All About Buffalo sauce
Your complete guide to buffalo sauce - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Buffalo sauce Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for buffalo sauce in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Unopened Pantry1-2 years past printed 'Best By' date
Signs of Spoilage
Leaking, bulging lid, severe discoloration (rarely visible through packaging), or an 'off' odor detectable without opening (indicating extreme spoilage or seal compromise).
How to Check
Visually inspect the bottle for any damage, leaks, or a bulging cap. Check the 'Best By' or 'Use By' date on the packaging.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources (e.g., above the stove) to maintain optimal quality and extend shelf life.
Opened Refrigerator6-9 months
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold growth (white, green, black spots or fuzzy patches), significant change in color (darkening, dulling, or unusual cloudiness), separation that does not recombine when shaken, sour, yeasty, or 'off' odor, fizzy appearance, unusual sliminess or thickening.
How to Check
-
Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the surface and sides of the sauce for any signs of mold. Note any unusual color changes or cloudiness. Check for excessive separation that doesn't mix back in.
-
Smell Test: Open the bottle and take a cautious sniff. A fresh buffalo sauce should smell tangy and spicy. A sour, rotten, or yeasty smell indicates spoilage.
-
Texture Test: If visual and smell tests pass, pour a small amount into a spoon. It should have its typical pourable consistency. If it's unusually thick, slimy, or watery, it's likely spoiled.
-
Taste Test (Use Caution): As a final check, if all other signs are clear, taste a tiny drop. Any 'off', excessively sour, bitter, or unpleasant taste means it's bad. Discard immediately if it tastes off.
Storage Tips
Always keep the lid tightly sealed after each use. Use clean utensils to avoid introducing contaminants. Store on an inner shelf of the refrigerator where temperatures are most consistent, rather than in the door, which experiences more temperature fluctuations.