Have you ever wondered if the Applesauce in the fridge is still good? Or that unopened Applesauce in the pantry? Or how about that Applesauce you made? Read on and learn more.

Quick Answer

Applesauce can go bad. Homemade Applesauce will last 7-10 days in the fridge. Homemade Applesauce will last longer if frozen. Frozen Applesauce will last forever. Frozen Applesauce may become freezer burned or lose flavor over time. No more than 1-2 months in the freezer is recommended. Store-bought Applesauce that is unopened will last 2-4 months in the panty. Store-bought Open Applesauce will last 10-14 days in the fridge.

In this article, learn how to tell if Applesauce is still good or if it has gone bad. Read on to learn more about Best by dates, expiration dates and storage of Applesauce.

Does Applesauce Go Bad? How Long Does Applesauce Last?

Applesauce is made from fresh fruit, water or fruit juice and sugar. Other ingredients may be included. Applesauce will go bad overtime.

How Long Does Applesauce Last Outside

Homemade and sealed Applesauce will last 1-2 months in the pantry. If sealed well, it can even last up to a year. Check when you open it to see if it is bad. Read Below: How to Tell if Applesauce is Bad.

Store-bought Applesauce that is unopened may be stored in the pantry. It will remain good until the expiration date. It may last even longer, but the flavor and quality may lessen as time goes on. Make sure the pantry is cool and dry.

Open Applesauce should not be stored in the pantry or cabinet. Instead, Open Applesauce should be stored in the fridge.

How Long Does Applesauce Last in the Fridge

Open Homemade Applesauce will last 7-10 days in the fridge. Storing Unopened Homemade Applesauce in the fridge may increase the shelf life.

Open Store-bought Applesauce will last 10-14 days in the fridge. For best quality eat the applesauce soon rather than later.

If left out on the counter for more than an hour, the Applesauce may not last as long. It is best to either eat this immediately or throw it out.

How Long Does Applesauce Last in the Freezer

Unopened Applesauce does not need to be frozen. If frozen the container may split open and ruin the Applesauce. Do not freeze an unopened container of applesauce.

Open Applesauce, store-bought or homemade, will last 1-2 months in the freezer. This 1-2 months is for the highest quality. The Applesauce will stay good longer but may lose quality, flavor, or may become freezer burned the longer it is left in the freezer.

Frozen Applesauce will last about 5-7 days once thawed. Thawing should be done in the fridge. If thawed in the microwave the Applesauce needs to be eaten immediately.

Consider this information when deciding what to do with your Applesauce. Whether you are storing it opened or unopened read on to learn how to tell when it is bad and should be thrown out and when it is still good and can be eaten.

How To Tell If Applesauce Has Gone Bad / How To Know Applesauce is Fresh

This section will help you decide if your applesauce is still good or if it has gone bad and needs to be thrown out.

How to tell if Applesauce has gone bad: The first thing to look for is the expiration or best by date on the applesauce. If it is past the expiration date you may want to throw it out. Next look to see if the applesauce is off color or if anything that looks like it might be mold is growing in it. If you see mold or it seems off color and it is past the best by date, throw it out. If you do not see any mold or discoloration, open the container, and smell it. If it smells bad, throw it out. If it smells fine, it is probably still good.

How to know if Applesauce is still Fresh: If the Applesauce is unopened check the best by and expiration dates. If it is before those dates then the Applesauce is most likely still fresh. Fresh applesauce should be the expected applesauce color. When you open it it should smell like apples and sugar. If the Applesauce is open check the container for mold and a bad smell. If it looks fine and smells fine, it is still fresh.

How to Store Applesauce?

How to store Applesauce depends on if it is store-bought or homemade. Store-bought Applesauce often has preservatives and will last longer.

Homemade Applesauce: Homemade Applesauce can be stored in the pantry if it is canned properly. Homemade Applesauce can be stored in the fridge if it is kept in a sealed container. Homemade Applesauce can be stored in the freezer in a freezer-safe container.

Store-Bought Applesauce: Unopened Store-bought Applesauce should be stored in a cool dark place. Such as the pantry or a cabinet. Open Store-bought Applesauce should be stored in the fridge in a sealed container. Store-bought Applesauce can be stored in the freezer if you put it in a freezer-safe container.

Can You Freeze Applesauce? How?

Are you considering freezing your Applesauce to store it longer? If the applesauce is unopened it will last longest in the pantry. If the Applesauce is open, freezing it will last longer than the fridge.

How to Freeze Applesauce: The best way to freeze applesauce is to store it in single servings in freezer-safe containers. Freezer-safe Tupperware or Freezer-safe Ziploc bags are ideal.

A serving of Applesauce: A serving of Applesauce is a ½ cup. Using a ½ cup measure, spoon the applesauce into small freezer safe containers. Small freezer-safe Ziploc bags can be placed in a bigger freezer-safe Ziploc bag and this will double protect it from freezer burn.
Things to consider: Freezing Applesauce may change the texture when it is thawed.

How to Thaw Applesauce?

So, I have some frozen Applesauce, how do I thaw it?

In the Fridge: Place frozen applesauce in the fridge overnight or for 6-10 hours. The size of your Applesauce will determine how long it will need.

In the Sink: You can run warm water over a single serving container of applesauce until it is thawed enough to remove it from its container. Then you will thaw it the rest of the way in the microwave.

In the Microwave: To thaw in the microwave, place the frozen applesauce in a microwave-safe container. Thaw at a low temperature for 30 seconds. Repeat as needed until Applesauce is fully thawed. Applesauce heated in the microwave must be eaten immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Applesauce’s Shelf Life

Can you eat expired Applesauce?

Yes, you can eat expired Applesauce. if there is no mold and it still smells fine then it is safe to eat.  Mold will be visible in Bad Applesauce before the bacteria will be enough to make you sick. If you see mold or if it smells vinegary or wrong, throw out the applesauce.

I made applesauce at home, what is the best way to preserve it?

Homemade Applesauce should be kept in the fridge. If you can it and seal it well it can last a few months to a year in the pantry. If you want it to last longer, freeze it and take it out as needed. Freezing Homemade Applesauce is easier than canning and safer than leaving it in the fridge.

Wrap Up

So, does Applesauce go bad? Yes, but it is easy to eat it before it does. Deciding how to store it is the key. Only open Applesauce when you are ready to eat it. Go forth and enjoy your Applesauce.