Tabasco is fine in the pantry or on the counter. Tabasco in particular isn't just vinegar-based, it's nearly entirely vinegar. Its ingredients list is vinegar,

Tabasco is fine in the pantry or on the counter. Tabasco in particular isn't just vinegar-based, it's nearly entirely vinegar. Its ingredients list is vinegar, salt and crushed peppers that are then strained before bottling. It is a very inhospitable environment for botulism - or anything else. Many other types of hot sauces contain oils and/or are not strained of organic matter and/or contain blended organic matter. Such as all of your thicker or chunkier sauces for the most part[1] (which happen to be my favorites). Those should be kept in the fridge and you should discard after some time just to be on the safe side. [1] https://thepepperplant.com/shop.html https://thepepperplant.com/shop.html