If Your Soy Sauce Doesn’t Have This Ingredient, It Should Probably Go In The Fridge

Sodium benzoate works well in ensuring foods that are acidic don’t spoil, hence why it is added to soy sauce. Fun fact: It is the first preservative the FDA approved for use in foods. However, it is also used in baby wipes, toothpaste, and has some industrial uses. While the amount that is added to foods for preservation is not considered harmful, if you tend to shun added chemicals in your food, you should purchase soy sauce that doesn’t contain sodium benzoate and plan on storing it in your fridge.

Do you have to store fermented foods (even with preservatives) in the refrigerator? You don’t have to, but they will last longer if you do. Opened soy sauce stored in the fridge can keep for up to two years. At room temperature, it will probably be safe for about six months. How can you tell if your soy sauce has gone bad? Use your senses. If it smells bad or looks like mold is growing in it, it’s time to toss it and get a new bottle.