Does Canola Oil Go Bad? How Long Does It Last?

logo by Editorial Staff | Updated on August 5th, 2022

In our kitchens, we all have oils that we use for baking, cooking, and snacking. There are several oils on the market now, each with its own set of advantages, which is fascinating.


Canola oil is one of the cheapest and widely available oils today. The oil’s mild taste and versatility make it an ideal oil to keep on hand. However, we may be concerned that canola oil may go rancid.

Bottle of rapeseed oil (canola) and repe flowers on table outdoors

What Exactly Is Canola Oil?

Canola oil is only one of several cooking oils available. It is produced at a processing plant where the Canola seed is crushed and then slightly heated. The extracted oil is processed using various techniques, including steam distillation.

Canola oil is often regarded as a healthy oil due to its low proportion of saturated fat (7 percent ). Canola oil, like olive oil, is high in monounsaturated fat (63 percent ). A kind of dietary fat, monounsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature but solidify when cooled.

Canola oil may be used in various cooking techniques, including sautéing, stir-frying, grilling, and baking. Salad dressings, sauces, and marinades may all benefit from it.

Canola oil nutritional information

Vitamins

Canola oil has a good amount of vitamin E, and K. Vitamin K is essential for bone growth and blood clotting. It lessens the likelihood of major injuries and heavy bleeding.

On the other hand, Vitamin E is a possible antioxidant that protects body cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are hazardous molecules that are produced during metabolism and are neutralized by proper vitamin and mineral intake.

Vitamins E and K are both fat-soluble vitamins that may be stored in the body. As a result, regular consumption of canola oil aids in the accumulation of reserves in the body.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are present.

Canola oil includes Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, which aid in the reduction of LDL cholesterol and the growth of HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is terrible for your health; on the other hand, HDL or “good” cholesterol is excellent for your health.

The most effective frying oil

Despite its reputation for excessive consumption, canola oil has just 7% saturated fat, making it an excellent choice for sautéing and baking. Canola oil has a moderate flavor that does not interfere with the taste of other substances.

Is it possible for canola oil to become bad?

Canola oil, like other oils, degrades with time. Though mold and rot are extremely rare to develop, deterioration will occur after a time. The primary spoilage concern with canola oil is that it readily goes rancid. When exposed to air, light, or heat, the oil molecules oxidize, resulting in rancidity.

Consumption of oxidized lipids may harm your health; in addition to tasting bad, thus consuming rancid oil is strongly advised. Proper storage is essential for extending the shelf life of your cooking oils as much as possible.

Canola oil has a shelf life of around a year.

Canola oil has a long shelf life if stored properly. You may enjoy your canola oil for up to six months after the best by date if it is unopened. This is because there is no oxidation process when the oil is sealed.

However, once you open a container of canola oil, the quality begins to deteriorate, and the shelf life is significantly reduced. An open bottle of canola oil can last anywhere from six to twelve months if maintained in a cold place.

If you reside in a humid area with high temperatures, you may store your canola oil in the refrigerator. It may be stored in the fridge for up to a year. If you keep your canola oil in the pantry, you will discover that it may last up to six months before becoming rancid.

In the pantryIn the fridge
UnopenedBest by date plus 6 monthsBest by date plus 12 months
Opened6 months12 months

Canola oil lasts how long outside?

Canola oil, both sealed and unopened, can be kept on the counter but is best stored in a pantry or cupboard.

Unopened canola oil may be kept in a pantry for up to two years. If you don’t have a food pantry, keep it in the dark cabinet or elsewhere.

Canola oil’s shelf life is reduced when it is opened and exposed to air, although it may still be stored in a pantry for up to a year.

How Long Will Canola Oil Keep in the Fridge?

Canola oil may be stored in the refrigerator. However, it may solidify. This does not imply that it has failed. To return to its liquid condition, it will only need to warm up again.

Canola oil’s shelf life will not be extended by storing it in the refrigerator. Unopened bottles of canola oil can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 years.

Opened canola oil stored in the fridge has the same shelf life as opened oil stored in the pantry, which is one year.

How Long Will Canola Oil Keep in the Freezer?

It is not suggested to freeze canola oil. It will freeze, and its shelf life will be cut short. It will be at its peak quality for approximately a year if kept in the freezer.

There is, however, a disadvantage to freezing your oil. Freezing oil can affect the structure of the oil, reducing its shelf life once it has been thawed.

It makes no difference whether the oil is sealed or unopened while freezing. If you decide to freeze it, put it in a firmly covered container.

As you can see, the ideal place to keep canola oil is in the pantry. They may be stored in the refrigerator and have the same shelf life. Canola oil should not be stored in the freezer.

Is it necessary to keep canola oil refrigerated after opening?

When you open a bottle of cooking oil, such as maize, safflower, canola, or peanut oil, air enters and degrades the oil. After opening, we recommend that all cooking oils be refrigerated.

How to Tell If Your Canola Oil Is Bad

It’s great if you know how to tell if canola oil has gone bad because you won’t be cooking with rancid oil, which will make your food taste horrible.

You may have purchased a large container of canola oil or discovered an old bottle and are now unsure if it is safe to consume. Here are four signs that your canola oil has gone bad:

Check Your Canola Oil

Canola oil is a pale yellow liquid. If you notice that your canola oil has discolored and is now a deeper tint, it is advised not to use it because it is no longer fresh.

Furthermore, if your canola oil has turned murky, you should not use it any longer.

Finally, any trace of pollution in your oil indicates that it is no longer fit for usage.

If you notice mold or organic development in or around the bottle, it’s time to acquire new canola oil. Although eating rancid canola oil will not get you sick, it will ruin the taste of your food.

