Nothing is worse than having to throw away food simply because you didn’t use it in time. Even more so with sauces. And since Pizza night typically comes around fast, you’re probably wondering how long you can keep that unused pizza sauce for – especially if you have gone to the effort of putting it in the fridge. Here is what you want to know.
So, how long is pizza sauce good for in the fridge? Pizza sauce is typically good for up to seven days in the fridge. Although, depending on the brand, ingredients, storage container, and temperature of the fridge – it may last less, or a little longer than this.
Being mostly tomato, herbs and perhaps a little oil – pizza sauce does not really have any natural preservatives.
Even in most store-brought brands, you’re unlikely to find anything in particular to preserve the shelf life of this sauce.
Probably for the best, mind.
And for homemade sauce, if you are to follow a recipe, the same could likely be said.
So, it does mean that you need to be extra mindful about storing the sauce.
And it may sound as simple as transferring it to the fridge, but there are some dos and don’ts to ensure it lasts as intended.
We will now take a closer look at them before looking at signs of spoiling.
How Do You Refrigerate Pasta Sauce?
To successfully refrigerate pasta sauce and to ensure optimum preservation, you need to place it in an airtight container. This could be a glass jar, bottle, or even Tupperware. So long as it is not exposed to the air and moisture of the fridge.
And there is certainly the right time to do this, too.
If you have some leftover sauce that has been heated, you should wait until it cools down first.
To room temperature, before transferring to your preservation vessel.
If its still in the glass jar it came in, for instance for store-bought options, you simply need to ensure the lid is firmly shut and tight.
If it has been opened of course.
If a jarred pasta sauce has not yet been opened, you may not even need to place it in the fridge altogether.
Some brands can last up to a year in a cool place away from any direct sunlight – such as a pantry or cupboard.
But once it has been opened, it’s over to the fridge.
How Can You Tell If Pizza Sauce Is Bad?
The best way to identify that Pizzas sauce has gone bad is by looking for the development and growth of mold.
You’re looking for any speckles or signs of green, white, or black here.
These can all indicate that bacteria are thriving.
And do check the lid too – not just the sauce.
If you do see any presence of mold, you should immediately throw it away.
Don’t even attempt to taste it.
That could make you sick.
Besides, its mold is the only real indicator that pasta sauce is past its best.
The problem is, you often cannot smell or taste the bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness.
So, once the 5-7 days are up, it’s generally a good idea to throw it away.
And before then, if you do intend to reuse a pizza sauce – you should absolutely be preheating it first.
To a hot temperature, around 145 degrees Fahrenheit (or boiling).
This will help to kill any minor presence of bacteria that can quickly develop soon after refrigeration.
Finally
Pizza sauce is fantastic – when it is fresh, that is!
Unfortunately, this is one of those sauces that really don’t last long, or preserve particularly well.
Even with the right approach and high vigilance, you’re only really going to be able to keep this sauce for around 7 days after opening.
And if it’s a homemade sauce, chances are, it’s not going to last as long as that.
Thankfully, this sauce is not particularly expensive to buy.
In fact, if you buy it in bulk on Amazon, you can save yourself a pretty penny.
This one is my personal favorite.
All-natural ingredients. Award-winning.
And as it’s unopened and jarred – it should last you for up to a year, perhaps longer depending on the date, it was packaged.
Related Questions
How Long Is Prego Pizza Sauce Good After Opening?
Prego pizza sauce can typically last up to 14 days in the fridge, according to the manufacturer. If you need it to last longer, you can always freeze the extra in plastic freezer bags. It will keep frozen for up to 6 months.
How Long Does Ragu Pizza Sauce Last After Opening?
Ragu pizza sauce can typically last up to 7 days in the fridge, according to the manufacturer. If you need it to last longer, you can always freeze the extra in plastic freezer bags. It will keep frozen for up to 3 months.
Wondering how other sauces fare in the fridge? Check out my other guides here:
Hello, I’m Jeremy, a sauce enthusiast and taste trailblazer! My endless pursuit of new flavors has led me on a journey to master sauce making at home, along with try out a range of exciting brands and sauce offerings. Now I share my recipes, tips and recommendations on WeWantTheSauce to help fellow foodies find the perfect sauces.