We have a question, and we want you to be honest with us when you answer it. Do you also ask for extra sauces (more than what you can consume) when you order Chick-Fil-A take-outs and stockpile them in your drawers so you can use them for other meals?
Yes? Us too! We love how good Chick-Fil-A sauces are so much that we order take-out at least once every week. The result? An entire drawer loaded with sauce packets.
Here is the issue: Some of those are already too old and we don’t know if they are still safe for consumption.
Do you feel us? Maybe you’re asking this question — does chick fil a sauce expire and go bad? Well, we recently found the answer.
Bad News: Your beloved Chick-Fil-A Sauce does expire. It sucks, right?
But wait, why aren’t there expiration dates in the packet if the sauce is bound to go bad eventually? (*) If you want to know the answer, we suggest that you keep on reading!
In addition to this little secret, we’ll also share with you the answers to the following questions:
- How long does Chick-Fil-A sauce last?
- How to tell if Chick-Fil-A Sauce has gone bad?
- How to store Chick-Fil-A sauce?
- … and a few more related questions about your favorite sauce!
There’s no need to brood over these questions since the answer is right here!
So let’s get going!
When Does Chick Fil A Sauce Expire?
Like most sauces shelf life, the Chick Fil A sauce will eventually go bad. But why don’t the packets have expiration dates?
So here it is: The sauce has expiration dates. Unfortunately, the dates are not printed on individual packets. Instead, they can be found on the big boxes that they use when delivering the packages to different Chick Fil A branches.
And if you fancy getting those bottles of Chick Fil A sauces, you’ll be happy to know that the sauces do come with a labeled date.
How Long Does Chick Fil A sauce Last?
So what’s the sauce’s shelf life? As mentioned, the Chick Fil A sauce bottles do come with a printed date, and you need to find that to determine the sauce’s shelf life. Browse through the packaging, and you’ll see a small print saying that the best before date is 90 days after opening.
Fun Fact: Since the printed date is not an expiration date but a best before date, you can still safely consume the sauces past this date.
Warning: Just take note that the sauce’s quality, flavor, or texture will already start to deteriorate by then.
So what is the sauce’s shelf life? You can still use the sauce for however long you like as long as it doesn’t exhibit any signs of spoilage.
Pro Tip: This simple shelf life guideline also applies to the Chick Fil A sauce packets.
How to Tell if Chick Fil A Sauce Has Already Gone Bad?
But how can you tell if the Chick Fil A sauce has already gone bad? It’s pretty simple, actually. The best way to do this is to inspect the sauce’s appearance, consistency, and smell. Here are some of the spoilage signs that you should watch out for:
1. Discoloration
What’s the color of the sauce? Does it have the same color you’re used to, or is it a bit darker? A darker color may indicate that oxidation has already taken place. However, it’s not a telltale sign of spoilage, so you still need to look out for other spoilage signs to confirm.
2. Thicker Consistency
Originally, the sauce has a smooth and light texture. For some reason, spoiled Chick Fil A sauce becomes thicker when it gets spoiled.
3. Strong Funny Smell
Because of its ingredients, Chick Fil A sauce has a slightly sweet smell. If yours is giving off a strong smell that seems overly acidic or pungent, it’s already spoiled, so we recommend tossing it out in the trash.
4. Strange Taste
If you’re still unsure whether or not the sauce is still okay, try the sauce. Err on the side of caution and take only a small amount.
The original taste of Chick Fil A sauce is creamy, tangy, and sweet with a smoky finish. If the sauce tastes a bit acidic or sour or a very strange taste, it means it has already spoiled and is no longer safe for consumption.
5. Mold Growth
If the packet or the sauce has mold growth, don’t hesitate anymore! And please do yourself a favor and don’t taste it either. That’s all the sign that you need to discard the sauce right away.
How to Store Chick Fil A Sauce?
Since it’s a fast food item, storing Chick Fil-A sauce is not as complicated as you think it is.
If you bought the Chick Fil-A bottled sauce, the best storage for this is in the fridge. When dealing with an opened sauce package, all you need to do is ensure that it’s tightly sealed and place it in the refrigerator.
On the other hand, Chick Fil A sauce packets can be refrigerated or stored at room temperature. With regards to storing opened sauce package, don’t store the leftovers anymore. Discard it right away.
Other Related Questions
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, Chick Fil A sauce does go bad. The good news is the sauce lasts quite long, especially since it’s packed with natural preservatives like salt and sugar. All you need to do is to make sure that it’s stored properly.
But please keep in mind that it can go bad anytime, so make sure to inspect the sauce’s smell, consistency, and color first before using it.
Last but not least, please always remember that the sauce isn’t as healthy as you think it is, so you should consume it only in moderation.
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