Smell test

Canola oil has a delicate scent that is not overpowering. So, if your canola oil smells strong and nasty, it’s time to stop using it because it’s past its prime.

When it comes to eating, it is important to trust your instincts. If the scent no longer appears fresh, it is better to stop using it.

Is the density of oil change?

Canola oil isn’t as thick as other vegetable oils and pours readily. As a result, if your canola oil has thickened and become difficult to extract from the container, it is no longer fresh. Canola oil is composed of fatty compositions that might change over time. Once this occurs, the oil will no longer be fresh.

Taste it

Canola oil is popular since it does not have a strong flavor. However, if you sample your canola oil that tastes nasty or rotten, it is no longer fresh.

Suppose you notice that your canola oil is no longer performing effectively when cooking or baking. In that case, it is essential to replace it because continuing to use the low-quality oil can result in burned food.

Canola Oil Storage Instructions

Canola oil may be stored for a long, provided it is kept free from heat and moisture. By correctly storing your canola oil, you will be able to enjoy it for months to come.

You may keep your canola oil in either the pantry or the refrigerator. Both are excellent choices since canola oil keeps well in and out of the refrigerator. Let’s have a look at how to store canola oil in the cupboard and the refrigerator:

Keeping Canola Oil in the Pantry

Canola oil will stay in your pantry for a long time if kept away from direct sunlight. It is recommended to keep it in a cool spot, such as a pantry cabinet. You should also keep it away from heat sources such as your oven or stove since heat may significantly reduce the oil quality.

To keep your canola oil fresh for as long as possible, transfer it to a dark or amber-colored bottle to prevent the oxidation process from beginning rapidly. Before putting your canola oil in the bottle, ensure it’s clean and fully dry. An unclean container might lead to bacterial infection and turn your oil rancid.

Keeping Canola Oil in the Fridge

If you live in a hot climate or an area with significant humidity, you may want to keep your canola oil in the refrigerator. Canola oil stays quite well in the refrigerator and maintaining it in such chilly and consistent conditions can extend its shelf life significantly.

If you prefer to keep your canola oil in the refrigerator, make sure to return it to the refrigerator after use since transferring it in and out of the refrigerator might impair the quality of your canola oil. It is not required to store canola oil in a dark bottle if it is kept in the refrigerator.

Instead, keep it in the container it arrived in. However, you must always shut the bottle before placing it in the refrigerator since moisture might degrade the quality of your canola oil.

What’s the deal with the floating particles in my canola oil?

Canola oil can congeal even at room temperature. It becomes considerably more prevalent as the weather becomes chilly.

During the winter, you may discover what appear to be wax balls floating in the oil or resting at the bottom of your house or business. This is not a cause for concern because it will revert to liquid when reheated.

Can expired canola oil make you sick?

This process eventually leads to rancidity, which causes a terrible smell, color changes, and the negative alteration known as oxidation. Eating rancid fat may not make you sick in the short term, but it can severely impact your health over time.

The Dangers of Consuming Old Canola Oil

Canola oil that has gone rancid will alter the flavor of your cooking and baking. As a result, if canola oil seems to be rancid, do not use it. If in doubt, it is advisable to get fresh canola oil.

Fortunately, the main disadvantage of ingesting substandard canola oil is that it will make your meal taste odd. You will not become ill as a result of it. Only persons with extremely sensitive digestive systems may feel stomach pain from ingesting rancid canola oil.

However, scientists advise against canola oil overconsumption, claiming that while ingesting canola oil in moderation has no negative health impacts, taking too much of it might be harmful. Canola oil intake has been related to heart disease, strokes, inflammation, and cognitive impairment.

Can Canola Oil Be Freeze?

While it is not recommended, it is possible to freeze canola oil. Follow this simple instruction to freeze canola oil.

Keep it in its original container: Canola oil comes in different glass or plastic containers. When freezing, keep it well packed in the original container.

Keep it airtight: If it has been opened or cannot be frozen in its original container for whatever reason, ensure that the lid closes snugly and effectively to prevent air from entering and oil from leaking out.

Place in the freezer: Place the container in the freezer upright. It will not freeze, but it will solidify.

Canola Oil Thawing

It’s a breeze to thaw canola oil. There are a few options for doing so.

Allow it to defrost naturally: Remove the canola oil from the freezer and place it on the counter to warm up. It will revert to a liquid condition when it warms up.

Warm bath: If you need it to thaw out faster, place the bottle of canola oil in a warm bath of water. This will hasten the procedure.

Are There Any Canola Oil Substitutes?

So, you’ve noticed that your Canola Oil has gone bad, and you’re planning on preparing a salad tonight. Fortunately for you, many excellent canola oil replacements that you may already have stashed away in the back of your kitchen cupboard.

This includes the following:

  • Olive Oil
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Safflower Oil
  • Peanut Oil
  • Coconut Oil
  • Avocado Oil

Be aware that there are two kinds of olive oil. Olive oil, both extra virgin, and virgin. Extra Virgin is created from the first pressing of the fruit and has a greenish tint, while Virgin Oil is derived from the second pressing and has a much blander flavor.

Conclusion

Canola oil is a versatile oil that is ideal for cooking and baking. It is also quite inexpensive and keeps well in your fridge and pantry, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen.

Furthermore, understanding how to properly store your canola oil means you won’t have to worry about whether your canola oil has gone bad.

logo

Editorial Staff

Our writers, editors, content managers, and SEO specialist. We all take part in crafting amazing articles. We spend hours ensuring that each article is based on facts, researched, and thorough. You'll never want to click the back button to look for more answers other than here!