How Long Does Guacamole Last In The Fridge? Complete Guide and Tips!

Guacamole is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and loved dips that can be bought in-store or made from scratch in the comfort of your kitchen with minimal ingredients or effort. 

Curious about guacamole's shelf life, why it turns brown, whether you can freeze it, and how to tell if it's gone bad? Keep reading to get all the info you need about this tasty avocado dip.

Whether you want to enjoy this nutritious and delectable dip with tortilla chips as a party appetizer or use it as a topping or spread, there are endless ways to enjoy homemade guacamole and adapt it to suit your taste preferences. 

How Long Does Guacamole Last?

SHORT ANSWER: Properly stored refrigerated guacamole will last for 2-3 days and is still edible even if slightly brown.

Why Does Guacamole Turn Brown?

Once guacamole has been made, an enzyme in the flesh of the avocado that is exposed to oxygen reacts and turns that layer a brownish color.

This process is known as oxidation and is exactly the same reaction occurring in apple slices, bananas exposed to oxygen. 

Is It OK to Eat Avocado That Has Turned Brown?

Brown guacamole may not look appealing, but it's still safe to eat. If your guacamole is refrigerated and within three days old, it is still safe to eat.

The same rule applies to brown avocados. While different methods listed below can slow down browning, they won't stop it entirely.

How to Tell If Guacamole Is Bad

Bad guacamole - freshly made guacamole doesn't like warmer temperatures and is prone to quickly developing mold and bacteria inside. In addition, if not handled properly it can lead to foodborne illnesses.

• An easy way to tell that avocados are gone bad is when they are too soft to touch. It is a sure sign that the avocado you are holding is overripe and potentially bad inside. 
• Once opening the avocado, it’ll soon become clear that avocado is no longer suitable for consumption if the flesh is mostly discolored, if there is mold present, or if the avocado has a rancid, sour or weird bad smell.
• What happens if you eat bad guacamole? Can old guacamole make you sick? It may be a sign of mold present and is unhealthy for consumption.

Finish with a layer of plastic wrap over the top so that there is no contact with any air in the storage container or bowl. Keep refrigerated. This way your guacamole will remain green (a very few brown spots may still occur but is mostly rare compared to other methods) for longer.

Be sure to make a taste test before digging in. No more brown guacamole!

2. Guacamole with lime juice

Lime or lemon juice, rich in ascorbic acid, fights the browning process. This method is great but will work best with smaller portions in shallow containers. The only issue here is that your guac may taste too tart and the ratios may be off. However, you can remove the top layer before serving and this should help drastically with the flavor.

To store take an airtight container and rub it generously with lime and place the guacamole inside. Drizzle more lime juice on top of the guac, which will help to fight brown spots occuring. Refrigerate.

3. Guacamole in an airtight container

Even when stored in an airtight container, guacamole is exposed to oxygen, resulting in the top layer turning brown within a day. You'll see a substantial puddle of brown liquid on top. To minimize oxygen exposure, I recommend using a reusable silicone freezer bag or a Ziploc bag.

4. Guacamole in an airtight container with plastic wrap

To shield the chunky mashed avocado, use at least two layers of plastic wrap, as regular cling wrap can be somewhat porous. Transfer to an airtight container. This will indeed result in less browning compared to simply storing guacamole in an airtight container, however, you'll see some notable degree of discoloration.

Which Approach To Choose

Guacamole stored with water is the best to prevent browning. Storing guacamole with lime juice is second best and gives a slightly brighter top compared to any other methods, however, the flavor avo-lime ratios may be off. Water is more cost-effective, making it my preferred choice.

The Best Way to Store Guacamole In The Fridge

Keep homemade or store-bought guacamole fresh in the fridge for up to three days while preserving its vibrant green color.

• Pack the guacamole tightly into an airtight container, eliminating air pockets by using the back of a spoon.
• Smooth the guacamole's surface with the spoon to ensure even coverage and less water.
• Gently pour a one-inch deep layer of water over the guacamole, being careful not to disturb its smooth surface.
• Seal the container and refrigerate for up to three days.
• When ready to enjoy, pour off the water layer, and gently stir the guacamole with a fork to incorporate any remaining moisture.

How To Freeze Guacamole

In case you have some leftover guacamole you can freeze it. However I don't recommend this option due to the loss of nutrients and possibly a change of texture after thawing.

