Does soy sauce go bad?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “does soy sauce go bad” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of soy sauce in different mediums. Moreover, we are going to discuss the ways to spot a soy sauce that has gone bad and the health implications of using old soy sauce.

So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.

Does soy sauce go bad?

Yes, like any other food item soy sauce tends to go bad after a certain time as it loses its flavor, aroma, and overall quality. But as soy sauce has a lot of sodium added to it will halt the growth of bacteria for a long time therefore the shelf life of soy sauce is really long.

How long does soy sauce last at room temperature?

Commercially processed soy sauce lasts for about 6 months after it is opened if it is stored appropriately in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. After this time the flavor of soy sauce will intensify and the aroma will slowly start to fade.

An unopened bottle for soy sauce can last for about 2 years or even more if stored appropriately in a cool, dry, and dark corner of your pantry. 

Moreover when we talk about the time for which soy sauce lasts what we generally want to refer to is that it is the time after which the flavor and aroma of the soy sauce won’t be that great and you won’t get the same taste out of the dishes that you make using such soy sauce.

Does soy sauce go bad if not refrigerated?

Soy sauce is a fermented type of sauce therefore it can stay fresh for over a year without the need to refrigerate it. Moreover, it has a high sodium content that helps it to preserve its freshness, aroma, and flavor for a long time without even refrigerating it.

But if you want to store the soy sauce even longer than a year then you better opt for the refrigerator as it will preserve the flavors of the sauce for even longer owing to its cool temperature.

How long does soy sauce last in the fridge?

Soy sauce lasts for about 2 years when stored properly in the fridge, this is the time when the flavor and aroma of the soy sauce will be at their best quality. Soy sauce can even stay for long if refrigerated properly in an air-tight container or bottle but with time the flavors and the aroma will start to fade.

How to tell if soy sauce has gone bad?

You can tell whether or not your soy sauce has gone bad by considering its appearance, smell, and taste.

Appearance

If you notice that the color of soy sauce has darkened, it is because of the oxidation reaction and is the indication the soy sauce is past its prime age. Moreover, if you can spot molds in your soy sauce bottle then it is the indication that your soy sauce has gone bad.

Smell

If you notice some off-smell or something that just doesn’t smell like the soy sauce itself then it means that your soy sauce has gone bad and you should discard it.

Taste

If you feel some off-flavors then it is an indication that the soy sauce is past its prime age. 

What will happen if I use old soy sauce?

So using the soy sauce that is past its prime age won’t harm you and won’t cause any health problems. The only difference that it will make is that the old soy sauces have lost their characteristic aroma over the span of time, moreover, their flavor is also really intense. So the dishes that you will make with such old soy sauce will not taste the same as dishes with fresh soy sauce added to them.

How to properly store soy sauce?

Always store your soy sauce in an air-tight container or bottles to minimize its air exposure. 

Do not leave the lid of the soy sauce bottle open for too long or else moisture will find its way to your soy sauce and will provide a suitable media for bacteria to grow.

Is soy sauce gluten-free?

No, regular soy sauce is not gluten-free and one of the main ingredients that are used in its formulation is wheat and wheat contains gluten. But some manufacturers have introduced some special gluten-free variants of soy sauce and you can try them.

You can read more about it here.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “does soy sauce go bad” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of soy sauce in different mediums. Moreover, we discussed the ways to spot a soy sauce that has gone bad and the health implications of using old soy sauce.

Citations

https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/18347

https://www.doesitgobad.com/does-soy-sauce-go-bad/