Condiments

Rice vinegar is a popular condiment and seasoning made from fermented rice. This type of vinegar is often used in Asian cooking, particularly Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisine. Rice vinegar is loved for its delicate, mild, and somewhat sweetish flavor. It can be used in dips, dressings, marinades, and pickling. Can rice vinegar go bad?

If say, you bought several bottles of rice vinegar, we’re happy to report that the product will keep for a long time. As with all types of vinegar-based products, rice vinegar has a self-preserving property so it will keep for a long, long time.  Some even say rice vinegar won’t go bad at all. This isn’t true, but you can definitely use up your supply thanks to its long shelf life.

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Can Rice Vinegar Go Bad?

The acidity of the vinegar inhibits bacterial and mold growth so it will take some time before rice vinegar becomes unusable. Still, rice vinegar has a limited storage life. The fact is, rice vinegar could degrade over time.

Rice vinegar that’s been stored for a while will produce peroxides, which are toxic compounds. Rice vinegar that’s gone bad is no longer safe to eat and will cause sickness. This is the reason why you should use up a bottle of rice wine before its expiry date.

Signs that Rice Vinegar Has Gone Bad

How do you know if rice vinegar is no longer safe to use? Look for slight or significant color changes. A bottle of rice vinegar that’s no longer safe to use will take on a dark yellow to almost molasses-like discoloration. It will also emit a rotten or unpleasant aroma. Rice vinegar will become darker and thicker the longer it is kept in storage, similar to balsamic vinegar. Although rice vinegar will become cloudy over time, it is still safe to use as long as there are no changes in flavor, aroma, and color.

How to Store Rice Vinegar?

The best way to store opened and unopened bottles of rice vinegar is in the pantry, at room temperature. Keep the product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Direct sunlight and heat could degrade the vinegar much more quickly. Since rice vinegar tends to lose its flavor over time, you have to consume the product as soon as possible for optimal flavor.

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As for rice vinegar that’s nearing its expiry date, you can keep the product in the refrigerator. There is no need to transfer the product to a different container. Just make sure the product is always kept sealed after every use to extend its shelf life.

Can You Freeze Rice Vinegar?

You can freeze rice vinegar but the product does not need freezing at all. Freezing might water down the flavor of the vinegar once it’s been defrosted. Also, the acidity of the vinegar won’t be as robust when it is frozen and thawed. If you must freeze the rice vinegar, be sure to use a freezer-safe container. Glass bottles will shatter at freezing temps!

Summary

Rice vinegar is a kitchen staple with lots of uses! It gives an extra kick of flavor to stews, dressings, dips, and marinades. Can rice vinegar go bad? Yes, it can go bad at some point but this product has a long shelf life. There is no need to worry about its storage shelf life when you love cooking with rice vinegar!

Sesame oil is a type of plant-based cooking oil often used in Asian and Southeast Asian cooking. This oil is light yellow in color and has a strong nutty flavor that adds depth and character to stir-fry and fried dishes. This oil can be used as a condiment too. You can add a dash to your favorite dishes and dips for a hint of flavor. Sesame oil is packed with antioxidants that promote better health. Unfortunately, rancid sesame oil can lead to sickness! This is why proper storage is important when it comes to sesame oil!

As with all types of plant-based oils, sesame oil has a limited shelf life. Storing the product in less than ideal conditions will only hasten the breakdown of the oil. To make the most out of your supply, you have to know the best way to store this product.

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Can Sesame Oil Go Bad?

Yes, sesame oil will go bad especially if the container has not been sealed properly. Sesame oil can be processed in many ways but even the most refined type of sesame oil will go bad at some point. The secret to extending the shelf life of sesame oil is to keep the bottle closed tightly at all times.

Sesame oil has a best by date on the label and it is important to check the expiry date before using the oil. The good news is, it will take a while before sesame oil goes bad. Most plant-based oils will go bad within a few months. But sesame oil will keep fresh for several months. But the longer it is kept in storage, the faster the oil will degrade. Our advice is to go through a bottle quickly for optimal flavor.

Signs that Sesame Oil Has Gone Bad

It’s easy to tell if sesame oil is no longer safe to use, a whiff of it will clue you in! If the oil has developed an unpleasant odor, the oil has gone bad. If the oil has developed an off taste, discard the product. Check if there’s been a change in its color. If the product has darkened, give it a sniff to check for changes in the aroma before discarding.

