Soy sauce is high in sodium and is sterilized before bottling. When properly stored, the shelf life of soy sauce past its best before date is... Soy Sauce Expiration Date But remember that condiments, usually have a best before date and not a use by date or expiration date. Once you open the bottle, manufacturers recommend that you should use this salty condiment rather quickly. Soy sauce is also an essential ingredient for teriyaki sauce. Either way, if you’re asking similar questions, you’re in the right place! My Asian friend, an amateur chef, never does. Yes, but not if you use it quickly and/or store it correctly for extended shelf life. The high acid in vinegar and the capsaicin in chili peppers both keep bacteria at bay. I keep mine in the fridge to retain flavor as long as possible. However, if you plan to keep soy sauce longer or you only use it once in a while, refrigeration will preserve the freshness and flavor much better. Worcestershire Sauce Shelf Life: Can It Go Bad? Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. For the most part, no, soy sauce does not go bad. Worcestershire sauce does not go bad if you fail to refrigerate it. By safe to use I mean it won’t make you sick or anything, just its taste might be slightly weaker. Does Worcestershire sauce go bad if not refrigerated? Depends on your definition of “bad” really. If you noticed that the bottle wasn’t sealed, or some contaminants got inside the container, these are good enough reasons to discard it. However, refrigeration is recommended for more extended storage to preserve the flavor and freshness. If you store it properly, it will retain its freshness and flavor for quite some time, though. That’s why it’s safe to consume even after several years with proper storage. Refrigeration does preserve the freshness and flavor for longer storage. Keep unopened bottles in your pantry or cupboard. Either way, always keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use. Teriyaki Sauce Shelf Life: Can It Go Bad? Spoiler: you’re not correct. So, if you want to know more about this incredibly unique and incomparable sauce, read on! It won’t go bad if not refrigerated as long as water or other ingredients do not come into contact with the sauce. No. Plus, the soy sauce alternative she loves. Its saltiness and a dash of umami flavor are what people look for in this dark sauce. Soy sauce is made by fermenting soy mixed with water, roasted grain (typically wheat), and salt using koji molds – the same molds used in the making of sake, and miso paste. Soy sauce, even after opening, does not require refrigeration . Soy sauce is naturally loaded with sodium, and it’s not a good place for microorganisms. It’s all about the ingredients. But, you can surely use it longer beyond this period. When continuously refrigerated, soy sauce can stay fresh up to a year. A nutritionist explains how soy sauce is made, and what to know about the sodium levels. Soy sauce is a very flavorful ingredient made from fermented soybeans and wheat. Knowing some common signs of inferior quality and soy sauce going bad will help you in the kitchen. Hence, going bad is a rare occurrence, as long as water and other impurities are not introduced into the bottle. If you notice off-smell, altered taste, molds, or strange things inside the bottle (maybe you forgot leaving the bottle unsealed), these are apparent signs that soy sauce is spoiled and no longer suitable for use. Should I store it at room temperature? The reason it happens this slowly is because of the really high sodium content of the bottle just like Miso and Teriyaki sauce. This means that soy sauce does not last forever. Soy sauce is high in sodium and is sterilized before bottling. Light soy sauce is lighter in appearance and milder in taste. You already know that soy sauce is unlikely to spoil unless tampered with. Does soy sauce go bad? A few rules of thumb: If the condiment contains dairy, or if the packaging is made of paper, it's more likely to go bad. Traditional soy sauce contains gluten because wheat is one of the main ingredients in soy sauce. Soy sauce works perfectly as an antioxidant. Maybe you think that the high salt content means soy sauce can last forever. According to Kikkoman, a small amount of alcohol (less than 2%) is naturally present in soy sauce as a result of the fermentation process. In addition, most soy sauces will not spoil if not refrigerated, but the quality will decline faster. There is a wide variety of soy sauce across Asia. You will probably finish the bottle in a few months. How Long Does Soy Sauce Last? Soy sauce (also called simply soy in American English and soya sauce less frequently in British English) is a liquid condiment of Chinese origin, traditionally made from a fermented paste of soybeans, roasted grain, brine, and Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus sojae molds. Don’t let any contaminants of impurities get into the container. That being said, soy sauce stays safe to use years after the “best by” date. September 25, 2020 5 Mins Read “If I could have only one type of food with me, I would bring soy sauce. An unopened bottle of soy sauce can last as long as two or three years (basically forever), and you can safely leave an opened bottle out of the refrigerator for up to one year. However, soy sauce does lose its quality over time. With an old bottle of sauce, if nothing looks and smells strange, taste a small amount. It is good for proper digestion. The fact that it can be used as the main flavoring for a meal when you're cooking in a rush or just a splash added to something more complex makes it one of the most versatile sauces. For another gluten-free option, try tamari sauce, which is typically made with little or no wheat. On my huge bottle of Kikkoman soy sauce it says very clearly: “Refrigerate after opening.” And yet I don’t. Soy sauce is a durable product and can last for a few years. Does hoisin sauce go bad? That means that keeping it closed tightly pretty much prevents it from going bad. Soy sauce can only go bad if it’s horribly neglected. If the bottle of soy sauce is left unopened, it probably will not go bad. In fact, with the exception of baking soda, soy sauce may well be … No wonder that, when people find out that soy sauce may go bad, they want to do their best to extend its lifespan to the longest. The ingredients impact shelf life. This is the result of oxidation. The nori sheets, wasabi, and other ingredients were finished, except a bottle of soy sauce. Top 7 Fish Sauce Substitutes For Every Soup, Sauce,…, Top 7 Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes You Can Use…, Top 6 Healthy and Flavorful Oyster Sauce Substitutes…, 5 Best Flavorful Hoisin Sauce Substitutes For Your Recipes, Top 6 Delicious Soy Sauce Substitutes For Your Favorite Dish. But generally speaking, Soy Sauce does go bad. If you use soy sauce regularly, keeping it somewhere in the kitchen makes more sense. The answer to the above question depends on how it is stored. It’s worth spending an extra minute for a quick check on spoilage signs, particularly with old sauce. It even has an anti-allergic action! As you should know by now, soy sauce can go bad, but it’s very unlikely to happen. This article tells you everything you need to know about tamari. When opened and exposed to air, naturally brewed soy sauce will darken and become stronger in flavor and aroma over time. It originated in China and has been used in cooking for over 1,000 years. As others have mentioned, soy sauce doesn't go bad in the sense that it will hurt you if you ingest it. Soy sauce will easily last months and years longer. So does hot sauce go bad? Sweet soy sauce is sweeter and more common in Malaysian and Indonesian cooking. If you store it in the refrigerator, it will retain its taste for longer. It probably isn’t spoiled so eating it won’t do you any harm, but it might ruin your dish, and you don’t want to take any chances on that. Best to buy in smaller quantities to have that fresh-opened taste and fragrance more often. The great thing about the sell-by dates on soy sauce is that they can effectively be made redundant if the bottle is stored correctly. Soy sauce that has been continuously refrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 2 … The pantry seems to be the best place to store the unopened soy sauce. Can You Refrigerate and Freeze Cranberry Sauce? It simply loses its flavour over the course of time. Soy sauce, and other soy sauce-based condiments like teriyaki sauce, last quite a long time. However, if you’re like us and have a bottle lying around that you can’t remember buying, we may have some bad news for you. Many brands offer gluten-free soy sauce, that’s very similar in taste to the traditional one. If you plan to use the whole bottle within a couple of months, feel free to keep it in the pantry. But it’s your call to keep it or toss it. Does baking soda go bad? Same thing if you notice anything about the sauce that’s not right. Soy sauce is … Are you supposed to refrigerate or not? Once opened, soy sauce starts to lose its freshness. If you’d like to learn more about storage, shelf life, and signs of going bad of soy sauce, read on. Generally, soy sauce doesn’t require refrigeration (unopened and open). Soy sauce is a staple in Asian cuisines and is widely used across the globe. Firstly originated in China more than a thousand years ago, soy sauce has been a staple in most Asian countries and is also widely used everywhere else. Or, does soy sauce need to be refrigerated? This pantry staple includes things like blackstrap molasses, soy sauce, and vinegar – all of which store well at room temperature. