Worcestershire sauce is one of the most versatile condiments available on grocery store shelves. That little paper-wrapped bottle is perfect for adding savory flavors to stir-fry, stew, and even a Bloody Mary. However, it’s not typically a condiment that people tend to finish all at once. So you may be wondering how long, exactly, Worcestershire sauce lasts in the pantry.

We’ve got the answers.

What is Worcestershire sauce?

Worcestershire sauce is an English condiment developed in the early 19th century by chemists John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins in Worcester, England, according to Lea & Perrins. The sauce’s complex flavor is all thanks to its fermentation process and ingredient combination, including malt vinegar, spirit vinegar, molasses, anchovies, tamarind extract, onions, and seasonings.

How long does a bottle of Worcestershire sauce generally last?

Because Worcestershire sauce is vinegar-based and typically contains salt, another essential preservation ingredient, it often has a long shelf life. As Food & Wine previously reported, an unopened jar can usually last for up to five years. However, the exact duration may vary by brand, so if you pick up a bottle, check the manufacturer’s “best by” date printed on the label (which typically ranges from 18 months to three years). 

According to FoodSafety.gov, it should be consumed within “1 year if in the pantry from the date of purchase.” However, remember that this date doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gone bad; instead, it may not taste as fresh or flavorful. DoesItGoBad.com noted that if an “unopened bottle of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce already sits in the pantry for five years, in almost all cases, it will be perfectly fine.”

What about an open bottle? 

Once you crack open a bottle, things tend to shift a little more quickly. However, it can still last for several years, according to Eat By Date. The timeline hinges on just how well you follow good storage practices, including limiting the bottle’s exposure to heat, light, and air, all of which can lead to flavor degradation or even mold. So make sure to store that bottle in a cool, dark place, like a pantry, as soon as possible. 

Should you put Worcestershire sauce in the fridge? 

This is a heated point of debate. Again, due to its high vinegar and salt content, you don’t need to refrigerate it, according to WebMD. Many manufacturers, including Lea & Perrins, even advise against refrigeration on their packaging.

The experts at FoodSafety.gov note that “Refrigeration ensures that commercial sauces and condiments stay fresh for a longer period of time. Shelf-stable commercial sauces are safe when stored at room temperature after opening. Quality, not safety, is the reason the labels on these products suggest that they be refrigerated after opening.” 

The key here is to store it properly in an airtight container. Usually, the bottles come with a screw top cap, making this an easy suggestion to follow. 

Signs your Worcestershire has gone bad

While it is rare, your Worcestershire sauce (like any food) can spoil if left out for too long. Signs to watch for include the usual suspects: a strange smell, a change in color or texture, or if it simply doesn’t taste right.

Another thing to be wary of, as explained by DoesItGoBad.com, is if your Worcestershire sauce came in a plastic bottle and now appears “puffy.” This indicates a likely gas build-up, and it’s time to toss it. And, of course, if you see any mold, please throw it away. Just use common food sense, and you’ll be OK.