How Long Does BBQ Sauce Last? Does it Go Bad?

No matter what season is going on you will probably find BBQ sauce in your refrigerator any time.

People always have their leftovers because they purchase them consistently.

But then you get curious that one should have to buy a new bottle or use the old ones they have found.

So they ask everyone that do BBQ sauce go bad.

Generally, we use these sauces till the best date provided on the pack however sometimes it looks fine from the view.

Yes, these are just expected dates and the sauce can be eaten after that.

What is BBQ Sauce?

This is a sauce that is used to marinate meat and vegetable before these food items are cooked in barbecue style.

The sauce originated in the United States at first but now you can find them any place.

The ingredients in the sauce can vary as per the place where you are.

But usually, it includes brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and water which are blended together to make the sauce.

As they contain perishable ingredients that is the reason the sauce does not last long.

This is not only for barbecues as there are other meals where it is used such as pizzas, during grilling sessions, and many more.

However one should not eat old sauces without a proper inspection even though it will not make you sick.

Because the aftertaste of the sauce is unbearable and no one wants to experience that taste.

How Long Do BBQ Sauce Last? Does BBQ Sauce Go Bad?

There is no doubt that over time it will lose its flavor and get bad.

But as these are expected periods then you can extend the period easily by adopting good storage techniques.

When you buy barbecue sauce then you should check out the manufacturing date to ensure longer storage.

They actually come with a best-before date of more than 1 year but these packs tend to lose their quality over time.

If we talk about the usual time span of an unopened pack then they can last for more than 6 months in the pantry.

But when the pack is opened then this period gets reduced and will only serve you for 1 to 4 weeks.

The periods provided earlier are for the best and authentic quality of the sauce as after that the taste will start to fade away.

If you want your open pack to last more then keeping it in the fridge is a great option as you can extend its shelf life for up to 4 months.

If you make homemade BBQ sauce then you cannot expect a better shelf life as it will only last for 7 to 14 days maximum with similar quality.

How to Tell if BBQ Sauce Has Gone Bad?

• Change in Texture and Taste .

Do not prolong storage if you want it to taste good.

As these are made up of multiple items all of them release distinct elements over time because of which the taste of the sauce changes as time passes.

The entire sauce will look dense when it is fine to eat but if you find a liquid layer over the sauce and the bottom part looks dense then it’s time to throw it out.

• Bacterial Growth or Mold .

One should look for signs if they are using an old pack of sauce.

The most common and major sign is the growth of bacteria and mold.

When you are storing a sauce for a long time then it will develop spots of bacteria at certain places that can be easily figured out.

They mostly develop on the areas such as the cap, neck, or upper surface of the sauce.

• Foul Smell.

If you have ever tasted BBQ sauce then you know how strong its aroma is.

But when a lot of time is passed then you will not be able to get a similar aroma as before.

The aroma will turn into a foul smell if the sauce has gone bad.

Thus if you can smell a difference in the smell then do not use it instead buy a new one.

How to Store BBQ Sauce?

• Seal the Jar Properly.

When we use the jar or bottle of sauce then sometimes we do not close them properly.

Because of this, it gets in contact with air and moisture that makes it go bad.

Therefore you need to be careful every time and be sure to close and seal the container properly.

• Clean Cap Frequently .

While taking out sauce we do stick some of it on the cap or on the top of the bottle.

Keeping the bottle with them can lead to bacterial growth that is not good for the shelf life of your sauce.

Thus you should clean the cap and the tops of the bottle every time you use it to avoid chances of infection.

• Use Dry Spoons .

Another mistake that people commonly do is using a dirty or wet spoon.

Because they are adding elements that can make their sauce go bad.

So be sure that you use a dry and clean spoon to keep the sauce away from dirt and moisture.

Conclusion

One can use paper towels to grab moisture from the bottle after every usage.

Blocking the jar and sealing it will minimize the process of oxidation and can help you to make retain the quality for long period.

These can also be used as dips with snacks and dishes so instead of storing them you should use them if their expiry date is near.