Does apple cider vinegar go bad?
Apple cider vinegar lasts almost indefinitely, according to the Vinegar Institute, because its acidity preserves it, and it does not need refrigeration. Over time it can turn cloudy, form sediment or grow a harmless "mother", and its flavour may fade. The best-by date is about quality, not safety. For canning, use fresh vinegar of known acidity.
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Key facts
- Shelf life. Vinegar has an "almost indefinite" shelf life according to the Vinegar Institute, quoted by Iowa State University Extension. [1] [2]
- Storage. "Because of its acid nature, vinegar is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration." Keep the lid on: the acidity does not change unless moisture or water gets into the container. [1]
- Best-by date. Iowa State: the "Best By" date "is not a safety date"; it is about quality. [1]
What changes are harmless?
Iowa State lists three common changes in opened vinegar:
- Cloudiness. Harmless "vinegar bacteria" can grow after opening; this "does not affect the quality of the vinegar or its flavor".
- Sediment. Less-filtered vinegars can form sediment; strain it through a coffee filter.
- Mother. A slimy blob of vinegar bacteria that forms when pasteurisation is incomplete or air re-inoculates the vinegar. [1]
Non-white vinegars such as cider vinegar may also darken or lose flavour; Iowa State, citing StillTasty, suggests using them within 2–3 years for best quality. [1] How the mother forms is explained in what is the mother in apple cider vinegar, and how apple cider vinegar is made covers the two fermentations.
Can I use old vinegar for canning?
For canning and pickling, use commercial vinegar labelled 5% acidity that shows none of the changes above; homemade vinegar is not recommended. [1] See can you use apple cider vinegar for pickling.
Related answers: what the mother is · vinegar for pickling
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We don't give health advice. For questions about your health, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Questions
Does apple cider vinegar need to be refrigerated?
No. Iowa State University Extension quotes the Vinegar Institute: "vinegar is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration". [1] Store it closed in a cool, dark place.
Can I use old apple cider vinegar?
For cooking, Iowa State says older vinegars are safe but may change over time; citing StillTasty, it says non-white vinegars are best used within 2–3 years for quality. [1] For canning, see the section below.
Is the blob in my vinegar mould?
A slimy, floating blob is usually a vinegar mother, made of vinegar bacteria. [1] See what is the mother in apple cider vinegar. If you see fuzzy growth on the surface or it smells wrong, throw it out.
Sources
- Vinegar Shelf Life and Safety — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (AnswerLine)
- Vinegar FAQs — The Vinegar Institute