Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Marinara Sauce expire?
Unopened and store-bought marinara sauce can generally last up to 12-18 months in your pantry, so long as it's before the sell-by date printed on the jar. Once you open the jar, the sauce will only last about 5 to 10 days in the fridge. However, if you freeze the sauce after opening, it can be good for up to 6 months. If you're dealing with homemade marinara sauce, the shelf life drops significantly to just 5 to 7 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
How do you tell if Marinara Sauce is bad?
To determine whether your marinara sauce has gone bad, begin by checking the smell. Bad sauce will have a strong, off-putting, sour smell. You can then visually inspect it. If you notice mold or discoloration, it's time to toss it. Lastly, if there have been bubbles forming on top, or if the sauce has taken on a watery consistency, the sauce has likely gone bad.
Tips for storing Marinara Sauce to extend shelf life
• Always store opened jars of marinara sauce in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
• Consider transferring the sauce to an airtight glass container, as this can help extend its shelf life in the fridge.
• For optimal freezing, portion out the sauce in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, as sauce expands when frozen. This means quick, easy access to the right amount of sauce anytime you need it.
• Thaw frozen sauce in the fridge overnight when ready to use. If in a hurry, you can use the defrost function on your microwave, but be careful not to accidentally cook the sauce.