When it's stored in the refrigerator, it can last for three to five years. Hot sauce stored in the pantry is good for up to six months, according to Still Tasty.

How do you know when sauce is bad?

The smell and color will be major indicators of whether a milk-based sauce has gone rotten. Like milk, you may notice a sour smell once it has spoiled, or its color will darken. An important note; a quick way to spot spoiled food is mold. If your sauce has any mold at all, do not eat it.

Do sauces really expire?

Yes, condiments are going to last you a lot longer than a bag of chips or fresh fruit, but you should still pay attention to the “use by” date. Condiments are shelf-stable foods and can be stored unopened in the pantry for long periods of time.