Don't risk using leftover pasta sauce when it's past its prime.
Kelly is a former associate digital food editor for MarthaStewart.com. Transparent Film Stretch Film
It's important to know how long pasta sauce lasts in the refrigerator when you're reaching for an already-open jar. You might be using it for a quick weeknight pasta dinner or adding some to enhance the flavor of a stew, because there are so many ways to use tomato-based sauces. Ahead, food safety experts weigh in on how to know if pasta sauce is no longer tasty or safe to eat—and offer storage tips for both refrigerating and freezing your leftovers.
Most jarred tomato-based sauces have a shelf life of about one year. However, once they're opened, they should be used quickly. "After opening a high-acid canned food, like a tomato sauce, it can be stored safely in the refrigerator for five to seven days before being used," says Shelley Feist, executive director of the Partnership for Food Safety Education. Check the sauce before using, even in this timeframe, to make sure it has not spoiled.
Other jarred sauces, like Alfredo and cream sauces, should be used in three to four days after opening.
Homemade tomato sauce isn't made with shelf-stable preservatives so it has a shorter life in the refrigerator and generally will last for three to five days.
There are several telltale signs that tomato sauce has spoiled: It will look moldy, smell bad, or taste off. However, pasta sauce that's old—but not noticeably rotten—can still cause food poisoning, and aside from mold, there are no other visible signs that tomato sauce is past its peak. "You can't see, smell, or taste the bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness," says Feist. She recommends always reheating sauce to 145 degrees Fahrenheit before using it to kill any bacteria that is a result of mild spoilage. Also, if you notice any unusual smell, particularly a sour or rotten smell, this is a sign your pasta sauce has spoiled and should be tossed out. If the sauce has been opened for less than five days, taste it before using; if it tastes off or sour in any way, it should be thrown out.
According to FoodSafety.Gov, unopened jars of pasta sauce should be stored at room temperature in a cupboard or pantry. They can be kept for up to 18 months from the date of purchase. As outlined above, once opened, they should be used quickly to avoid spoilage.
Nicole Birmingham, senior vice president of research and development at Rao's Homemade, points out that specific brands may last more or less time than others—but it's important to keep all open sauces at a safe temperature (below 40 degrees ). "How long a jar of pasta sauce will last in the refrigerator may depend on the ingredients used in the sauce, but you should refrigerate any sauce that won't be cooked right away to maintain quality after opening," she says.
If you are using tomato sauce from a can rather than a jar or bottle, remove it from its original packaging (don't just cover the can and put it back in the fridge). "While it is safe to store the food in the can, it will retain better flavor if transferred to a glass or plastic storage container," says Fiest.
Homemade alfredo sauce lasts the same amount of time once opened but does not freeze and reheat well due to the dairy content. "Although it's not harmful to consume, the cream tends to shatter when you reheat alfredo sauce, which ruins the texture," says Christopher Arturo, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education. Store-bought alfredo sauce contains cornstarch, which helps the cheese bind properly and prevents separation when reheated.
Once opened, jarred pasta can be frozen for longer storage. "You can freeze any unused sauce in an airtight container. Use it within six months for the best quality experience," says Birmingham.
Ziplock Reusable Food Pouch Homemade pasta sauce can also be frozen as long as it doesn't contain cream or cheese. We suggest you freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags sized for how much pasta sauce you generally need for one meal, rather than storing a large amount of sauce, which will take more space in the freezer, take longer to defrost, and may be more sauce than you need for a meal.