Expiration & Storage Tips
When does sweet soy sauce expire?
Unopened, your sweet soy sauce can last about 2 to 3 years if properly stored in a cool, dry place. The exact timeframe is usually indicated on the bottle as a 'best before' date. However, this date is more about quality than safety. Once you've broken that seal, it's a different story - the soy sauce should maintain its quality for up to 1 year if refrigerated. If you choose to freeze your sweet soy sauce, it can last indefinitely, but quality starts to diminish after about a year.
How do you tell if sweet soy sauce is bad?
To determine whether your sweet soy sauce has gone bad, first check out its bottle. If you can see mold or other growths inside, toss it out. Also, it is important to smell it. If it has a weird odor or a sour smell, it's probably time to discard. Another indicator is a change in color; if it appears paler or separated, it is better to replace it. Don't worry about minor changes in consistency or flavor over time though, those are generally normal!
Tips for storing sweet soy sauce to extend shelf life
• Always seal the bottle tightly after each use to avoid contamination and flavor loss.
• Store the sweet soy sauce in a cool, dry, dark place, like a pantry or a cabinet.
• After opening, store the bottle in the refrigerator to maintain its quality longer.
• If you have a lot of sweet soy sauce, consider dividing and freezing part of it in an ice cube tray. That way, you can thaw only the amount you need when you need it!