Does hot sauce go bad?

FoodKeeper gives hot sauce about 6 months in the pantry, and notes it stays fresher longer in the fridge. Vinegar-based hot sauces are acidic and rarely spoil, but they darken and lose heat over time.

Food	Pantry
Hot sauceStays fresher longer if refrigerated.	6 months

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if hot sauce has gone bad

Mold around the cap or on the surface.
A sour, fermented smell different from its usual tang, or bubbles in a sauce that isn't meant to be fermented.
A much darker color and dull taste mean it has faded, not spoiled.

How to store hot sauce

Keep it tightly closed, away from heat and light.
Refrigerate it once opened to keep its color and heat longer, especially sauces with fresh ingredients, fruit or garlic.
Wipe the neck before closing.

Can you freeze hot sauce?

There's rarely any need. Homemade sauces made with fresh peppers can be frozen in small portions for several months.

Questions

Does hot sauce need to be refrigerated?

Many vinegar-based sauces are fine at room temperature, but the fridge keeps them fresher for longer. Sauces with fruit, garlic or no vinegar should be refrigerated.

Can you use hot sauce after the date?

Usually yes, if there's no mold or off smell. It may be milder and darker.

How long does homemade hot sauce last?

Much less than store-bought: keep it in the fridge and use it within a few weeks, unless it was fermented or canned using a tested recipe.

Add sauces to ShelfLife with the date you opened them.

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