Shelf Life Tips
- How long does an unopened can of cranberry sauce last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize shelf life, store in a cool, dry area.
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How long does an unopened can of cranberry sauce last at room temperature? Properly stored, an unopened can of cranberry sauce will generally stay at best quality for about 18 to 24 months, although it will usually remain safe to use after that.
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Is unopened cranberry sauce safe to use after the "expiration date" on the can? Yes, provided it is properly stored and the can is undamaged - commercially packaged cranberry 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 cranberry sauce will remain at peak quality.
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Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the cranberry 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 can is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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Discard all cranberry sauce from cans that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
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How can you tell if cranberry sauce is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the cranberry sauce: if the cranberry 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
