Grapeseed oil is a very useful edible oil that is a by-product of the winemaking industry.
With many oils, likely, you opened a bottle months ago, and it’s been sitting on your shelf ever since, which may cause you to ask yourself: does grape seed oil go bad?
Yes, eventually, your grape seed oil will go bad. Depending on how you store it, it has a shelf life of between six and twelve months.
With some foods, especially oil, it can be hard to tell if they have gone bad, but we are here today to give you a little guidance.
In this article, we are going to be finding out more about grapeseed oil and its shelf life. We will also give you some useful tips and tricks for storage.
Now, if you’re ready, let’s get into it.
What is Grapeseed Oil?
Grapeseed oil is a vegetable oil made using the seeds leftover from pressing grapes to make wine. [*]
It is a by-product of the wine industry that helps reduce waste and provides a healthier oil option. We think that it is an ingredient that isn’t celebrated enough.
This fantastic oil is a heart-healthy oil option that is an alternative to canola or sunflower oil, which are very unhealthy for you.
It has a light flavor that is ideal for dressings and mayonnaise and for making infusions like garlic, chili, or herb oils.
Does Grapeseed Oil Go Bad?
Eventually, your grapeseed oil will go bad. It is high in vitamin C and has a decent shelf life, but it is not endless.
So, now that we know that grapeseed oil goes bad, we need to figure out what good and bad grapeseed oil look like.
Fresh grapeseed oil will be:
1. Clear and Bright in Color
Fresh grapeseed oil will have a bright yellow color and be free from imperfections or cloudiness.
This is the most obvious way to tell that your oil is fresh.
2. Very Little Odour
Since grapeseeds themselves don’t have much of a scent, grapeseed oil also has a neutral fragrance.
You will notice a faint green scent when you open the bottle, but it will be tough to pick up.
3. Fresh, Mild Flavor
Taste is the best way to tell whether oil is fresh.
Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor with a slight hint of bitterness, but it will be very pleasant on the palate.
How To Tell If Grapeseed Oil Is Bad?
The signs for fresh oil are pretty easy to keep track of, but what should you look out for if your oil has gone bad?
If your grapeseed oil has gone bad it will be:
1. Dull and Cloudy
When grapeseed oil ages, the bright yellow color will fade to a dull hue.
You may also notice that the oil is cloudy, indicating bacteria growth.
If you notice either of these elements, it may be time to get rid of your oil.
2. Rancid Smell
Exposure to air is the number one culprit for making oil go rancid.
When this happens, your oil will have an unpleasant, cupboardy smell when you open the bottle.
It will be very different from opening a fresh bottle, so this is a good test if you want to avoid tasting it.
3. Unpleasant Taste
Finally, you can determine the oil’s freshness by tasting it.
This is the last one we recommend trying, but it has the most immediate results.
If the oil has gone bad, it will taste old and unpleasant.
How Long Does Grapeseed Oil Last?
If stored correctly, grapeseed oil has a shelf life of 6 months if stored in a cupboard and one year if kept in the fridge.
However, this shelf life can be extended if you store it correctly. Follow our little guide below to help preserve your oil for as long as possible.
The reason this oil has such a long shelf life is the high levels of vitamin E.
What is the Best Way to Store Grapeseed Oil?
Like most oils, grapeseed oil is best stored in a dark cupboard or pantry away from heat.
If stored this way, grapeseed oil will last up to 6 months.
However, you can extend the shelf life if you decide to refrigerate it.
Most oils will go cloudy if refrigerated, but it doesn’t have the issue. [*] We often recommend refrigerating specialty oils that you don’t usually use to prevent them from going off.
If refrigerated, grapeseed oil can last for up to 12 months.
Follow these instructions for the best way to store grapeseed oil:
- Keep it in its original packaging.
Most grapeseed oil will come in a glass or plastic bottle with a tight-fitting cap.
We recommend keeping it in this container since it is designed to keep the product fresh.
- Seal tightly
As we mentioned above, air exposure is one way that oil spoils the fastest.
We recommend tightening the cap firmly after every use to keep your oil fresh.
- Store in a dark, cool cupboard
Heat and light exposure can make oil degrade very quickly.
The best way to preserve your grapeseed oil is to place it in a dark cupboard or pantry in an area of your kitchen that doesn’t get very hot.
- Alternatively, store it in the fridge.
This will prolong its shelf life without it going cloudy.
Your grapeseed oil will last a few extra months if stored this way.
Learn more:
- Does Canola Oil Go Bad?
- Does Sesame Oil Go Bad?
- Does Vegetable Oil Go Bad?
- Does MCT Oil Go Bad?
- Does Olive Oil Go Bad?
- Does Peanut Oil Go Bad?
- Does Avocado Oil Go Bad?
FAQ
Is grapeseed oil good for you?
Yes, it is a healthy vegetable oil alternative.[*]
It is high in omega-six fatty acids and vitamin E. It also helps to reduce your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease.
This makes it a great substitution for canola oil, which does the opposite.
What will happen if you eat expired grapeseed oil?
Luckily, if you eat expired grapeseed oil, it will not make you sick.
It will taste bad and feel unpleasant in your mouth, but it will not harm you.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve had a good look at grapeseed oil, what can we take away from this?
- Grapeseed oil will keep for up to 6 months.
- Refrigerating it will increase its shelf life to a year.
- Grapeseed oil is a healthy alternative to vegetable oil.
We hope this dive into grapeseed oil and its storage solutions has given you all the knowledge you need to go clear out your pantry and start storing in a way that keeps them fresher for longer.
Up Next: The Optimal Shelf Life of Oils
