Expiration & Storage Tips
When does caramel sauce expire?
If your caramel sauce is store-bought and unopened, it can typically last for 1-2 months past the printed date on its package when stored at room temperature. However, once opened, it must be refrigerated and usually lasts for about 2 weeks. If it has been homemade, caramel sauce should also be refrigerated and will typically last about 1-2 weeks. Caramel sauce can be frozen to last up to 3 months, but it may lose some of its smooth texture.
How do you tell if caramel sauce is bad?
It's easy to tell if your caramel sauce has gone bad: smell it! If it has a sour or off odor, it's probably past its prime. Visually, look for any mould on the surface. If it exists, discard the sauce immediately. In terms of texture, if it’s overly hard or lumpy, or has a watery separation, it's likely spoiled. Lastly, any changes in color from its usual rich brown can also indicate that it's no longer good to consume.
Tips for storing caramel sauce to extend shelf life
• Always keep the container of caramel sauce sealed tightly. This prevents exposure to air, which can speed up spoilage.
• Store opened caramel sauce in the fridge for longer shelf life. Just make sure not to put it close to the back where it's coldest, as this can harden the sauce.
• If you need to extend the life of your caramel sauce, consider freezing it. Portion out into an ice cube tray for easy use, then pop the cubes in a zippered bag once they're solid. Just know that its texture will change slightly when frozen and returned to room temperature.
• When defrosting, do so in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to avoid any potential bacterial growth.