Where should bottled sauces be stored?
Last updated: 10 October 2024

Where should bottled sauces be stored?

One of the oldest household debates is whether to store bottled sauces in your cupboard or fridge. Sauce is an important condiment in many meals, so it’s crucial that you are aware for your own health.

Arguments on both sides are strong, leading to many passionate debates between family members and friends over the years.

To put an end to the debacle, Joshua Houston, Food Storage Expert at Household Quotes has warned against storing sauce bottles in your cupboard.

Do not store unsealed bottled sauce in your cupboard

Unopened sauce bottles can be stored in cupboards at room temperature; however, once they’ve been opened, they can’t. They should be stored inside your refrigerator, and if you read the packaging of a sauce bottle closely, you’ll notice it is recommended. But due to the small writing, many people miss this, and assume it’s ok to store in your cupboard when it actually could be dangerous.

Can bottled sauce go bad

Bottled sauces go bad quicker when stored in cupboards than in a fridge. Room temperature can lead to mould growing inside the bottle, which is extremely hazardous to those who consume it. The sauce should be used within a month of it being opened, even if it’s stored in a fridge. 

To see if your sauce has gone off, you can take off the bottle lid and check the inside for any unusualities. Alternatively, if the taste is more sour than usual, then this is usually an indication that the sauce is past its best. 

Why should bottled sauce be refrigerated

Bottled sauce should be refrigerated as it keeps it fresh for longer, it also aids in the prevention of mould buildup. Many people also prefer the taste of chilled sauce to that of room temperature, it helps preserve its ‘kick’. Not refrigerating could lead to you and other members of your household becoming ill.

Joshua Houston, Food Storage Expert at Household Quotes:

‘’Bottled sauce is hugely important when it comes to some meals, ketchup with chips is a common sight across the country. No sauce can leave some dishes tasting dry.

But ensure that you are storing your sauces properly, the last thing you want is to get ill from consuming something that has gone off. Refrigerating also allows you to get more for your money, as it gives you more time to finish the sauce before binning.’’