How to Store Sesame Oil?

You probably think that sesame oil, just like any cooking oil, is best kept in the pantry at room temperature, but you are in for a surprise. Sesame oil is best kept in the refrigerator. Although you can store sesame oil in the pantry, this method is best for unopened bottles of sesame oil. Once the bottle of sesame oil has been opened, it should be refrigerated to slow down the degradation of the oil.

The fact is, sesame oil is quite sensitive to hot, humid temperatures. Unopened bottles of sesame oil must be kept in a cool place, away from sources of heat and direct sunlight. Unfortunately, pollutants could cause the product to oxidize. This increases the risk of spoilage. Refrigeration extends the shelf life of the oil while optimizing its nutty flavor.

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Keeping the product in the fridge requires no prep at all. Just place a bottle of sesame oil in the coldest spot in the fridge and you’re done. Storing the product in the fridge means the oil will solidify. This will not alter the flavor or color of the oil at all. Just scoop the solidified oil when you need it and it will return to its fluid consistency at room temperature.

When kept at room temperature, opened bottles of sesame oil will keep fresh for 6 to 8 months. But when kept in the fridge, the product will stay fresh for 2 years or so.

Can You Freeze Sesame Oil?

Yes, you can also freeze sesame oil. When stored in the freezer, sesame oil will keep indefinitely. If you’d like to freeze sesame oil, we highly suggest transferring the product to a freezer-safe container. Divide the product into serving portions so you don’t have to defrost the whole thing when you only need a couple of portions.

Summary

Sesame oil is quite delicate so it always pays to check how to store the product properly to maximize your supply! If you can use up the oil within a few months then it is best to store the product in the fridge. But if you’d like to keep the product in long-term storage, freezing may be ideal.

Can white vinegar go bad? A household staple, white vinegar is used as a sauce, preservative, and as a seasoning in cooking. It is also an ingredient for pickling, vinaigrette, and dips. White vinegar is often sold in large containers. Since you’ll use this product up quickly, there is no need to worry about the shelf life at all.

Vinegar has a notoriously long shelf life. Storing the product does not require any type of prep either. As long as you keep the container sealed, the flavor of the vinegar will remain the same for years or possibly, decades.

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Can White Vinegar Go Bad?

As for its shelf life, white vinegar will keep fresh for a long, long time. In fact, some experts believe white vinegar has an indefinite shelf life! Vinegar is one of those unique food products that do not spoil. The secret to its long shelf life is its self-preserving properties.

Vinegar is an acidic solution and that makes it impervious to bacterial or fungal contamination. White vinegar, in particular, can be used years beyond its expiry date. When used to season other foods, white vinegar can extend the food’s shelf life too. The acidity of the product inhibits spoilage, extending the shelf life of any dish.

Signs that White Vinegar Has Gone Bad

To reiterate, white vinegar has an indefinite shelf life. However, the look and taste of the product do change over time. White vinegar that’s been stored for a long time will turn darker, cloudier. Sediments could develop at the bottom of the bottle. The flavor of the product will become deeper, more acidic. All these changes are normal. Old vinegar is still safe to consume.

Vinegar that’s been stored for a while could develop a slimy substance called “mother.” You can use this substance to make your own vinegar!

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How to Store White Vinegar?

Storing white vinegar is so easy! The best way to do it is to keep the product in the pantry at room temperature. There is no additional prep needed to store the product unless you want to transfer the vinegar in a decorative glass container. Just place the white vinegar in a cool, dark place, original packaging and all. Keep the product away from sources of heat and direct sunlight for optimal result.

Always keep the lid tightly closed after every use. Storing the product improperly could affect the flavor of the white vinegar. If the white vinegar is not sealed, the flavor of the product won’t be as robust.

Can You Freeze White Vinegar?

White vinegar does not require refrigeration or freezing. The chilly temperature may alter the taste of the product. White vinegar is best kept at room temperature. Its self-preserving properties ensure that the product will keep for years to come.

Summary

Can white vinegar go bad? Studies show that white vinegar will keep indefinitely so no, it won’t spoil at all. That means you can take advantage of supermarket sales and buy vinegar in bulk! Just keep your supply in the pantry and you have years to consume your stash!

