How Long Does Applesauce Last After It's Been Opened?

Applesauce is a delicious and necessary staple of any home pantry. Not only does it absolutely slap when eaten on its own, but it's a great, easy side dish — as well as one of the best egg substitutes you didn't know was right before your eyes! You may have wondered, however, how long you can expect your apple-y goodness to last once you've opened it. All food has an expiration date, and applesauce is no exception.

The short answer is that applesauce lasts between seven and 10 days in the fridge after it's been opened, but there's more to it than that. Making opened applesauce go the distance depends, in part, on how it was stored when it was still sealed. Furthermore, just like there are good ways and bad ways to store produce in your refrigerator drawers, so are there right and wrong ways to stow your applesauce. It's actually a fairly nuanced topic.

To ensure that you can get at least a week out of your applesauce when you open it, it's important that you store it in a cool, dry place until you are ready to eat. A pantry or cabinet that's protected from humidity is a safe bet. Applesauce can last up to two years when it is sealed and stored properly, and properly-stored applesauce will also last longer once it has been opened and the countdown starts towards its expiration.

Applesauce should always be kept in the fridge once it has been opened, otherwise it will spoil. Where you keep your jar of applesauce inside the refrigerator matters, too, as it needs to stay as cold as possible. If your fridge temperature is set correctly, the coldest spot will be towards the back, and that's where you should keep your applesauce. Avoid placing it in one of the door shelves, as these are exposed to the greatest changes in temp as you open and close the appliance.

Will you know if applesauce has gone bad, despite your best efforts? Certainly, if you use your senses. Any discoloration of the applesauce is a bad sign, along with foul odors or a sour taste. As is the case with all foods, when in doubt, toss it out. Eating bad applesauce can lead to a nasty bout of food poisoning, turning your sweet treat into a total nightmare.