• Guacamole can be stored in an airtight container, Ziploc bag, or even in ice cube trays, for up to 3-4 months. 
• Make sure to squeeze all excess air from the Ziploc or freezer bags used to store the guacamole.
• A light drizzle of olive oil on top prevents ice crystals from forming, which can lead to overly watery guacamole.
• Proceed to secure the container with a sealable lid or wrap the ice cube tray with additional plastic wrap. 

How Long Avocados Last Unrefrigerated

An unripe avocado will last for about 3-5 days before maturing at which point it will last for another few days but is best stored in the refrigerator at the time of ripening. 

If your avocados are already ripe then they will only last at room temperature for 2-3 days before use. 

How To Thaw Guacamole

Frozen guacamole should be thawed in the refrigerator prior to use but if you are in a rush, simply place the sealed Ziploc bag, container, or ice cube tray into a bowl of cold water for about 30-40 minutes. 

For food safety reasons, do not allow the frozen guacamole to thaw at room temperature without the aid of a bowl of cold water. 

Best Tips To Extend The Shelf Life Of Guacamole

To avoid foodborne illnesses and to ensure your guacamole remains safe and fresh follow these simple steps:

• Wash avocados before slicing to prevent bacterial contamination from the skin.
• Keep your hands clean while handling food.
• Avoid cross-contamination by separating guacamole ingredients from raw meat or unwashed vegetables.
• Use clean containers for storage.
• Refrigerate promptly, as guacamole can spoil and promote the growth of harmful microbes when left at room temperature.
• When refrigerating your guacamole, it is best to make a simple avocado mash with some lime salt and black pepper. If you add mix-ins like sour cream, tomatoes, onions,  your guacamole will have a significantly shorter shelf life.

What Types Of Avocado Is Best For Guacamole

While you can make guacamole with any type of avocado, most will agree that ripe avocados and particularly Hass avocado variety is the best for making guacamole since it has an intense flavor and the flesh is ultra-creamy. Hass avocado is one of the most widely grown avocado varieties and has great health benefits.

If you don’t have Hass avocado available, another way to ensure that you get the best avocados for your homemade guacamole is to carry out a few simple inspections:

• When shopping for avocados make sure you choose them with stems attached. Because if there is no stem anymore and the avocado seems soft, then it's more likely that your avocado will have brown spots inside. These are the two easiest first signs of spoilage that you can spot right away.
• Press gently on the outer skin of an avocado. The flesh of a ripe avocado will give way slightly. If it doesn’t then the avocado is unripe. If it’s too soft then it’s overripe. 
• A ripe avocado will have a darker skin color while an unripe avocado will be a bright green. The skin color should be predominantly dark green with a little black. 
• Check the integrity of the avocado skin. If an avocado appears to be split or have any lumps, or odd markings then it’s best to skip past and select another avocado.
• Avoid too soft avocados, as this means they are overripe and the browning process has already started.

Does keeping the pit in an avocado keep it fresh?

Once you open the avocado, the browning process will start as the flesh is exposed to oxygen.
If you're not planning to consume the entire avocado right away, then one way to keep it fresh for longer is to leave the avocado pit inside. The flesh underneath the pit will remain fresh for longer with only a few black spots.

For best results, drizzle some lime juice on top and tightly wrap the remaining avocado half in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

What Do You Do With Guacamole

How and What to serve with guacamole:

• On toast - egg or salmon avocado toast with creamy guacamole are my favorite! (or with Eggs Benedict or Eggs Royale) 
• Sandwiches, burgers
• Add sour cream to your guacamole and you have a perfect avocado dip for your nachos. Don't forget the Nacho cheese sauce!
• Salad dressings
• Loaded potatoes - especially with sweet potatoes!

What Are The Benefits Of Eating Guacamole

What is guacamole good for in your body?

Avocado is a super nutrient-rich fresh food! They are delicious and a great source of monounsaturated fat, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. 

• Loaded with fiber, which helps you to feel full for longer
• Contains more potassium than bananas
• Good source of B vitamin which helps to fight off the diseases
• Contains Vitamin C and E
• Contains natural plant chemicals that may help to prevent cancer

Bottom Line

Homemade guacamole stays fresh in the fridge for two to three days. For proper storage, pack it tightly in an airtight container, smooth the surface, and add a thin water layer. You can also freeze simple guacamole without mix-ins for three to four months.