Are you a Nutella fan? This popular product is used as a bread spread but let’s face it, most of us take Nutella as a dessert. This product is often used as a dessert topping, bread filling, or as an ingredient in sweet drinks. Nutella is made from milk cocoa, hazelnuts, and skim milk. Since the product contains dairy, Nutella has a limited storage life.

It is also worth noting that hazelnuts have short shelf life. And this decreases the storage life of Nutella even further. Nutella is often sold in large glass bottles and tubs so it will take a while to use up a bottle of the product. As such, proper storage is a must to maximize your supply!

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Can Nutella Go Bad?

Yes, Nutella can go bad pretty quickly especially if 1) the lid wasn’t closed properly and 2) the storage conditions aren’t ideal. Because Nutella contains nuts and dairy, it is susceptible to mold and bacteria growth. This is something to keep in mind if you’re planning to store the product at room temperature.

The ingredients are quite sensitive to heat and sunlight too. That’s why you have to store the product in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. If stored improperly, the overall flavor and texture of Nutella will be altered. And if you’re a Nutella fan, you can’t afford to waste a good bottle of the stuff!

Signs that Nutella has Gone Bad

It is easy to tell if Nutella has gone bad. For starters, spoiled Nutella will develop a weird aroma. The once soft and creamy texture will become hard and dry. The nut oils will turn rancid, giving off a musty flavor and aroma. If you see the presence of mold growth, discard the product.

How to Store Nutella?

The best way to store Nutella is to keep it in the pantry at room temperature. If you’re worried that the product will go bad quickly because it is kept at room temperature, don’t. Nutella is meant to be stored and enjoyed this way.

You might think keeping the product in the fridge is a good idea but it’s really not. At room temperature, the nut spread is more fluid and spreadable. When kept in the fridge, the chilly temperature will cause the product to harden so the texture is no longer spreadable. Once Nutella is kept in the fridge, you shouldn’t return it to the pantry anymore.  Doing so could cause the product to go bad much more quickly.

To store Nutella in the pantry, no additional prep is needed. Just place the product in a cool, dry place away from natural light. Keep the product away from sources of heat, moisture, and humidity. Always keep the lid tightly sealed after every use to extend Nutella’s shelf life.

Unopened bottles of Nutella will keep in the pantry for 2 months or so. An opened bottle of Nutella will keep in the pantry 1 month past its sell-by-date.

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Can You Freeze Nutella?

You can freeze Nutella because any type of food can be frozen. But just like refrigeration, freezing is not an ideal method of storing Nutella. Freezing will forever alter the taste and flavor of Nutella if the product has been frozen for a long time. This method hardens the product too so you have to thaw frozen Nutella completely before you can use it.

On top of that, chilly and/or freezing temperature could trigger separation between the milk proteins and nut oil once thawed. If say, you still want to freeze Nutella, you have to transfer the product to a freezer-safe container. The product often comes in glass containers, which will shatter in freezing temperature.

Just scoop the product into your desired container evenly then seal. Write the storage date then stick the product in the freezer. We highly suggest dividing the product into manageable portions so you don’t have to defrost the whole container for a couple of tablespoons.

Summary

Storing Nutella is so easy but there are certain things to keep in mind to extend its shelf life. Always keep the lid tightly closed after every use. Use a clean spoon when scooping the product to reduce contamination. Do not store the product in cold storage to maintain its creamy texture and original flavor.

Molasses is a thick syrup derived from pure sugar cane juice. This syrup has a light to deep brown color and a distinct flavor. Molasses is used in cooking, baking, and grilling. It can be added to sauces and marinades too. While molasses is quite sweet, it is high in magnesium and potassium. Can molasses go bad?

Molasses is quite sensitive to heat and humidity. If the storage conditions are hot and humid, there is an increased risk of mold growth. This is why it is important to store the product the right way to stretch its shelf life! If you’d like to know more about the shelf life and storage infos of molasses, continue reading below:

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Can Molasses Go Bad?

Yes, molasses can go bad. Molasses is similar to honey in taste but the former has a shelf life. That said, as long as the storage conditions are ideal, there is no reason why molasses won’t keep for a long, long time. It is also worth noting that molasses is highly hygroscopic. It attracts and retains moisture so bacterial growth is likely if stored improperly.

