Are you a fan of pasta dishes with marinara sauce?
Do you often find yourself with leftover sauce and wonder how long it will last in the fridge?
The answer may surprise you.
The shelf life of marinara sauce can vary depending on whether it’s store-bought or homemade, and if it contains dairy or wine.
In this article, we’ll explore the different factors that affect the lifespan of marinara sauce in the fridge and provide tips on how to store it properly to ensure maximum freshness.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about how long marinara sauce lasts in the fridge!
How Long Does Marinara Sauce Last In The Fridge?
When it comes to marinara sauce, the shelf life can vary depending on a few different factors.
If you’ve purchased a store-bought jar of marinara sauce, it should be refrigerated once opened and used within 7-10 days for best quality. However, if the sauce has been sitting in your cupboard for more than 18 months, has any dents, rust, or is swollen, it’s best to toss it out.
Homemade marinara sauce, on the other hand, has a shorter lifespan in the fridge due to the lack of preservatives. Generally, homemade marinara sauce will last for 3-5 days in the fridge. If you have any leftover sauce that you won’t be using within that time frame, it’s best to freeze it in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
If your marinara sauce contains dairy or wine, it will have a shorter lifespan in the fridge compared to a tomato-based sauce. Dairy-based sauces like Alfredo should be consumed within 3 days of opening, while wine-based sauces should be consumed within 5 days.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and the lifespan of your marinara sauce may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and how it was stored.
Factors That Affect The Shelf Life Of Marinara Sauce
There are several factors that can affect the shelf life of marinara sauce, including the type of sauce, the ingredients used, and how it’s stored.
One of the most important factors is whether the marinara sauce is store-bought or homemade. Store-bought sauces often contain preservatives that can extend their shelf life, while homemade sauces lack these preservatives and may spoil more quickly.
The ingredients used in the marinara sauce can also affect its shelf life. Tomato-based sauces tend to last longer than dairy or wine-based sauces, which can spoil more quickly. Additionally, sauces with meat or seafood should be consumed within 3-4 days to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Proper storage is also crucial for extending the shelf life of marinara sauce. Once opened, the sauce should be refrigerated immediately and used within 7-10 days for best quality. If you have leftover sauce that won’t be consumed within this time frame, it’s best to freeze it in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
How Long Does Store-Bought Marinara Sauce Last In The Fridge?
Store-bought marinara sauce has a longer lifespan than homemade sauce due to the added preservatives. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 7-10 days for best quality. It’s important to check the “best by” date on the jar before purchasing to ensure that you have enough time to use it before it expires.
If your store-bought marinara sauce has been sitting in your cupboard for more than 18 months, has any dents, rust, or is swollen, it’s best to discard it. This is because the quality and safety of the sauce may have been compromised.
It’s worth noting that the lifespan of store-bought marinara sauce may vary depending on the specific brand and ingredients used. Some brands may have a shorter or longer shelf life than others. It’s always best to follow the storage instructions on the jar and use your best judgment when determining if the sauce is still safe to consume.
Does Adding Dairy Or Wine Affect The Shelf Life Of Marinara Sauce?
Yes, adding dairy or wine to marinara sauce can affect its shelf life in the fridge. Dairy-based sauces like Alfredo contain cream or cheese, which can spoil quickly and promote bacterial growth. As a result, these sauces should be consumed within 3 days of opening to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
Wine-based sauces are also more perishable than tomato-based sauces. The acidity of the wine can cause the sauce to spoil more quickly, and it may also promote the growth of bacteria. For this reason, it’s recommended to consume wine-based marinara sauce within 5 days of opening.
In general, it’s best to store all types of marinara sauce in airtight containers in the fridge to extend their shelf life. If you’re unsure about whether your sauce is still safe to eat, check for any signs of spoilage such as mold or an off odor. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw out any sauce that appears to be spoiled.
Signs That Marinara Sauce Has Gone Bad
It’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your marinara sauce has gone bad, as consuming spoiled food can lead to food poisoning. One of the most common signs of spoilage is a sour or off smell. If your marinara sauce smells rancid, vinegary, or has an unpleasant odor, it’s best to discard it.
Another sign of spoilage is visible mold growth on the surface of the sauce. If you see any mold or discoloration, it’s best to toss the sauce out. Similarly, if the sauce has developed a maroon color instead of its typical bright red color, it may have gone bad.
If nothing seems amiss but the fresh flavor is gone, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard the sauce. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to consuming potentially spoiled food.
Tips For Properly Storing Marinara Sauce In The Fridge
Properly storing your marinara sauce in the fridge can help extend its lifespan and maintain its quality. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Refrigerate promptly: Once you’ve opened your jar of store-bought marinara sauce or made your homemade sauce, it’s important to refrigerate it promptly. This will help slow down the growth of bacteria and keep your sauce fresh for longer.
2. Use airtight containers: To prevent air and moisture from getting into your marinara sauce, store it in an airtight container or jar. This will also help prevent any odors from other foods in your fridge from seeping into your sauce.
3. Label and date: To keep track of how long your marinara sauce has been in the fridge, label the container with the date you made or opened it. This will help you know when it’s time to use it up or toss it out.
4. Keep at the right temperature: Marinara sauce should be stored in the fridge at a temperature of 40°F or below. Make sure your fridge is set to the right temperature and avoid storing your sauce in the door where temperatures can fluctuate.
5. Reheat properly: If you plan on reheating your marinara sauce, make sure to heat it to 145°F to kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your marinara sauce stays fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible.
