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 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 you keep 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!
Does Chick Fil A Sauce Go Bad?
Like most sauces, 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 they use when delivering the packages to different Chick Fil A branches.
And if you fancy getting those Chick Fil A sauces bottles, you’ll be happy to know that the sauces come with a labeled date.
How Long Is Chick Fil sauce Good For?
So what’s the sauce’s shelf life? As mentioned, the Chick Fil A sauce bottles come with a printed date; 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 note that the sauce’s quality, flavor, or texture will 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. 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 as you’re used to, or is it a bit darker? A darker color may indicate oxidation, so you must look for spoilage signs to confirm.
2. Thicker Consistency
Initially, the sauce had a smooth and light texture. Sp spoiled Chick Fil A sauce gets thicker when it gets bad.
3. Strong, Funny Smell
Because of its ingredients, Chick Fil A sauce has a slightly sweet smell. If yours gives off a strong smell that seems overly acidic or spicy, it’s already spoiled, so we recommend tossing it 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 tiny 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 extraordinary, it has already spoiled and is no longer safe for consumption.
5. Mold Growth
Don’t hesitate anymore if the packet or the sauce has mold growth! And please do yourself a favor and don’t taste it, either. That’s all the sign that you must discard the sauce immediately.
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.
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, you must 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. Regarding keeping opened sauce packages, don’t store the leftovers anymore. Discard it right away.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, Chick Fil A sauce does go bad. The good news is that the sauce lasts quite a long time, especially since it’s packed with natural preservatives like salt and sugar. All you need to do is ensure it’s stored properly.
But please keep in mind that it can go bad anytime, so inspect the sauce’s smell, consistency, and color before using it.
Lastly, please always remember that the sauce isn’t as healthy as you think, so you should consume it only in moderation.
Now you’re all set to enjoy your Chick-Fil-A sauce like a seasoned sauce aficionado!
Keep exploring the fantastic flavors, and hey, if you’re curious about ketchup’s shelf life or whether Sriracha needs refrigeration, we’ve got you covered in our upcoming articles!
Stay saucy!
