Is It Safe to Eat Hot Sauce That's Been Left Out of the Fridge?

Hot sauce, made from fiery peppers, is a flavorful, tangy, and addictive addition that brings a burst of heat to your dishes—whether savory or sweet. There's even a scientific explanation behind your love for it: compounds in hot peppers stimulate your taste buds, triggering the release of endorphins, which can improve mood, reduce stress, and even ease pain.

If you're a fan of hot sauce, from sriracha to Tabasco to Frank's Red Hot, you may wonder whether it's necessary to refrigerate it once opened. While some swear by refrigerating it, others claim it’s unnecessary. To clear things up, food scientist Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., weighs in on the matter.

Do You *Really* Need to Refrigerate Hot Sauce?

The reality is that most hot sauces contain enough salt, vinegar, or other acidic ingredients that act as natural preservatives, making them unlikely to harbor harmful bacteria. However, this doesn’t mean that hot sauce is impervious to spoilage, according to Quoc Le.

Hot sauces don’t spoil as quickly as perishable items like dairy or fresh produce, but when left out at room temperature, they can be exposed to oxidation and microorganisms in the air. As Quoc Le explains, "When air interacts with the hot sauce, microorganisms can develop, altering the flavor and shortening its shelf life."

In short, if you plan to use a bottle of hot sauce within a week or two and keep the cap tightly closed, you can safely store it in your pantry without refrigeration. But if you’re a more occasional user, keeping it in the fridge is a smart move, especially if you intend to keep it for several months.

Why Does Hot Sauce Turn Orange?

The vibrant red hue of hot sauce is derived from hot peppers, which are rich in beta-carotene. According to Quoc Le, exposure to air causes these beta-carotene compounds to break down over time. As the concentration decreases, the color shifts from red to orange and eventually to yellow.

How Long Does Hot Sauce Last?

The USDA FoodKeeper recommends using hot sauce stored in the pantry within 6 months of purchase. While federal guidelines suggest that refrigeration extends freshness, Quoc Le estimates that an unopened bottle can last 2 to 3 years under ideal conditions, with a fridge temperature of 40°F or lower.

Whether stored at room temperature or in the fridge, discard your hot sauce if you notice significant changes in color, odor, or the presence of mold.

How to Store Hot Sauce in the Fridge

Always make sure the lid or cap is securely closed when you're not using the hot sauce. This helps reduce air exposure, preventing oxidation and spoilage that could alter its color, flavor, and shorten its shelf life.

According to Quoc Le, hot sauce is fairly shelf-stable and can handle temperature fluctuations, so it's safe to store it in the fridge door. If your fridge has glass shelves, placing your hot sauce there is especially beneficial, as glass is less affected by temperature changes.