Since molasses is sensitive to heat and humidity, it is best to store the product in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This goes for all types of store-bought molasses: light, dark, and blackstrap. Sulphured and unsulphered varieties of molasses should be stored this way too. Sealed, unopened bottles of molasses will keep for 10 years in the pantry and maybe more if kept in the refrigerator. Opened bottles of molasses should keep for 1 to 5 years if stored properly and kept sealed after every use.

Signs that Molasses Has Gone Bad

It is hard to determine if molasses has gone bad simply because the texture, taste, and flavor of the product will remain the same for years. There are no exact signs that would clue people in that the molasses has spoiled. You just have to pay close attention to slight changes in the color and flavor of the product to know for sure.

The only time you’ll know for sure that the product is no longer usable is if you see the presence of mold growth. If for some reason the product has turned off-color or there was a change in its aroma, discard the product.

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How to Store Molasses?

The best way to store molasses is to keep it at room temperature or store it in the refrigerator. If you want to store the product in the pantry, just use the original packaging. Place the product in the darkest, coolest (not freezing) spot in the pantry. Keep the product away from sources of heat and humidity. The shelf life of molasses could be extended if the temperature is stable.

You can also refrigerate molasses but the viscosity of the product will thicken. This is due to the chilly temperature. There is no additional prep needed to store the molasses in the fridge, use its original packaging. Cold molasses is hard to pour so you need to warm the bottle up before use. Just immerse the container in warm water for a few minutes and the molasses will become more fluid.

Can You Freeze Molasses?

You can freeze molasses because any food can be frozen. However, this is not a recommended storage method at all. For one thing, freezing temperature could affect the viscosity of the product. Thawing frozen molasses increases the risk of mold growth. Also, since molasses keep practically for a decade in the pantry, there is no need to freeze the product to extend its shelf life.

If say, you still want to freeze the product, you have to transfer the molasses in a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid. Pour the product into the container but do not fill it to the brim. Cover with the airtight lid and write the storage date before sticking in the freezer.

Summary

Can molasses go bad? Although it will keep for ages, molasses does have limited shelf life. It won’t keep forever but try the storage tips we’ve outlined above to extend the storage life of molasses!

Mayonnaise is a popular condiment often used as ingredients or flavoring to sandwiches, spreads, dips, hot and cold salads. This product is made with egg whites, which have a short shelf life. Mayonnaise is widely available in supermarkets although you can also make this product from scratch.

Can mayonnaise go bad? Just like any type of food, mayonnaise will go bad at some point. This goes especially if it is exposed to heat, moisture, and humidity. The ingredients are quite temperature sensitive so proper storage is a must! If you’d like to know more about storing mayo properly, continue reading below:

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Can Mayonnaise Go Bad?

Store-bought mayo will take a while to spoil because it contains a variety of preservatives. Homemade mayo, on the other hand, will go bad quickly if it is not stored properly. So yes, mayonnaise could go bad but only if the storage conditions are not ideal.

As far as storing mayo goes, the temperature has to be right to prevent spoilage. The egg whites, along with the other ingredients, are quite sensitive to direct heat. Exposure to moisture could also increase the risk of spoilage. If you are not careful, mayo could go bad far more quickly than it should.

When kept at room temperature, unopened packs of mayo will keep for 3 to 4 months beyond its expiry date. Opened bottles of mayo kept in the fridge will keep for 2 to 3 months.

Signs that Mayonnaise Has Gone Bad

How do you know if that bottle of mayo that’s been sitting in the fridge for months is still safe to eat? Check for slight discoloration. If say, the mayo is turning a weird shade of yellow instead of creamy white, discard the product. If the texture of the mayo has become lumpy or overly goopy, best to toss it in the trash. If the bottle of mayo starts producing a foul stench, then it is no longer safe to eat. The same thing goes if you see the presence of mold.

How to Store Mayonnaise?

The best way to store unopened bottles of mayo is to keep it in the pantry at room temperature. Never store opened bottles of mayo at room temperature. Hot, humid temps trigger bacterial growth that causes sickness. Since the product contains egg whites, it is so easy for bacteria to spread. If the bottle of opened mayo has been sitting in the pantry for at least a day, it is no longer safe to eat.

