Keeping It Fresh: How Long Does Applesauce Really Last?

how long does applesauce last after opened

How long does applesauce last after opened? You’re not alone; many of us buy this staple food with the best intentions, only to forget about it until it spoils. Once opened, applesauce should be refrigerated and ideally consumed within 10 days to maintain its freshness and flavour. Find out how to keep it fresh for longer below.

Hi, I’m Hazel

I gave up on skincare after years of issues with acne and sensitive skin.

But after going plant-based, my skin cleared up and even started to glow. Now I help women reveal their natural beauty with simple, delicious plant-based food.

I also used to be a nurse, and love nerding out on nutritional science (high-quality science, that is).

As usual, this post is based on the strongest nutritional evidence I could find with a focus on the simplest, most delicious foods

…because who has time to waste on actions that don’t work?

The quick version:

Once opened, applesauce should be refrigerated and ideally consumed within 10 days to maintain its freshness and flavour. Keeping it in an airtight container helps extend this period slightly by preventing contamination.

Understanding the Shelf Life of Applesauce

Understanding the shelf life of applesauce is key to making the most of this nutritious staple. 

Generally, an unopened jar of applesauce will stay fresh in your pantry for up to a year, thanks to the preservatives used during its manufacturing.

Once opened, it should be consumed within 10 days if kept in the fridge. 

The dates on the jar—expiration date, best-by date, and use-by dates—are your best guides to ensuring you’re enjoying your applesauce while it’s at its peak quality. 

Keep in mind that homemade versions may not last as long since they lack commercial preservatives, making the knowledge of how long does applesauce last after opened crucial for your diet and skin health.

Preserving Your Applesauce

The precise answer to how long applesauce lasts depends on a large extent to how you store it. Generally it’s safe to consume within 10 days of opening if refrigerated.

Proper storage is the key to keeping your remaining applesauce fresh and delicious for as long as possible:

Keep it Cool

Store your applesauce in a cool place to maintain freshness. Also place it in a dark area to avoid direct sunlight and heat sources and prevent spoilage.

Seal the Freshness

Use airtight containers to store opened applesauce to keep out moisture and contaminants. The original applesauce containers (usually a sealed jar) are sufficient to maintain the best quality and flavour.

Freeze for Longevity

Considering long-term storage? 

Place your applesauce in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. Although the best way is to freeze it in an ice cube tray first, then move the cubes into a freezer bag so you can easily grab the small amounts required for baking.

Keep It Clean

Prevent bacterial growth and further chance of mould in your bottle of applesauce by using clean spoons when you take some out

What Not to Do

Storing apple sauce correctly is crucial for maintaining its freshness and extending its storage time. Here are some common missteps to avoid:

Avoid Room Temperature

Keeping open applesauce at room temperature is a recipe for rapid spoilage. Once opened, applesauce should be refrigerated promptly to ensure a long shelf life.

Don’t Forget the Seal

Failing to store applesauce in an airtight container can lead to contamination and quicker spoilage. Always seal it tightly to keep out air and moisture.

Choose the Right Spot

Storing applesauce in a warm or brightly lit area is not a good idea. Always opt for a cool, dark place even if unopened. This helps preserve its freshness and prevent degradation.

Short vs. Long Storage

While unopened applesauce can be stored in a dry place for extended periods, once opened, its shelf life becomes much shorter. Make sure to consume it within 10 days of opening to enjoy its best quality and taste.

By avoiding these common storage mistakes, you can ensure that your applesauce remains a delicious and healthy addition to your meals.

Identifying Spoiled Applesauce

Knowing when your applesauce has gone bad is crucial for avoiding health risks.

Sniff and See: Be alert for any off-putting smell or changes in colour. Bad odours are a sure sign your applesauce might be spoiled.

Visual Red Flags: Mould or fermentation (bubbles in the jar) are clear indicators it’s time to discard the applesauce. Consuming bad applesauce can harm your health.

Safety First: When in doubt, choose food safety and discard questionable applesauce. Always stay on the side of cautionto ensure your health is not compromised.

Making the Most of Every Spoonful

Before your applesauce reaches its expiry date, let’s explore some inventive ways to incorporate it into your daily meals.

Baking Substitute: Applesauce is a fantastic substitute for oil or butter in baking recipes. Use it in muffins, cakes, or bread for a healthier option.

Sauce and Marinade: Enhance your dishes by adding applesauce to sauces or marinades. It adds a sweet, tangy flavour that complements both sweet and savoury dishes.

Breakfast Boost: Stir applesauce into oatmeal or yogurt for an extra burst of flavour. It’s also great as a topping for pancakes or waffles.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our discussion on how long does applesauce last after opened, remember that the key to enjoying this nutritious staple is proper storage and timely usage. By keeping your applesauce in airtight containers and a cool place, you can extend its freshness and enjoy its many benefits for both health and taste. Whether you’re using it in your morning oatmeal or as a substitute in your favourite baking recipe, applesauce is a versatile and healthy addition to your diet. Don’t forget, if you ever have any doubt about whether your applesauce is still good to use, always err on the side of caution for the sake of food safety.

References

Most references below will link to the original peer-reviewed study itself. However, sometimes I will link to a video over at NutritionFacts.org instead, which is by far the single best resource of brutally transparent nutritional evidence you will ever see. Dr Greger tells a great story about the realities of the science and if I think you will benefit more from one of his videos, the link will take you there instead.

Happy nerding!