Campbell’s produces a variety of sauces that are staples in many homes. However, it’s important to know how long these sauces can be stored before they spoil. Here is a look at how long different Campbell’s sauces last once opened or unopened.
How long does unopened Campbell’s sauce last?
Unopened Campbell’s sauces generally have a best by date stamped on the packaging. As long as the sauce is stored properly and the can or container is not damaged, unopened Campbell’s sauces can safely be consumed for the following time periods past the best by date:
- Canned sauces like SpaghettiOs sauce: 12-18 months
- Jarred pasta sauces: 12 months
- Squeeze bottles like pasta sauce: 6-12 months
The acidity and preservatives in Campbell’s sauces allow them to stay fresh and safe to eat for a significant time past the best by date as long as the package seal is intact. However, the sauces may gradually lose quality and flavor the longer they are stored past the date on the label.
How to tell if unopened Campbell’s sauce is bad?
Although safe to eat for a long shelf life after the best by date, there are some signs that indicate an unopened Campbell’s sauce has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Bulging or leaking packaging
- Corrosion around the rim or seams of cans
- Mold growth inside jars
- Off odors, colors, or textures once opened
If the packaging containing the sauce shows no signs of damage, the sauce inside should be safe to consume or freeze for later use for many months past its date.
How long does opened Campbell’s sauce last in the fridge?
Once opened, Campbell’s sauces stored in the fridge generally stay good for the following time periods:
| Campbell’s Sauce | Fridge Life Once Opened |
|---|---|
| Canned pasta sauce | 4-5 days |
| Jarred pasta sauce | 5-7 days |
| Squeeze bottle pasta sauce | 7-10 days |
| Canned gravy | 3-5 days |
| Soup sauce | 3-4 days |
The fridge life of opened Campbell’s sauces may be shorter than many expect. This is because the canning process destroys some natural preservatives that could help the sauce keep longer after opening.
To maximize fridge life, transfer leftover sauce to an airtight container and ensure the sauce is constantly refrigerated at 40°F or below.
How to tell if opened Campbell’s sauce went bad?
Signs that opened Campbell’s sauce has spoiled and needs to be thrown out include:
- Mold growth
- Curdling or separation
- Sour odor
- Bubbles or foaming
- Change in color
A small amount of oil separation is normal in some pasta sauces. This can be stirred back in. But if the sauce develops any unpleasant odors, textures, or appearance, it should be discarded.
Does Campbell’s sauce expire?
Yes, Campbell’s sauces do eventually expire and can no longer be safely consumed. The key shelf life points are:
- Unopened – 12+ months past best by date if stored properly
- Opened, refrigerated – 3-10 days depending on type of sauce
- Frozen – 2-3 months for best quality
The acidic ingredients help preserve Campbell’s sauces to last a long time before spoiling. Following safe storage methods and watching for signs of spoilage allows you to extend the shelf life as long as possible.
How to tell if Campbell’s sauce is still good after expiry date?
Checking for the following can help determine if Campbell’s sauce is still good and safe to eat after its expiration date:
- Packaging is intact with no rust, bulges, or leaks
- Sauce has no off odors, mold, curdling, or other textures
- Color and consistency of sauce looks normal
- When opened, sauce tastes as expected without any sour, bitter, or odd flavors
If the unopened Campbell’s sauce passes these checks, it should be fine to eat for many months past the best by date provided it has been stored in a cool, dry pantry.
Does Campbell’s sauce need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, all Campbell’s sauces should be refrigerated after opening. The only exception is unopened canned sauces which can be stored in the pantry. Refrigeration is important for opened sauce because:
- It slows additional microbial growth that can cause spoilage
- It prevents ingredients like dairy and tomatoes from separating
- It extends the shelf life from days to a week or more
- It preserves the flavor and quality better
An opened can of Campbell’s sauce should be transferred to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag before refrigerating. Jars and squeeze bottles can be stored as is. Proper refrigeration gives opened sauce the longest shelf life.
How long does Campbell’s sauce last in the freezer?
Campbell’s sauces freeze well for long-term storage. Their shelf life in the freezer is:
- Canned sauces: 2-3 months
- Jarred sauces: 3-4 months
- Squeeze bottle sauces: 3-4 months
For best quality, Campbell’s sauces should be used within the times above. Portioning sauce into smaller containers allows you to thaw only what you need.
Properly stored in the freezer, Campbell’s sauces remain safe indefinitely. However, the quality slowly diminishes over time resulting in more watery consistency or duller flavors.
How to freeze Campbell’s sauces?
Follow these steps to successfully freeze Campbell’s sauces:
- Transfer sauce to freezer-safe containers leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace
- Seal containers tightly
- Label containers with name and date
- Freeze for up to 2-4 months
- Thaw refrigerated overnight when ready to use
Glass jars are not recommended for freezing as they may crack. Sturdy plastic containers, freezer bags, or ice cube trays for portioning are best for freezing sauce.
Can you freeze Campbell’s sauce after opening?
Yes, opened Campbell’s sauce can be frozen to extend its shelf life. The shelf life is similar to unopened sauce at 2-4 months before quality diminishes. To freeze opened sauce:
- Transfer to airtight container with 1⁄2 inch headspace
- Seal, label, and freeze
- Use within 2-4 months for best flavor
Freezing opened Campbell’s sauce allows you to preserve leftovers that won’t be used up rather than having to throw unused portions away after 4-7 days in the fridge.
Conclusion
With proper storage methods like refrigeration and freezing, Campbell’s sauces can safely be preserved and eaten long past their labelled best by dates. Keeping sauces cold after opening, monitoring for signs of spoilage, and utilizing freezer storage allows you to enjoy Campbell’s sauces for the maximum amount of time.
