Shelf Life Tips
- How long does hoisin sauce last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of opened hoisin sauce, refrigerate and keep tightly covered at all times.
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How long does opened hoisin sauce last in the refrigerator? Hoisin sauce that has been continuously refrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months.
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Is opened hoisin sauce safe to use after the expiration date? Yes, provided it has been stored properly, the bottle is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially bottled hoisin 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 hoisin sauce will remain at peak quality.
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The storage time shown for opened hoisin sauce is for best quality only - after that, the hoisin sauce's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been kept continuously refrigerated, the bottle is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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How can you tell if opened hoisin sauce is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the hoisin sauce: if the hoisin sauce develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