Keep opened bottles of mayo in the refrigerator. The chilly temperature will slow down bacterial growth. Place the bottle of mayonnaise in the coldest part of the fridge. The back of the fridge is ideal for storing mayonnaise because the temperature is stable. Always keep the lid tightly closed after every use to maintain freshness.

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Can You Freeze Mayonnaise?

Technically, yes, you can freeze mayonnaise. However, it is not the recommended storage method for this product. You see, freezing temperature could alter the texture of mayonnaise. Once thawed, the product could turn watery. The flavor may also change after freezing. Still, you can freeze the product if say, you are desperately trying to extend its shelf life. Our advice is to consume the bottle of mayonnaise as soon as possible so there is no need for freezing.

Also, keep in mind that only mayo in plastic packaging should be frozen. Glass containers will shatter in freezing temperature. If you must, transfer the product in a resealable plastic bag. Just spoon the mayo into the resealable plastic bag and fill the container halfway through. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing the bag. Write the storage date and then stick in the freezer.

Summary

Can mayonnaise go bad? This popular condiment could go bad quickly if not stored properly! But as long as you keep the storage tips we’ve outlined in this guide, your supply of mayo will keep for a long time.

Nothing like a little lime juice to add a zesty zing to your favorite dishes! Lime juice is a versatile ingredient. You can use it to flavor stews, soups, and salads. It can be used for cooking, baking, grilling, juicing, and so much more. Lime juice is not only a useful ingredient; it is also loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Because lime juice is such a common ingredient, it is always a good idea to have some in stock, ready to be used anytime. But what if the lime juice has been sitting in the fridge for weeks? Can lime juice go bad?

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Can Lime Juice Go Bad?

Lime juice has a surprisingly long shelf life. However, this is the kind of product that is best used as soon as possible. Lime juice has to be fresh to get the fullest flavor. And yes, if the lime juice has been left sitting for too long, it will go bad at some point.

Freshly squeezed lime juice will spoil much faster than the store-bought kind. The preservatives in store-bought lime juice extend its shelf life significantly. However, even store-bought lime juice will go bad if it’s been stored improperly.

Unopened packs of store-bought lime juice will keep for 12 to 18 months at room temperature. The shelf life of the product becomes shorter once it has been opened. When stored properly, lime juice will keep in the fridge for a week or two.

Freshly squeezed lime juice will only keep in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. To extend the shelf life of freshly squeezed lime juice, freeze it in ice cube trays. When frozen, lime juice will keep for 4 to 9 months. Do note that fresh lime juice oxidizes and its flavor weakens while in storage.

Signs that Lime Juice has Gone Bad

It’s easy to tell if the lime juice has gone bad. Start by taking a whiff. If the juice is emitting a funky, off odor then the lime juice is no longer safe to use. Check for signs of discoloration. If the juice has turned a weird color, discard the product. If you see the presence of mold forming on the juice, discard the product. For packed lime juice, check the packaging. If the packaging starts bulging or leaking, toss the product in the trash.

How to Store Lime Juice

The storage method of lime juice will depend on the type of product you got. For unopened store-bought lime juice, keeping it in the pantry is the best way to maintain freshness. Store the sealed lime juice packs in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight.

For opened packs of lime juice or freshly squeezed lime juice, it is best to keep the product in the refrigerator. Refrigeration will delay the degradation of the product, extending its shelf life. This is a great method for lime juice that is nearing its expiry date. Finally, you can also freeze the lime juice for long-term storage.

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Can You Freeze Lime Juice?

Yes, lime juice can be frozen. This is a great method for extra lime juice that you won’t be able to use up for weeks. If you are freezing lime juice, we highly recommend dividing the product into manageable portions. This way, you don’t have to thaw the entire container of frozen lime juice just for a couple of tablespoons.

Try using two or more ice cube trays. Just pour the lime juice into the tray then stick in the freezer. Leave the lime juice to freeze for 4 hours to overnight. Once frozen solid, prepare a large resealable plastic bag. Take the ice cube tray out of the freezer then carefully pop the cubed lime juice. Place the lime juice cubes in the resealable plastic bag. Squeeze as much air as you can before sealing. Write the storage date then stick in the freezer. Every time you need a serving of lime juice, just take a cube or two!

Summary

Can lime juice go bad? If stored improperly, it can. But as long as you store the product properly, there is no reason why lime juice won’t keep for longer!