Pepper sauce, also known as hot sauce, can last for a surprisingly long time if stored properly. Here is a quick overview of how long different types of pepper sauces last and how to extend their shelf life.
How Long Does Unopened Pepper Sauce Last?
An unopened bottle of pepper sauce will typically last for years past the ‘best by’ date printed on the bottle. As long as the bottle remains sealed and stored properly, the sauce inside should maintain peak quality and flavor for at least 2-3 years past the printed date.
Shelf Stable Pepper Sauces
Most major brand pepper sauces like Tabasco, Frank’s RedHot, and Cholula use preservatives and do not require refrigeration. Unopened bottles of these shelf-stable pepper sauces will last 3-5 years past the printed date if stored in a cool, dry pantry.
Refrigerated Pepper Sauces
Small batch or homemade pepper sauces that do not contain preservatives need to be refrigerated after opening. An unopened bottle will last 6-12 months past the date if refrigerated.
How to Extend the Shelf Life of Unopened Pepper Sauce
Here are some tips for getting the maximum shelf life out of an unopened bottle of pepper sauce:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Avoid storage areas that experience large temperature fluctuations
- Store bottle upright to prevent leakage
- Check bottle periodically for signs of spoilage like mold, changes in color or texture, or a sour smell
How Long Does Opened Pepper Sauce Last?
Once opened, the shelf life of pepper sauce depends on the type:
Shelf Stable Pepper Sauces
A bottle of shelf stable pepper sauce will last about 3 years after opening if stored properly in the pantry. The flavor may start to degrade after about 18-24 months.
Refrigerated Pepper Sauces
Refrigerated pepper sauces have a shorter shelf life after opening – only about 1 year. Keep the bottle refrigerated at all times to maximize freshness.
How to Extend the Shelf Life of Opened Pepper Sauce
Follow these tips for keeping opened pepper sauce fresh for as long as possible:
- Replace cap tightly after each use
- Store bottle upright to prevent spills and leakage
- For refrigerated sauces, do not store in the door where the temperature fluctuates
- If mold appears, discard immediately
Signs Your Pepper Sauce Has Spoiled
Watch for these signs that indicate your pepper sauce is past its prime and should be discarded:
- Mold growing in or on the sauce
- Changes in color or texture – separation, thickening, or thin watery consistency
- Flat, faded, or dull color
- Sour or rotten smell
- Pepper seeds or chunks rising to the top
- Fizzing, bubbling, or fermentation
Can You Eat Expired Pepper Sauce?
It’s best to discard pepper sauce that is past the printed expiration date on the bottle or that shows any signs of spoilage. Consuming spoiled pepper sauce that contains mold or bacteria could potentially cause food poisoning.
However, an unopened bottle that has been properly stored may still be safe to consume several years past its expiration date, though the flavor and quality may start to degrade over time.
If the pepper sauce shows no sign of spoilage other than being past its date, it may be safe to do a small taste test. Discard immediately if the pepper sauce tastes or smells unpleasant or rancid.
How to Store Pepper Sauce
Follow these storage tips to help maximize the shelf life of your pepper sauce:
Unopened
- Store in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and light
- Avoid storage areas with temperature fluctuations
- Store bottle upright to prevent leakage
Opened
- Refrigerate after opening if required
- Replace cap tightly after each use
- Store upright in refrigerator door to prevent spills
- Wipe away any sauce around the bottle opening to prevent sticky buildup
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best temperature to store pepper sauce?
Unopened pepper sauce should be stored in a cool, dry place between 50°F-70°F. Once opened, refrigerated sauces should be stored at 40°F or below.
Where should you store an opened bottle of pepper sauce?
Opened bottles of pepper sauce should be stored in the refrigerator if required to be refrigerated. Store upright in the refrigerator door to prevent spills.
Do unopened pepper sauces ever need refrigeration?
Major brand pepper sauces that contain preservatives do not need refrigeration until after opening. Small batch or artisanal sauces without preservatives do need to be refrigerated, even when unopened.
What happens if pepper sauce freezes?
Freezing pepper sauce may damage the texture – it can become runny or watery after thawing. But it does not make it unsafe to consume unless significant ice crystals form. Discard if large ice crystals are present after thawing in the refrigerator.
Can old pepper sauce make you sick?
Consuming pepper sauce long past its expiration date or that shows signs of spoilage can potentially cause food poisoning or digestive issues. Mold, bacteria, and yeast can grow in spoiled pepper sauce.
Conclusion
With proper storage, unopened pepper sauce can maintain quality and flavor years past any printed expiration date. Once opened, shelf stable varieties last about 3 years refrigerated, and refrigerated varieties last about 1 year in the fridge. Keep bottles away from heat and sunlight, store upright, and discard if mold or spoilage appears.