Does Applesauce Go Bad? How Long Does It Last?

by Editorial Staff | Updated on July 28th, 2022

You have some applesauce left over but have no plans to utilize it. That begs the question, how long does applesauce last in the fridge?

Or maybe one of your applesauce jars is a few months over its expiration date, and you’re wondering, “Does applesauce go bad?”

An unopened jar of applesauce will survive for years, but the clock begins to tick once opened. And the amount of time you can keep applesauce open varies significantly depending on your chosen brand.

Do you want to know how long applesauce lasts, how to store it, and when it goes bad? Then, this is the article for you.

How Long Does Applesauce Last

How Long Will Applesauce Last Outside?

Homemade and sealed applesauce will keep in the pantry for 1-2 months. It can even last up to a year if properly packed. However, when you open it, check to see whether it is not very accurate. Read on to find out how to tell if your applesauce is bad.

Unopened store-bought applesauce can be kept in the pantry. It is valid until the expiration date. After that, it may last even longer, although the flavor and quality may deteriorate with time. First, check that the pantry is cold and dry.

Applesauce that has been opened should not be stored in the pantry or cabinet. On the other hand, Open Applesauce should be kept in the refrigerator.

How Long Will Applesauce Last in the Fridge?

Open Homemade Applesauce will keep in the fridge for 7-10 days. Storing unopened Homemade Applesauce in the refrigerator may extend its shelf life.

Opened store-bought applesauce will keep in the fridge for 10-14 days. Consume the applesauce as soon as possible for the finest quality.

Applesauce may not keep as long if left out on the counter for longer than an hour. Therefore, it is advisable to consume this or toss it away.

How Long Can Applesauce Be Stored in the Freezer?

Applesauce that has not been opened does not need to be frozen. If the container is frozen, it may break open, destroying the Applesauce. An unopened jar of applesauce should not be frozen.

Open applesauce, whether store-bought or homemade, will keep in the freezer for 1-2 months. This 1-2 month period is reserved for the greatest quality. The Applesauce will last longer in the freezer, but it may lose quality and flavor or get freezer burnt as it thaws.

Once thawed, frozen applesauce will keep for about 5-7 days. After that, thawing should take place in the refrigerator. When thawed in the microwave, Applesauce should be consumed immediately.

Keep this information in mind when selecting what to do with your Applesauce. Whether you’re storing it opened or unopened, keep reading to find out how to identify when it’s rotten and should be thrown out and when it’s still edible and may be eaten.

Making use of “expired” applesauce

Store-bought applesauce almost always has a best-by or best-before date. This date is an indication of how long the product should be fresh. It has no expiration date and no bearing on food safety.

So, how long beyond the “expiration date” is applesauce still edible?

There is no way to tell for certain. The most I can say is that it should endure at least 2 to 4 months beyond that date.

Of course, the sauce’s quality deteriorates over time. That implies a jar three months over its expiration date will not be as excellent as a new one. However, the change should be negligible.

Remaining applesauce

Open applesauce must be refrigerated and stay in the fridge for 7 to 10 days. However, as previously stated, various manufacturers provide varied storage times.

On the other hand, Leahy recommends storing their applesauce for no more than 5 days after opening.

If you don’t want to bother with the manufacturer’s guidelines and it’s not mentioned on the label, follow the general guidance above. Otherwise, it’s best to follow the seller’s advice.

How Can You Tell If Your Applesauce Is Bad?

Check to see whether everything is still intact if your jar is still unopened. That indicates there are no leaks and the lid is closed (if it has a button, it is not popped).

If the jar is damaged, presume that the applesauce is spoiled, regardless of whether it displays any evidence of rot.

It’s now time to weigh in on the applesauce.

If mold or other organic growth is on the surface, or if it acquires an odd or “strange” odor, discard the applesauce. Either of these is a dead giveaway of spoilage.

It’s completely acceptable to have a tiny coating of dark, discolored applesauce on top. That’s called browning, and it’s nothing to worry about. You may swirl it in or scoop it out if it upsets you.

Aside from that, keep in mind the storage time limits.

Toss your applesauce if it has been opened for far longer than the suggested time. The initial indicators of deterioration, like with most food products, are impossible to detect. It’s also a good idea to err on the side of caution when it comes to things that need to be refrigerated.

