If it's clearly still sealed (you feel the pressure release when you open it) and it's not moldy or rotten looking or smelling--which it shouldn't be if it's still sealed and was properly made--it's harmless. But it could be separated, sour, or otherwise funny looking or tasting. Plain ol' ketchup will get dark and sour if left too long, or if it gets too warm in storage. I imagine cocktail sauce is similar or even more delicate. But go ahead and taste it. It may not taste nice, but it's harmless. That is, having been through the process of canning, if undisturbed it continues to be safe.

Or...just say eww and toss it. :D

Toss it. Why take the chance?

I’d definitely toss it BUT plllog has a point since the ingredients should be fairly shelf stable. We once bought a rental property that had some unopened items in a cabinet that included a bottle of (unopened) ketchup. Long story but the items had been there for at least 10 years. My BIL decided to open and taste the ketchup. Totally still fine.🤷‍♀️

I would test it out if it's a glass bottle, but if it's plastic, I'd just toss it. Too long with acid in plastic would put me off,.

“Best by” is not the same as ”Use by”. ”Best by” means it will be past its best after that date. As plllog says, unless you can see or smell someting wrong with it after you open the jar, it should be OK.

Thanks, all for chiming in - I did take the chance on it since it WAS sealed in glass, and I'm still here to report that it was fine-tasting with my shrimp cocktail. =)

There may be other cocktail sauces out there, but I have always used this brand, sadly no longer available...

Yes!