You’ve had a cookout with your trusty BBQ sauce used for almost every dish. So you put it away for the next time you need it.
Today’s the day. You’re about to make some homemade burgers. However, you’re worried about how long it’s been since you used your BBQ sauce.
Looking at the best-by date on the BBQ sauce bottle, you ask yourself: Has my BBQ sauce gone bad? How long does it last?
Well, here’s what you need to know about the shelf-life of your BBQ sauce. An opened jar of store-bought BBQ sauce will last 4-6 months as it is high in preservatives. On the other hand, if you have homemade BBQ sauce, it will only last 7-10 days.
Signs Your BBQ Sauce Has Gone Bad
If you have any thoughts that your BBQ sauce may have gone bad, it’s time to inspect your BBQ sauce to check for any signs of spoilage.
The first thing you’ll want to take notice of is the color. The BBQ sauce will get darker over time. This often indicates a change in the flavor of the BBQ sauce as well. As a result, you might want to give it a taste. If it tastes foul or off, get rid of it.
Another sure sign that your BBQ sauce is bad is the smell. A funny smell means you should throw it away.
Any sign of mold on the surface or bottle of your BBQ sauce has gone bad, and you should not consume it. Discard it.
BBQ sauce tends to deteriorate in quality over time, even if it isn’t technically spoiled. If you’ve kept it for a long period, you may want to toss it out because of the loss in quality.
Storing BBQ Sauce
Storing BBQ sauce is similar to any other sauce out there.
As long as it’s unopen, you’ll want to store it in a cool, dark area like the pantry. Even a kitchen cupboard works well.
However, as soon as you open the bottle of BBQ sauce, transfer it to the fridge. The cool environment is the perfect spot to store your BBQ sauce for longer periods.
What about the homemade BBQ sauce you made? Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container – safe from any containment that may enter to spoil your sauce.
How Long Does BBQ Sauce Last?
By storing BBQ sauce correctly, you’ll get the best out of its shelf-life. It will stay fresher for longer and be worth the money you spend on it.
The first step is checking the label on the bottle for a best-by date. This date will give an estimate regarding how long your BBQ sauce will last. Due to its many preservatives, it tends to last longer than that. How much longer?
BBQ sauce can last more than six months past its best-by date – provided that it is unopened.
Once you open your bottle of BBQ sauce to enjoy it and store it in the fridge, it will last a little less than that. An opened bottle of BBQ sauce lasts 4-6 months in the fridge.
However, homemade BBQ sauce will not last the test of time. This will stay fresh for 7-10 days in the fridge.
The Bottom-Line
If you’re looking for a good homemade BBQ sauce recipe, look no further than here. Unfortunately, it may not last long, but it’s worth the effort.
You want to always check your BBQ sauce for any signs of spoilage by smelling, tasting, and looking out for mold. Although, this sauce can last a pretty long time as long as it is stored correctly. Remember: unopened, it stays in the pantry, but once open, keep it in the fridge.
