Hot sauce longevity depends on whether the bottle is opened and how it's stored.
Unopened Hot Sauce
- Pantry Storage: Unopened hot sauce typically lasts at least three years when stored in the pantry.
- Refrigeration: It can last even longer when stored in the refrigerator.
- Expiration Date: Always check the expiration date on the bottle and use it as your primary guide for freshness, since this is there for a reason.
Opened Hot Sauce
- Refrigerator: Once opened, hot sauce will generally stay fresh for about a year when stored in the refrigerator.
- Pantry: Opened hot sauce will only stay fresh for about six months when stored in the pantry.
Here's a quick reference table for hot sauce shelf life:
| Storage Condition | Unopened Hot Sauce | Opened Hot Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | 3+ years | Approximately 6 months |
| Refrigerator | Significantly Longer | Approximately 1 year |
Always refer to the expiration date printed on the bottle of hot sauce.
