May 29, 2026, 5:00 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Temperatures are rising, the hours of sunshine are getting longer, and grilling season is starting. Every year, last year’s sauces are put on the table again. But are they still edible?
Garlic, barbecue, and curry are among the most popular grilling sauces in Germany. In many cases, after the so-called “end of grilling,” some sauce remains in the bottles. These disappear into the farthest corner of the fridge and sometimes the kitchen cabinet. With the new grilling season, they make their way back to the table. It’s a valid question whether the grilling sauce is still edible or if it should no longer be used.
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How long can you use grilling sauce?
In general, unopened grilling sauces can be consumed without concern as long as the best-before date on the packaging has not expired. However, this does not mean that the sauce must be discarded immediately after the date has passed, reports the Consumer Advice Center.
It’s important to use your senses. This means looking at the sauce, smelling it, and tasting it if necessary. If it still tastes good, it can be consumed. A best-before date means that the quality of the product is guaranteed to be flawless up to the specified date. After the date, the quality can still be very good, but the manufacturer no longer guarantees it.
For opened grilling sauces, the situation is a bit different. “Pay attention to […] the storage instructions on the packaging. Once the product is opened, the best-before date is no longer an indication of the likely shelf life,” it continues. But even with opened grilling sauces, you can trust your senses.
Does grilling sauce need to be refrigerated?
If the sauce is still sealed, it can be safely stored in the kitchen cabinet. It is also kept unrefrigerated on the supermarket shelf. Ideally, the sauce should be stored in a light-protected place. However, if the grilling sauce has already been opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator. The Consumer Advice Center recommends storing grilling sauce in the refrigerator door. With proper storage, grilling sauce is generally good for up to three months after opening.