Cranberry Sauce FAQ's | Ocean Spray® (2024)

Can I make my cranberry sauce ahead of time and freeze it?

We normally don't suggest freezing cranberry sauce. After thawing, it may become too watery. We do suggest making sauce ahead of time and storing it in an air-tight container in your refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week.

Why won't my cranberry sauce gel?

Boiling is critical to release pectin, the key gelling ingredient, from the cranberry. You must cook the sauce for at least 10 minutes at a full boil for the pectin to react with the sugar and create the proper gelled texture. It is also important to let the cranberry sauce cool at room temperature. Moving it to the refrigerator too soon may also affect the gel.

If you have followed these instructions, and for some reason the sauce still won't gel, add 1 envelope of unflavoured gelatin to the sauce and bring to a hard boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.

Can I double the recipe to make more than one batch of sauce at a time?

We don't recommend doubling the recipe. There are too many variables, including cooking time, temperature, and pan size, that may affect the sauce's ability to gel.

Can I use less sugar in my cranberry sauce?

Yes, but your finished product will not be as firm as if it were made with the full amount of sugar. A firm gel depends on bonds with water, sugar and pectin. If you're interested in a lower sugar recipe, try our recipe for Low Calorie Cranberry Sauce.

Cranberry Sauce FAQ's | Ocean Spray® (2024)

FAQs

How long is Ocean Spray cranberry sauce good for after the expiration date? ›

As long as an unopened can of cranberry sauce is stored in a consistently cool pantry, it'll keep and taste good for at least a year beyond the date stamped on the can. (That date is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the cranberry sauce will remain at peak quality and is not a safety-related expiration date.)

Why are the labels upside down on Ocean Spray cranberry sauce? ›

According to Ocean Spray, that's intentional: It creates a seamless serving experience. The cans are “filled and labeled upside down with the rounded edge on top and the sharp can-like edge on the bottom to keep the jelly whole,” an Ocean Spray spokesperson told CNN Business.

How do you know if cranberry sauce has gone bad? ›

Sight is usually the best way to tell if your cranberry sauce has gone bad. For canned sauce, if the top of the can is rounded and dome shaped instead of flat across, the sauce has most likely gone bad. If you open the can and anything is brown or black, then do not eat the sauce.

Does Ocean Spray Cranberry go bad? ›

The Google consensus is that it's SAFE to drink even AFTER 12-24 MONTHS past any printed date on the bottle. THIS APPLIES ONLY TO UNOPENED BOTTLES OF CRANBERRY JUICE. If opened, the juice should be refrigerated and used within 2 weeks.

How long is canned cranberry sauce good for once opened? ›

Once open, it can be stored in a container with a tightly fitting lid for up to two weeks. Just make sure to remove it from the can before storing, and don't freeze it as it could become watery upon thawing.

Does Ocean Spray use real cranberries? ›

It's 100% juice made with the crisp, clean taste of real cranberries straight from the bog. Plus, it has no added sugar, a daily dose of vitamin C, and one cup of fruit, so it tastes good and it's good for you, too.

Why does my cranberry sauce not gel? ›

One possibility is that you may not have used enough sugar: Sugar helps the sauce firm up, so be sure to use the full amount called for in a recipe. Another possibility is that the cranberries need to boil for longer, releasing their pectin and ensuring a jelly consistency.

What is the difference between Ocean Spray cranberry juice and Ocean Spray cranberry juice co*cktail? ›

Cranberry juice is usually labeled "100% juice." Other fruits are sometimes added to balance the tart cranberry taste, but that label indicates that the product is made with 100% fruit juices. Cranberry juice co*cktail, meanwhile, has added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup for extra sweetness.

Why does my cranberry sauce taste weird? ›

If your cranberry sauce has an odd flavor, consider checking the quality of your cranberries, the amount of sugar and water used, and the cooking time and temperature. Ensure you're using fresh cranberries and following the recipe for sugar and water measurements.

Can you eat cranberry sauce out of the can? ›

It's perfectly fine to serve up cranberry sauce — whole berry or jelled — straight out of the can. But in my experience, heating the canned sauce up takes its flavor to the next level. Plus, it becomes a little more aesthetically pleasing.

Can you eat unrefrigerated cranberry sauce? ›

Cranberry sauce is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. (You've got enough things on the menu to warm up! Don't make the list longer!) I tend to make cranberry sauce a few days before Thanksgiving and then set it on the table about an hour or two before we plan to eat.

Can I freeze Ocean Spray cranberry sauce? ›

Unlike its homemade counterpart, canned cranberry sauce doesn't freeze or defrost very well. The jellied texture changes after freezing, becoming more watery. Even the leading authority on canned cranberry sauce, Ocean Spray, agrees that freezing canned cranberry sauce is not recommended.

How do you cut the tartness out of cranberry sauce? ›

"Resist adding granulated sugar—you won't get the full effect unless you reheat the sauce and the sugar dissolves," writes Kelsey Kloss. "Instead, start by stirring in one tablespoon maple syrup and one teaspoon of a sweet drink like apple juice, orange juice, or fruity white or red wine. Add more to taste.

Do you need to dilute Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice? ›

For the perfect drink, dilute one part concentrate with four parts water. Add extra water for toddlers.

How long does it take for cranberry juice to expire? ›

While cranberry juice remains usable for about eight months prior to being opened, once you crack it open, you should use it within three weeks to enjoy it at its best.

How long does Ocean Spray dried cranberries last? ›

Dried Fruit Expiration Date
(Unopened)PantryFridge
Dried Cranberries last for6-12 Months1-2 Years
Craisins last for6-12 Months1-2 Years
Dried Cherries last for6-12 Months1-2 Years
Dried Apricots last for6-12 Months1-2 Years
11 more rows

How long does orange cranberry sauce last? ›

You can make cranberry-orange sauce ahead and take a little pressure off the biggest cooking day of the year! Homemade orange-cranberry sauce will keep well covered and refrigerated for 10-14 days.

Is canned jellied cranberry sauce good for you? ›

Health Benefits

Cranberries are also rich in vitamin C and fiber, as well as the metabolism-boosting mineral manganese. And yes, you reap all these benefits whether the cranberry sauce on your holiday table is homemade or canned, jellied or whole-berry.

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