1-2 YRWorks without power
Quick facts
- Real shelf life1-2 yr
- Best storageCool, dark
- Watch forRancid, stale smell
Where this sits on the food shopping list
How to check it
Cooking Oils
Warning signs Rancidity, giving the oil a foul, stale smell or taste.
How to check Smell it; rancid oil has a very distinctive odor. Do not taste it to check.
Notes from the field guide
- Discard on sight: Rancid, bitter oils or nuts

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Questions this answers
Tap a question for the short answer.
How long does cooking oil last?
Cooking oil has a real shelf life of 1 to 2 yr when it is stored well, which means somewhere cool and dark. After that, watch for the rancid, stale smell that tells you it has turned.
How do I store cooking oil long term?
Keep cooking oil in a cool, dark place, which gets you a real shelf life of 1 to 2 yr. Check it by smell before you use it, and discard any oil that has gone rancid or bitter.
How do I tell if cooking oil has gone bad?
Smell it first, because rancid oil has a very distinctive foul, stale odor. Do not taste it to check. Rancid oil gets discarded.
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