How long can you leave out tomato sauce before it goes bad?

The amount of time you can leave out tomato sauce before it goes bad depends on various factors such as temperature, storage conditions, and the presence of preservatives.

Unopened Tomato Sauce at Room Temperature:

- Canned or Jarred: Unopened canned or jarred tomato sauce can last for up to 1-2 years in a cool, dry pantry. Ensure the cans are not bulging or leaking, as this may indicate spoilage.

Opened Tomato Sauce at Room Temperature:

- Refrigerator Requirement: Opened tomato sauce should not be left at room temperature for an extended period. Any leftover sauce should be refrigerated promptly after opening.

Refrigerated Tomato Sauce:

- Homemade Sauce: Fresh, homemade tomato sauce without preservatives should be consumed within 3-4 days when refrigerated.

- Commercial Sauce: Commercially-produced tomato sauce with preservatives can typically last for up to 5-7 days in the fridge after opening. Check the "Best Before" or "Use By" dates on the packaging.

Tips to Extend Shelf Life:

- Transfer leftover sauce into an airtight container or the original container with a tightly sealed lid to minimize exposure to air.

- Avoid refrigerating tomato sauce in the can it came in, as the metal may react with the sauce over time.

- If in doubt about the sauce's freshness, discard it to avoid any potential health risks.