Does Tabasco Sauce Go Bad? How Long Does Tabasco Sauce Last?

In this article, you will know the answer to the query “Does Tabasco Sauce Go Bad? How Long Does Tabasco Sauce Last?“.

The tabasco pepper is the main ingredient in Tabasco sauce, a fermented hot sauce.

According to its official website, the McIlhenny Company introduced this sauce in 1868.

There is a special place in the hearts of many for this sizzling hot condiment.

Whatever you serve with this sauce, from burritos to tortilla chips to fries to bread, there is something for everyone.

There are two secret ingredients in this tongue scorcher: Tabasco peppers and vinegar.

Business Insider reports that they are fermented in barrels for about three years before being retrieved and flavored. Our favorite spicy sauce is the result of this process.

It is common to find an old bottle of Tabasco sauce in the kitchen. Do Tabasco sauces go bad? That’s a common question people ask.

Do not be concerned if you have any doubts about this aspect, because this article clarifies any confusion you may have.

How to Store Tabasco Sauce Properly?

When purchased from a store, Tabasco sauce does not need to be refrigerated like soy sauce, fish sauce, or teriyaki sauce.

In addition to lasting reasonably long, those sauces contain salt, as opposed to acidity, which helps in preservation.

Refrigeration is not necessary for Tabasco sauce since it does not depend on salt for freshness.

It is important to note that homemade Tabasco sauce is stored differently from store-bought Tabasco sauce.

There are dozens of recipes available for the latter, which is mainly a result of the different preparation methods.

It is safe to store-bought Tabasco sauce anywhere in the pantry or kitchen, whether it is opened or unopened.

Nevertheless, it must be kept away from direct sunlight. There are no other precautions to take other than that.

For homemade Tabasco sauce to last longer than a month, refrigeration is essential.

The container will quickly become contaminated with microorganisms if left at room temperature.

You can let homemade Tabasco sauce sit outside for a while if it is preserved in vinegar or some other substance.

Before any visible spoilage occurs, it will remain fresh for a while.

For 100% assurance, it is recommended that you store it in the refrigerator even in this case.

Does Tabasco Sauce Go Bad? How Long Does Tabasco Sauce Last?

Tabasco sauce is one of those condiments that lasts longer than it should. There is virtually no chance of it spoiling.

Low pH (high acidity) or vinegar present in the sauce contributes to its vitality.

Consequently, there is no need for additives or chemicals in its preservation.

According to Healthline, vinegar prevents bacteria growth and is a great cleaner. Therefore, refrigeration is not necessary.

Despite the fact that Tabasco sauce remains bacteria-free, its taste has degraded over time.

The taste of Tabasco sauce will not diminish over time, whether it is unopened or opened.

The shelf life of the original red blend is the longest, followed by flavors such as habanero, jalapeno, and garlic.

However, it is generally recommended that you replace the sauce every five years.

The preparation method of homemade Tabasco sauce determines its longevity.

It is necessary to reach a low pH in order to make the sauce self-preserving. A pH decrease is achieved by adding vinegar or sugar during preparation.

The pH needs to be lowered after storage to prevent bacteria from sprouting. Without refrigeration, the homemade sauce would go bad within a week without refrigeration. At best, it has a Best By date of 2-4 months when refrigerated.

How to Tell If Tabasco Sauce Is Bad? Tabasco Sauce Shelf Life!

Even though Tabasco sauce never really goes bad, its taste may deteriorate over time.

Over time, the color becomes darker and more brown. It is primarily the added flavors that cause the degeneration.

It is impossible to guarantee that a product will never spoil. It is usually external contamination that causes the problem.

If you taste a tiny bit of the sauce, you will be able to detect any degradation fairly easily. You will know if your sauce has gone wrong by these signs:

• A container that appears to have abnormal growths
• There is a foul smell coming from the sauce
• Quality and taste are degraded

The shelf life of Tabasco sauce is generally quite long, though. Several people have reported that the taste hasn’t faded for many years.

Does Tabasco Sauce Go Bad? How Long Does Tabasco Sauce Last?

PREP TIME

15 minutes

COOK TIME

15 minutes

TOTAL TIME

30 minutes

Ingredients

• Tabasco sauce
• Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
• Labels and markers

Instructions

• Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
• Check the “Best-by-date” to know when it expires.
• Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
• Always check for signs of spoilage before use.

If you want to read more about food preservation, read here: FOOD PRESERVATION.