If everything seems to be going well with the applesauce up to this point, try a little. Feel free to use it if it tastes well. Otherwise, it is past its prime and should be discarded.

How to Keep Store-Bought Applesauce Fresh

Applesauce is typically sold in glass jars, single-serve cups, and pouches.

Before it was packaged, the product was pasteurized. As a result, it is safe to store on a shelf without refrigeration.

Unopened packs of applesauce should be stored in a cold, dry, and dark location away from heat and sunlight. Like other packaged foods, your kitchen cupboard or cabinet is a good storage spot. However, it is not required to store it in the refrigerator before opening.

When not in use, always carefully cover the lid and place it in the fridge until the next time you open it.

How to Keep Homemade Applesauce Fresh

Applesauce is frequently accessible at supermarkets. You may, however, build a handmade version of it.

Making homemade applesauce is another option to preserve apples throughout the season when they are plentiful.

If you prepare your applesauce, there are at least three methods to preserve it and increase its shelf life. To begin, if you want to use it in a dish soon, you may safely store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Before placing the sauce in the fridge, allow it to cool.

Second, preserving homemade applesauce is a terrific way to keep the sauce fresh. It is becoming more popular since the process is not as difficult as it appears.

Before adding the sauce, make sure the jars have been fully sterilized. Sterilization is repeated when the jar contains sauce to destroy any leftover bacteria. Please keep the jars in your kitchen pantry or cabinet when completely cooled. Ensure the location is cool, dry, and out of direct sunshine and heat.

Third, freeze the applesauce in a freezer-safe container, resealable freezer bag, or ice cube trays.

Is It Possible to Freeze Applesauce?

Applesauce may be frozen without any additional preparation. The sole disadvantage of freezing stewed apples is that their texture changes after freezing and thawing, resulting in a watery sauce.

Giving it a good stir will help but don’t expect miracles. The somewhat changed consistency will be around for a while.

If desired, drain the surplus water through a fine-mesh strainer. That should be helpful.

That change in texture may be an issue for some of you. Others, however, (like yours truly), do not.

Nonetheless, that change is little in many recipes, particularly those for baked items. So your apple pie (or whatever you’re making) should be alright if you filter the excess water.

Begin by freezing a tiny quantity and testing thawed applesauce in your recipe. This way, it won’t be a tragedy if things go wrong.

It is up to you to figure out how to freeze applesauce.

If you plan on using all the leftovers in a single dish, pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer. Remember to leave some headroom because the applesauce will expand somewhat.

If you want it portioned, freeze it in an ice cube tray (or a muffin tin) for tiny pieces or in freezer bags for bigger ones.

How Long Does It Take to Freeze Applesauce?

The storage method and quantity determine the time it takes for applesauce to freeze. Here are some ballpark figures:

• For an ice cube tray, allow 3 to 4 hours.
• 2 to 4 hours for a flattened freezer bag (depending on the height)
• 4 to 8 hours for non-flat containers and sacks, depending on the volume

Please keep in mind that these are simply estimations. It may take longer to freeze depending on how your freezer is set up and how much applesauce you store.

Assume you’re freezing three applesauce packages, one on top of the other. The center one will undoubtedly take longer to freeze than the top and bottom. So the freezing process will take at least 6 to 8 hours, if not more.

How Do You Thaw Frozen Applesauce?

So, I’ve got some frozen Applesauce; how can I defrost it?

• Place frozen applesauce in the refrigerator overnight or for 6-10 hours. The size of your Applesauce will determine the length of time required.
• In the sink, run warm water over a single serving container of frozen applesauce until it has thawed enough to be removed from its container. Then, in the microwave, defrost it the rest of the way.
• In the Microwave: To defrost frozen applesauce in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe container. Thaw for 30 seconds at a low temperature. Repeat as necessary until the Applesauce has completely thawed. Applesauce that has been cooked in the microwave must be consumed right away.

How should I reheat applesauce?

Reheating Applesauce Suggestions

• To make your applesauce more flavorful, add a pinch of cinnamon or any other spice of your choice.

What you will need to reheat applesauce

• a microwave oven or a skillet

Reheating Applesauce

• Reheat your applesauce in the microwave the same way you would defrost it; only increase the duration to 20-30 seconds and cover your applesauce while warming.

If you don’t have a microwave, you may defrost the sauce in a pan and reheat it on the stovetop.

Editorial Staff

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