It seems there’s hardly a dish out there that wouldn’t benefit from a splash of Frank’s Red Hot.
It found its fame on buffalo wings, but it doesn’t shy away from playing a fiery role in mac and cheese either.
But, have you ever paused to ponder – does Frank’s Red Hot ever go off?
In today’s conversation, we’re shedding light on the longevity of your favorite heat-bringing condiment, Frank’s Red Hot.
Not only will we delve into its shelf life, but we also have some savvy tips in store for you on how to keep your hot sauce in peak condition for as long as possible.
What Is The Shelf Life Of Frank’s Red Hot?
If you’ve been wondering about the lifespan of that fiery sauce in your fridge, here’s some insight just for you.
According to the creators behind the heat, the official website of Frank’s Red Hot to be exact, this tangy delight has a shelf life of two years from the date it was manufactured.
This date can be easily found stamped on each bottle so you’ll always know when it’s at its freshest.
But don’t panic if you’ve sailed past that stamped date. This is simply a recommended guideline provided by the manufacturers for optimal flavor and quality – not an expiry date implying risk or danger.
Where Is The Expiration Date On Frank’s Red Hot?
Each bottle of Franks Red Hot has an expiration date printed in unmissable black ink.
If you’re wondering about the ‘where’, just take a careful look at the shoulder or the bottom of your hot sauce bottle.
It’s here that you’ll spot the coded date, stamped clearly for your convenience.
The marking adheres to a format that indicates Month (MM), Day (DD), and Year (YY).
Can I Use Expired Frank’s Hot Sauce?
Frank’s RedHot, is actually quite forgiving in terms of its shelf life.
According to the official website of Frank’s RedHot, even after reaching its printed best-by date, this zesty condiment can still maintain good flavor quality for several weeks when properly refrigerated.
This applies to both opened and unopened bottles; however, unopened ones tend to have an edge since they haven’t come into contact with air yet.
But why does refrigeration matter?
Well, cooler temperatures slow down the degradation process and help retain the original flavor characteristics of hot sauces.
It minimizes exposure to air (which accelerates spoilage) and restricts bacterial growth.
Does Frank’s Red Hot Need To Be Refrigerated After Opening?
The simple answer is that your bottle of regular Frank’s Red Hot can sit comfortably on your pantry shelf even after being opened, thanks to its vinegar content and preservative ingredients that keep bacteria and mold at bay.
However, if you’re using the variety with a sweet twist – Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili – it’s advisable to refrigerate after opening due to its sugar content which can lead to spoilage.
While keeping your Frank’s Red Hot in the refrigerator isn’t a necessity, it certainly doesn’t hurt.
Refrigeration can actually contribute towards maintaining its bold flavor for an extended period of time.
When storing this fiery favorite, remember to keep it in a cool, dry corner away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Before each use, give it a good look (and sniff!) for common signs of spoilage like unexpected color changes, an off odor or taste and molds.
If you notice anything out of place, ditch the sauce for safety reasons – remember: better safe than sorry!
How Long Does Frank’s Red Hot Last In The Fridge?
Well, despite what some may believe, refrigeration isn’t actually essential for your typical Frank’s Red Hot sauce.
The exception here are the Sweet Chili and Slammin’ Sriracha varieties; sweetened with sugar, they necessitate cold storage to prevent them from going bad.
But, it’s good to note that popping your prized chili blend into the fridge will definitely aid in preserving its undeniably bold flavor longer.
An opened bottle of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, when refrigerated, remains fiery and potent for several months.
For unopened bottles, they can keep for a commendable 3 years, even sailing past its expiration date.
Do bear in mind though — aging might slightly alter its vibrant color or rich taste over time.
How Do You Know If Hot Sauce Has Gone Bad?
Mold is an instant red flag
If there’s a fuzzy alien life-form sprouting from your condiment, it’s time for it to hit the trash. Mold can produce harmful toxins that are unfriendly to your health.
Change In Color
A hot sauce straying from its original color can be a tell-tale sign of spoilage. We’re not talking about a mild browning due to oxidation, which can be normal; think more along the lines of green or black invasions, indicating contamination.
Smell
A sour or rancid smell coming from your hot sauce means just one thing—it’s time to let go. Hot sauces’ fragrances should pack a punch, yes, but if the punch smells moldy and sour rather than spiced and tangy, you’re better off without it in your next burrito.
Texture
Texture changes in your hot sauce also raise eyebrows towards spoiling. Monitor if the consistency shifts dramatically—does it seem thicker or thinner than what you are used to? Is there separation into solid and liquid components? Perhaps it has turned watery or formed lumps? These are all SOS signals that something’s gone awry in your bottle.
Taste
Finally, when all else fails, trust your taste buds!
A bitterness or overly sour flavor points towards a spoiled hot sauce. The perfect balance of heat and acidity is what gives hot sauce its charm—if this swings out of balance into sour town or bitter-ville; chances are you’ll need a new bottle on standby.
