Applesauce is a delicious snack to grab when you just need something quick between meals. But what if you opened some up a while ago and aren’t sure whether it’s still good to eat? Here we answer the question “how long does applesauce last?”
Whether you buy applesauce at the grocery store or make your own, all applesauce has a shelf life. But how you store it, whether it’s open or unopened, and other factors all contribute to how long it will keep.
So let’s peel back the layers and get to the core of this issue. Yes, that was two apple puns in one sentence. You’re welcome.
Jump to:
How long does applesauce last in the fridge?
One of the most common ways to store applesauce is in the fridge. Unopened applesauce from the store can keep in the fridge for about a year.
Most store-bought applesauce also comes with a best-by date or expiration date which describes how long it will retain its best flavor.
Anything past that date may still be edible, but if it shows signs of having gone bad, discard it.
How long does applesauce last after opened? Once opened, store-bought applesauce will keep for 1-2 weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. Homemade applesauce will stay good for about half that time, about 7-10 days. That’s because it doesn’t contain as many preservatives as commercially made ones.
Does applesauce need to be refrigerated?
Unopened store-bought applesauce doesn’t need to be kept in the refrigerator. In fact, it’s kept on store shelves at room temperature. So you can do the same in your pantry or other cool, dry place. It should keep for a fairly long time that way, up to a year.
Homemade applesauce can also be kept in the pantry if canned. It should keep for up to one year as well.
Can you freeze applesauce?
Yes! Freezing applesauce is another great way to store it for longer periods of time. Simply transfer it to freezer bags, mason jars, or another sealed container. It should keep for up to one year. To thaw it out, simply place the frozen applesauce in the fridge overnight.
How do you know if applesauce has gone bad?
As with any food, applesauce can go bad after a while. There are a couple of ways to determine if the shelf life of applesauce has expired.
First, take a look at it. Some tell-tell signs of spoilage are obvious, such as mold growing on the surface of your applesauce. If you see any, throw it away. Color can also be a signal. If it’s very dark in color for example, that could indicate that it’s gone bad.
The tried and true smell test is another good way to tell if your applesauce has spoiled. Fresh applesauce should smell of, well, apples. If it doesn’t have that sweet apple smell, and you pick up an off odor, then chances are the applesauce is starting to go bad.
If you suspect your applesauce has started to spoil, simply discard it.
Different uses for leftover applesauce
Sure, just diving right in to a jar of apple sauce is one of life’s guilty pleasures. But there are other ways to enjoy this sweet, fruity treat. Here are some great ideas:
- Add it to plain yogurt to give it some extra sweetness and texture.
- Use it in cakes or cupcakes to get a moister, richer cake consistency. It’s a great and healthier substitute for butter.
- Add them to apple cinnamon donuts.
- Mix it with granola and milk for a tasty breakfast.
- Use it as the classic pairing for pork chops.
- Pour it over pancakes as a substitute for syrup. Or in addition to the syrup. You do you!
- Use it to make homemade dog treats!
How best to store applesauce
The proper storage of applesauce can help extend its shelf life. Here are some good ways to store applesauce.
In the pantry: You can keep unopened, store-bought applesauce in a cool dark place like a kitchen pantry, out of direct sunlight, for up to a year. If you make your own applesauce, allow it to cool completely, then can it and store it in the pantry. Canned applesauce should also keep for about a year.
In the refrigerator: Open applesauce that you plan to eat soon should be kept in the fridge. The best way is in an airtight container, where it should keep for 1-2 weeks.
In the freezer: You can keep applesauce in freezer bags, a glass jar, ice cube trays, or another freezer-safe container for up to a year in the freezer. If you decide to use ice cube trays, it’s a good idea to transfer the cubes to a resealable freezer bag for long-term storage. That will help protect them from freezer burn and food odors.
Best apples to use for homemade applesauce
If you decide to make your own applesauce, choosing the right type of apple can make all the difference.
Some good options include Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, and Honeycrisp.
Gala is sweet and crisp and lends a nice mellow flavor to applesauce. Fuji and Golden Delicious are also both on the sweeter side and will cook down well.
McIntosh and Honeycrisp are somewhat tangier, so these kind of apples will add a nice bit of zing to your applesauce without being overwhelmingly tart.
More food storage answers
Get more answers on how to store your favorite foods so they stay fresher for longer. Check out the posts below.
Leave a Reply