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability. Shoyu and Tamari might go bad faster than others because they’re naturally brewed, but they’re also a healthier option, especially Tamari, which is gluten-free. You can either keep on using it (it’s still safe to use) or decide to get rid of it for quality reasons. If you store it in the fridge, it will retain its taste for longer, but that’s about it. ffolas/Shutterstock.com Unopened bottles. But, there are famous brands like Kikkoman and San-J that also produce gluten-free soy sauce. If stored properly, it would be safe to consume for many years, but it’s recommended to use within 2 to 3 years because its quality deteriorates over time. As with other foods, the rule of thumb is checking the visual signs, smell, and taste to pass your judgment. It does, however, eventually start to taste stale, which is why people who buy good soy sauce will keep it in the fridge, and get rid of a bottle that has been sitting around for too long. Fearing of upcoming tight schedules, one question popped up in your mind, while you’re on the way home: Does soy sauce go bad? Soy sauce will usually keep well for around six months when stored at room temperature; to keep it fresher longer, store the soy sauce in the refrigerator. Fortunately for you, your soy sauce is probably fine. After opening soy sauce, the storage method is somewhat confusing for some people, whether it needs refrigeration or not. No … In short, once soy sauce is opened, you can keep it in both places: outside or inside the refrigerator. Have you been wondering if that soy sauce on your shelf is bad or had gone bad? Once opened, always tightly seal the bottle and keep it either inside or outside the refrigerator. I go to Chinese restaurants and there is soy sauce sitting out on every table. If you notice that the smell or taste of this condiment starts to alter slightly, you have a choice to make. Your pantry or kitchen cupboard should be an excellent place. The mixture is fermented for 5 to 8 months, resulting in a thick paste that is then pressed into a liquid, sterilized, and bottled. Go Easy On The Soy Sauce, Bro, It Could Kill You : Shots - Health News While there's been quite a debate lately about whether salt in the modern American diet is … You will probably notice a difference in flavor after a longer time though. If there are signs of mold, discard the bottle immediately. So what’s the deal? That means that after that date the product should start to slowly lose its quality, and its flavor won’t be as good as if is was fresh. For soy-free substitutes, try coconut aminos and fish sauce. To enjoy the best quality, Kikkoman and San-J suggest using their products within  1 to 3 months after opening. The real shelf life of soy sauce may depend on the preparation methods, brand, and storage condition. Whereas other soy products such as milk and expired tofu can make you very sick if consumed out of date, soy sauce doesn’t go bad, therefore it can’t make you ill. Good, fresh soy sauce should be reddish-brown in color – depending on what type you are using – and have a distinctive aroma. There's a lot of sodium in soy sauce and that makes it difficult for bacteria to grow and cause it to go bad. Because of that, if you’re allergic to gluten, make sure to check the bottle before buying. It contains a lot of sodium, so it’s difficult for any microorganism to develop and grow in such kind of salty environment. The term “quickly” differs between brands and it typically falls between a month and up to six months. If you’ve found a bottle of soy sauce that’s a few years old, you’ve probably asked yourself the question “does soy sauce go bad?”. So make sure you pick the right product for your recipe. Although soy sauce does not necessarily go bad, it may inhibit some characteristics that show it is no longer safe to use. Your soy sauce … Does Soy Sauce Go Bad? Soy sauce, even after opening, does not require refrigeration. However, as with any other foods, soy sauce loses its quality and can go bad. If it’s not as sharp as you expected, consider using it for cooking instead of dipping sauce. The answer to the question of whether soy sauce goes bad is essentially dependent on the way in which it is stored. The reason being that if I have soy sauce, I can flavor a lot of things. Chili peppers and vinegar, the main ingredients of most hot sauces, are both well-known as preserving agents. No. Even though soy sauce won’t go bad for a long time, it has a “use-by” or “best-by” date on its label. In this article, we share some basics of soy sauce, including its shelf life, storage condition, and common signs of soy sauce going bad. Soy sauce contains a huge amount of sodium which does not allow any microbe to survive and multiply. Or, you just had sushi parties with friends. it just happens really slowly. No. However, it is best to consume your soy sauce with 2 -3 years to ensure you are consuming the best quality. If you have none of the alternatives above, you can just simply use salt. I did a little research and discovered that soy sauce is fine at room temperature. The older soy sauce is better for cooking than as a condiment. Knowing some common signs of inferior quality and soy sauce going bad will help you in the kitchen. Hence, going bad is a rare occurrence, as long as water and other impurities are not introduced into the bottle. When properly stored, its shelf life can go past beyond its best-before date. Tamari is made with little grain or no wheat. One ingredient that is constantly asked for many recipes is soy sauce. Does Soy Sauce Go Bad? If you see any of these signs, I suggest that you don’t keep using the soy sauce. If you store it in the fridge, it will retain its taste for longer, but that’s about it. Once you open the bottle, you should store it either in the pantry or the fridge. As already mentioned earlier, to retain its flavor for longer, you