, lid them and wait till they pop. We haven't had any problems with this way.

Answer:I am currently eating apple jelly which is over ten years old, and is still good. That should give you some idea. I've had strawberry and raspberry jam last five years easily.

Answer 2

commercially produced jams have a shelf life of one year, unopened. Shorter if kept in a fridge and even shorter if kept at room temperature

Answer 3

As long as you have not opened it, it can last for over a year.

Answer 4

Depending upon the type of jam, tt should keep for at least a month and longer if stored in the refrigerator. Keep it sealed and watch for yeast or mold growth. See Related Links.