How long does olive oil last? How to know if it's still good

In this guide, we go over how long olive oil lasts - both unopened and opened - what affects shelf life and simple storage tips so you don't throw away oil unnecessarily.

Yes – olive oil can go “old” when it oxidizes and loses flavor. It doesn’t become dangerous in the same way as some fresh produce, but it can go rancid and taste like cardboard, old grease, or “sticky” in the throat.

How to tell if olive oil is old

Check these three things:

• Smell : does it smell like cardboard, chalk, old grease or paint? Then it is probably rancid.
  
• Taste : does it taste flat, bitter in an unpleasant way, or leave a “sharp” feeling?
  
• Feel : good olive oil feels fresh and “clean” – old oil often feels dull and heavy.
  

Tip: Cloudiness in the cold can be normal.

It's the smell and taste that decide.

Olive oil often lasts 1–2 years unopened if stored in a cool, dark place. An opened bottle tastes best for about 3–6 months, but can be used longer if it smells and tastes fresh.

Old olive oil is rarely dangerous to "eat", but can become rancid - then it tastes pungent or like cardboard. It is better to store the oil in a well-sealed bottle, protected from light and heat, and it will last longer.

You will also get tips on how to recognize if the oil has gone bad and what you can do with old olive oil.

Shelf life and differences between types of olive oil

Unopened olive oil can have an impressive shelf life if stored correctly.

Extra virgin olive oil, especially if packaged in a dark glass bottle, can stay fresh for up to two years. This is because dark glass protects the oil from light, which can otherwise degrade its quality.

If the olive oil is stored in a clear bottle, its shelf life is often shorter, as light penetrates and accelerates oxidation.

The best-before date indicated on the bottle is a good guideline, but high-quality olive oil may last longer than that.

To ensure the oil is still good, check its taste and smell before use.

What affects the shelf life after opening?

After olive oil is opened, it begins to be exposed to air, light, and heat, which accelerates oxidation and reduces shelf life.

Extra virgin olive oil usually lasts for about 6 months after opening the bottle, provided it is stored properly, so it is important to minimize exposure to these factors.

For daily use, it is recommended to use a bottle with a spout, as it reduces contact with air and helps preserve the quality of the oil for longer.

By following these simple guidelines, you can use olive oil multiple times without compromising on flavor and nutritional content.

Do you have a lot of olive oil at home and want to use it up in a fun way? Olive oil can actually work in some cocktails – usually as a small “finish” (a few drops) or in an olive oil wash that gives a rounder flavor.

If you like that style, you can find our drink recipes here.

Simple tips for storage

To ensure that olive oil lasts as long as possible, storage is a crucial factor. One of the easiest ways to extend its shelf life is to store the bottle in a dark and cool place, such as in a pantry or kitchen cabinet away from heat sources such as the stove.

Direct exposure to light and heat can quickly degrade quality.

If you store olive oil in the refrigerator, it may become cloudy and form crystals. However, this does not affect its quality and the oil returns to its original consistency at room temperature.

A dark glass bottle or a bottle with a spout is also an excellent choice to protect the oil from light and air, which contributes to a longer shelf life.

- Thanks to Abuelaz's dark green bottle, the oil is better protected from light, which helps it stay fresh longer.

If you find that your olive oil has gone rancid or is too old to use, it is important not to pour it down the drain. Instead, you should follow your municipality's instructions on how to sort oil.

An easy way is to collect leftover oil in a jar or container before throwing it in the designated waste.

Old olive oil can also be used in other creative ways.

For example, it can act as a lubricant for door hinges or be used in DIY projects to make natural soaps or candles. This way you can reduce waste and give the oil a new purpose.

Abuelaz Olive Oil N°1 is an excellent choice for preserving the taste and quality of your olive oil. It comes in a bottle with a spout that minimizes contact with air and light, which is crucial for extending its shelf life.

For daily use, it's not just practical; it's a beautiful product in the kitchen or on the dining table.

To inspire you in the kitchen, Abuelaz also offers delicious recipes that highlight the olive oil's flavor.

– Unopened: approximately 12–24 months from bottling if stored in a dark and cool place.

– Opened: tastes best within 3–6 months, preferably up to about 6–12 months if stored well.

– Best before: often okay if the smell and taste are good - always use your senses as a final check.