Shelf Life Tips
- How long does an unopened bottle of chili sauce last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of chili sauce, store in a cool, dry area.
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How long does an unopened bottle of chili sauce last at room temperature? Properly stored, an unopened bottle of chili sauce will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months.
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Is unopened chili sauce safe to use after the expiration date on the bottle? Yes, provided it is properly stored and the bottle is undamaged - commercially packaged chili sauce will typically carry a Best By," "Best if Used By," Best Before, or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the chili sauce will remain at peak quality.
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Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the chili sauce's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the bottle is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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How can you tell if chili sauce is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the chili sauce: if the chili sauce develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
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