As a popular hot sauce brand, Frank’s RedHot has become a staple condiment in many homes and restaurants. With its signature tomato-forward flavor and moderate heat level, Frank’s RedHot adds a kick to everything from chicken wings to scrambled eggs. But when does this bottled hot sauce expire, and is it still safe to consume after its printed expiration date? Let’s take a closer look at the shelf life and safety of Frank’s RedHot sauce.
What is the shelf life of unopened Frank’s RedHot sauce?
An unopened bottle of Frank’s RedHot has a surprisingly long shelf life. According to the manufacturer, an unopened bottle will stay fresh for up to 3 years when stored properly. The key is keeping the bottle sealed and storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. An unopened bottle stored this way should maintain its original bold flavor and vibrant red color well past the “best by” date printed on the label.
What happens when Frank’s RedHot sauce expires?
As Frank’s RedHot sauce ages past its prime, you can expect some gradual changes in color, texture, and flavor. The red color may start to fade or darken. The texture can thicken from evaporation. And the robust tangy, spicy flavor will mellow and eventually start tasting flat or off. But these changes happen slowly thanks to the product’s vinegar content and lack of dairy, which helps prevent rapid spoilage.
Is it safe to consume expired Frank’s RedHot sauce?
Even if it’s past the printed expiration date, an unopened bottle of Frank’s RedHot is likely still safe to consume. The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises that an unopened commercially bottled product like hot sauce is safe indefinitely as long as the seal remains intact. The vinegar, tomatoes, chili peppers, and spices create an environment inhospitable to harmful bacteria growth. So an expired, properly stored bottle of Frank’s RedHot should not pose any health risks, though the flavor and texture quality may start to suffer over time.
How can you tell if Frank’s RedHot sauce has gone bad?
Watch for these warning signs that an opened or unopened bottle of Frank’s RedHot has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Change in color – Fades from bright red to brown, dark red, or pink
- Change in texture – Becomes thick like syrup or develops dark sediment
- Strange odor – Smells unpleasant, vinegary, or moldy
- Off taste – Noticeably bitter, sour, or unpleasant flavor
- Gas buildup – Lid bulges from carbon dioxide gases
- Mold – Fuzzy spots or cloudiness in the bottle
As long as it looks and smells like original Frank’s RedHot sauce, it should still be fine to use. When in doubt, apply the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out” to be safe.
What is the shelf life of opened Frank’s RedHot sauce?
After opening, Frank’s RedHot will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 1-2 years. The introduction of oxygen and exposure to light and warmth after opening speeds up the deterioration process. But the refrigerator’s cool temperature helps slow it down. To maximize an open bottle’s shelf life, be sure to recap it tightly after each use and store it in the fridge door away from moisture and light.
How to prolong the shelf life of Frank’s RedHot sauce
To get the longest lasting flavor and usage out of your Frank’s RedHot sauce, follow these storage tips:
- Store unopened bottles in a cool, dry pantry away from direct heat and light
- Refrigerate opened bottles and keep tightly capped after each use
- Check for signs of spoilage before use, like color changes or mold
- Use clean utensils to remove sauce to avoid introducing bacteria
- Write the opening date on the bottle when you first open it
Keeping your fridge temperature at 40°F or below will also help maximize opened shelf life. With proper storage methods, you can keep that signature Frank’s RedHot flavor flowing for the long haul.
How to tell if Frank’s RedHot sauce has expired
Follow this checklist to determine if a bottle of Frank’s RedHot sauce is still good or ready for the trash:
Check the dates
– Unopened bottles are OK up to 3 years past the “best by” date if properly stored
– Opened bottles are OK for 1-2 years in the fridge after opening
Inspect the bottle and sauce
– Discoloration, darkening, separation, cloudiness are red flags
– Look for mold, fuzziness, spots, or foam inside the bottle
– Consistency should be smooth and pourable like original sauce
Take a whiff
– Should smell tangy, vinegary, subtly spicy – not sour, moldy, rancid
Taste test
– Flavor should be vibrant, tangy, and mildly spicy, not bitter, funky, or overly vinegary
When in doubt, stick to the rule of tossing bottles that look, smell, or taste off to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Frank’s RedHot need to be refrigerated?
An unopened bottle of Frank’s RedHot does not need to be refrigerated thanks to its natural acidity levels. Store it in a cool, dry pantry and it will stay fresh for up to 3 years past the printed “best by” date. Once opened, it’s best to store it in the fridge to extend its shelf life.
Can Frank’s RedHot sauce go bad?
Yes, Frank’s RedHot can spoil after a long enough time, especially if the bottle has been opened. Signs of spoiled Frank’s RedHot include fading color, thickened texture, mold, sour smell, flat taste, and cap bulging from gas. An unopened bottle stored properly can stay fresh for up to 3 years past its expiration date.
Is it OK to use Frank’s RedHot sauce after the expiration date?
Most likely, yes. The expiration date on Frank’s RedHot is more of a guideline than a hard rule. Unopened bottles should remain good for up to 3 years if stored properly. Opened bottles are good for 1-2 years in the fridge. As long as there are no signs of spoilage, expired Frank’s RedHot sauce is likely still safe to consume.
What happens if you eat expired Frank’s RedHot sauce?
If the Frank’s RedHot sauce has only recently expired and still looks and smells normal, eating it is unlikely to cause any health issues. However, consuming Frank’s RedHot that is very old or shows signs of spoilage could potentially result in foodborne illness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Can Frank’s RedHot sauce last at room temperature?
An unopened bottle of Frank’s RedHot can be stored at room temperature, as the cap keeps out microbes and oxygen. Opened bottles should be refrigerated since the introduction of oxygen will shorten its shelf life. For best quality, store opened Frank’s RedHot sauce in the fridge after each use.
Does heat affect Frank’s RedHot sauce?
Exposing Frank’s RedHot sauce to heat can shorten its shelf life. High temperatures speed up the deterioration of natural flavors and ingredients. Store bottles away from direct sunlight, stoves, dishwashers, and other heat sources. An unopened bottle will last longer at room temp than an opened bottle.
Can you freeze Frank’s RedHot sauce?
Freezing is not recommended for Frank’s RedHot sauce. The frozen water crystals can damage the texture, creating a separated or watery consistency after thawing. Freezing can also dull the vibrant flavor. It’s best to store Frank’s RedHot in the fridge if you want to prolong its shelf life after opening.
How to substitute for expired Frank’s RedHot sauce
If you discover an expired bottle of Frank’s RedHot sauce in your fridge, don’t worry – you can sub in a similar hot sauce in its place. Some good flavor replacements include:
- Cholula Hot Sauce
- Tapatío Hot Sauce
- Louisiana Hot Sauce
- Texas Pete Hot Sauce
- Valentina Hot Sauce
For optimal flavor, avoid substituting vastly different styles like sriracha or Tabasco. Stick to a classic American hot sauce similar to Frank’s RedHot to match the tangy tomato flavor profile.
Summary
With proper refrigerated storage after opening and cool, dry pantry storage when sealed, Frank’s RedHot sauce can maintain its bold, tangy flavor for up to 3 years past its printed expiration date. Look for changes in color, texture, smell, and taste to determine if a bottle has spoiled. Discard any suspiciously expired bottles and substitute with a similar American-style hot sauce. Following these tips will keep that Frank’s RedHot flavor you know and love flowing for all your cooking needs.
| Frank’s RedHot Sauce | Unopened Shelf Life | Opened Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | Up to 3 years past printed date | 1-2 years |
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 years past printed date | Not recommended |
