In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long can a sandwich last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of sandwiches. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled sandwiches.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long can a sandwich last in the fridge?
Generally, a sandwich lasts for about 3-4 days when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit wrapped in cling film, parchment paper, or in an air-tight plastic zipper bag.
Deli sandwich
Deli sandwiches last for about 2-3 days when stored properly in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit wrapped in wax paper, parchment paper, or in an air-tight plastic zipper bag.
Pre-packaged peanut butter and jelly sandwich
When properly stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, a pre-packaged peanut butter and jelly sandwich can easily last for 7 days.
Homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwich
The handmade peanut butter and jelly sandwich, on the other hand, can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days if covered in wax paper or parchment paper and kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best temperature to keep a sandwich at?
Sandwiches should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your sandwich at a lower temperature to keep them fresh for longer.
How long can a sandwich sit out?
Deli meat sandwich
When allowed to sit out at room temperature, sandwiches with deli meat, egg, tuna, etc. last for around 2 hours. Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, sandwiches with deli meat left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and the deli meat sandwich left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
When allowed to sit out at room temperature, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches last for around 24 hours as both the peanut butter and jelly used to make this sandwich are shelf-stable.
You should store sandwiches wrapped in cling film or a plastic zipper bag in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for sandwiches’ expected shelf life.
What are different ways to spot spoiled sandwiches?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your sandwich has gone bad. To determine if sandwiches have gone bad, look at their appearance, taste, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your sandwich, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy sandwiches since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body via inhalation.
Smell
If you smell something sour or foul while sniffing your sandwich, it’s time to throw it out.
Taste
You can taste the sandwich when it has passed the visual and smell tests. If you notice a sour or bitter taste after taking a little bite of the sandwich, it is a sign that the sandwich has gone bad.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your sandwich and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store sandwiches?
- A sandwich should be stored on one of the refrigerator shelves rather than the door, as there is a lot of temperature variation at the fridge door, which might affect its quality.
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the sandwich, within 2 hours it is prepared, in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- sandwiches should be stored in shallow compact air-tight containers to allow them to cool quickly.
- Sandwiches should be wrapped in wax paper or parchment paper before being stored.
- Sandwiches should also be kept away from strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions.
You can read easy sandwich recipes here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long can a sandwich last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of sandwiches. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled sandwiches.