How Long Does Grape Seed Oil Last?

Grape seed oil is surely a healthy one, even more than olive oil. But if you are new to using it, I am sure you’d want to know how long grape seed oil lasts. Does it have a long shelf life, or must you use it quickly?

Grape seed oil doesn’t last forever. Grape seed oil typically has a shelf life of around 6 to 12 months when stored properly. The exact duration can vary depending on various factors, such as the quality of the oil, the packaging, and the storage conditions.  

If you’re unsure whether your grape seed oil is good enough to use, you can check for some signs that will help you find the answer. What are these signs? You will know all about them in the sections below. 

So, if you just came across a bottle of grape seed oil sitting in your pantry or are just curious to know its shelf life before buying a new bottle, you will find all this information here. 

How Long Does Grape Seed Last?

Like other oils, the shelf life of grape seed oils depends on the way it’s stored and the best-by date on the label. While the date on the bottle indicates how long grape seed oil stays fresh, it can go bad before it is not stored properly.

A closed bottle of grape seed oil has a shelf life of about 18 months. At the same time, an opened bottle of grapeseed oil has a life of 6-8 months.

These are rough estimates of how long grape seed oil can stay in good condition. It may extend for a few more months when stored properly in a cool and dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. 

Does Grape Seed Oil Go Bad Easily? 

Grape seed oil, like all oils, can go bad over time. The shelf life of grape seed oil depends on factors such as the packaging, the quality of the oil, and storage conditions. Let’s look at all the signs indicating spoilage in grape seed oil.

How To Tell If Grape Seed Oil Has Gone Bad Or Spoiled? 

Here are some signs that your grape seed oil has gone bad or spoiled:

1. Smell: The smell of grape seed oil is quite neutral. Thus, if your grape seed oil smells sour, rancid, or off, it has likely gone bad.
2. Taste: Like its smell, the taste of grape seed oil is also neutral. If your grape seed oil has a bitter or unpleasant taste, it has likely gone bad.
3. Appearance: Grape seed oil has a smooth and silky texture. But if your grape seed oil appears cloudy, thick, or has sediment at the bottom of the bottle, it has likely gone bad.
4. Color: Good quality grape seed oil has a yellow-green color. But if your grape seed oil has turned darker, it may have gone bad.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the grape seed oil and purchase a new bottle.

Can We Use Expired Grape Seed Oil?

Every grape seed oil bottle comes with a best-by date. This date roughly approximates how long the oil can maintain its quality. Therefore, it’s safe to use grape seed oil beyond its date if it shows no signs of spoilage. 

However, grape seed oil can also go bad before its best-by date. So, you should always store it properly and always check its smell, taste, and appearance before using it.

How to Store Grape Seed Oil?

Proper storage of grape seed oil is important to extend its shelf life and prevent it from going bad. Here are some tips on how to store grape seed oil:

1. Store in a cool, dry, and dark place

Heat, light, and moisture exposure can cause grape seed oil to spoil quickly. Therefore, storing it in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture is important. The ideal storage temperature of grape seed is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Keep it tightly sealed

Seal the bottle tightly after each use to prevent air and moisture from getting inside. Exposure to air and moisture can cause the oil to go rancid quickly.

3. Use a dark-colored container

If you’re buying grape seed oil in bulk, store it in a dark-colored glass bottle or container as it helps to block out light and prevent oxidation.

4. Refrigerate for long-term storage

If you don’t plan to use grape seed oil for a while, store it in the refrigerator. Refrigeration slows the oxidation process and extends the oil’s shelf life.

By following these simple tips, you can help extend the shelf life of your grape seed oil and keep it fresh for longer.

Can We Freeze Grape Seed Oil?

Freezing grape seed oil is not recommended as it may affect the quality of the oil. Freezing can cause the oil to become cloudy and thick, and it may also develop a bitter taste and unpleasant odor.

If you need to store grape seed oil for an extended period, it’s best to refrigerate it instead of freezing it. Store the oil in a tightly sealed container and keep it in the refrigerator’s coldest part to prevent it from spoiling quickly.

Conclusion

Grape seed oil, like other oils, goes bad sooner or later. But its proper storage can help extend shelf life. Unopened grapeseed oil lasts around 18 months and about 6 months after opening. If you don’t plan to use an opened bottle of grape seed oil, seal the cap tightly and refrigerate it. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)