Does Soy Sauce Expire?
Soy sauce has a very long shelf life due to its high salt content. Unopened soy sauce lasts 2-3 years past its date. Once opened, it maintains quality for 1-2 years at room temperature or 2-3 years refrigerated. It rarely spoils but can lose flavor over time.
Key Takeaways
- Soy sauce is naturally preserved by its high sodium content, which prevents bacterial growth.
- Low-sodium soy sauce may have a slightly shorter shelf life than regular varieties.
- Separation or unusual mold growth (rare) indicates the soy sauce should be discarded.
Explanation
Soy sauce is naturally preserved by its high sodium content, which prevents bacterial growth. Traditional fermented soy sauce also contains preserving compounds developed during fermentation. This makes it one of the most shelf-stable condiments.
While soy sauce does not spoil in a dangerous way, its flavor and color can change over time. It may darken, develop stronger or more muted flavors, or lose some of its aromatic complexity. These changes happen faster when stored at room temperature.
Refrigeration after opening helps maintain optimal flavor and slows oxidation. While not strictly necessary for safety, refrigeration is recommended for soy sauce you plan to keep for more than a few months.
Things to Know
- Low-sodium soy sauce may have a slightly shorter shelf life than regular varieties.
- Separation or unusual mold growth (rare) indicates the soy sauce should be discarded.
- Tamari (wheat-free soy sauce) has similar storage characteristics to regular soy sauce.