can store the soy sauce in the refrigerator. If you keep it at room temperature, try to finish it within 3 to 6 months. Jump to the FAQ section at the bottom of this article to find more fundamental knowledge of soy sauce. Soy sauce is heavily salted, which stops the fermentation of the soybeans, and also stops it from going bad, in the sense of going rotten. Soy sauce is a ubiquitous condiment, but tamari is an increasingly common alternative that's lower in salt and usually gluten-free. If you store the soy sauce with the cap on, few impurities may enter into the bottle. Soy sauce (also generally known by its Japanese name shoyu) is usually used as seasoning and condiment. No matter which soy sauce you have, unopened bottles can safely sit at a cool, dry spot, away from heat and sunlight. Soy sauce generally does not go bad and can be consumed for an indefinite time period. It is the starting point of the growth of mold. A more important suggestion is to read the label and reach out to the manufacturer whenever in doubt. Unopened soy sauce can last longer than the time printed on the label, with expected changes in flavor. Read on and find the answers to your questions! But it does deteriorate in quality as soon as you open the bottle. Here's what Kikkoman says on their website: Do I need to refrigerate my opened bottle of soy sauce? Well, the good news is that it does kind of keep for a long time. As mentioned on the Kikkoman’s website, soy sauce won’t spoil “as long as no water or other ingredients have been added”. The taste of the sauce, however, will slowly deteriorate over time. The flavor and taste may not be as fresh as a newly opened sauce. As an alternative to soy sauce, you can choose tamari sauce, which usually is gluten-free (check the label). So, the answer to does soy sauce go bad is not for a very very long time. Please note that the dates above are approximate and are for the best quality. Or have you ever wondered if those soy sauces you see on restaurant tables ever go bad? Dark soy sauce is more robust in taste and flavor. Storing soy sauce is pretty straightforward, and no preparation is required. However, soy sauce does lose its quality over time. Unfortunately, I can’t assure you that it will be good forever. Jul 16, 2020 - Soy sauce is such a staple piece in almost every family's kitchen. Check the “best-before” or “best-use-by” date for an estimated period when the product stays in the best quality. In summary, soy sauce can last for a pretty long time as long as it is stored properly. If your soy sauce smells off, throw it away. Does soy sauce go bad if not refrigerated? There are some people, who argue that this sauce cannot go bad in any way; mainly because of the extremely amount of salt, soya sauce may have longer shelf life than that of other soy-based products. Refrigeration increases shelf life of soy sauce. Keep your soy sauce in a cool dry place, like the pantry or the fridge, depending on how long it has been open. Even after opening the bottle of soy sauce, it does not need any sort of refrigeration. Yes, wheat is generally used in the making of soy sauce. But, if you notice an unpleasant smell, altered taste, impurities, or growth of molds, no safer option than tossing out any leftovers!Â, Up Next: The Best Substitutes For Soy Sauce. Hoisin sauce gets its flavor from soybeans, garlic, and vinegar along with chili peppers and other spices. The table above is a general estimate. If that’s the case, it’s better to trust your gut and get rid of the sauce. It has to be stored properly in an airtight container. Whether allergic to soy or gluten or you just don’t have the sauce at home, sometimes you have to find alternatives for soy sauce.For gluten-free alternatives, try tamari sauce, fish sauce, or coconut aminos. How long does opened soy sauce last in the refrigerator? Please remember that the bottle should always be sealed tightly. That date informs you how long the product should be at its best quality (according to the manufacturer’s data). It is rich in sodium and this makes it really hard for bacteria to find it’s way to it. The storage conditions are also quite similar to other sauces or condiments, such as Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, or teriyaki sauce. How To Tell If Soy Sauce Has Gone Bad. A fresh bottle of soy sauce should have a piquant flavor and reddish-brown color. Generally no. Sriracha Hot Sauce Shelf Life: Can It Go Bad? Does Soy Sauce Go Bad – Final Thoughts Whether you enjoy Chinese soy sauce, Japanese Shoyu, or Tamari, you can rest assured they won’t go bad even after a few years. So, when you’re in the store, without any doubt, two big bottles are already in your bag. You’ve been into Asian cooking lately. If you go with the former, make sure to taste your dishes before serving, as they might need a bit more soy sauce than they usually do. However, opened bottles of soy sauces can only last for at least 2 to 3 years. A quick look at the basic ingredients in Worcestershire sauce will tell you why. While your bottle of soy sauce is unopened, you should store it in a cool, dry area. You can keep your soy sauce in the pantry for about a year, after that it’s advised …