Does Avocado Oil Go Bad?

When it comes to prolonging the shelf life of our cooking oils, many of us are mindful of how long they last before they lose their quality. If you own avocado oil in your kitchen due to its health benefits and versatility, you may find yourself asking whether it can spoil over time.

Here, we’ll answer that question while also exploring the factors that affect its shelf life, how to tell if your avocado oil has expired, and what happens if you use it past its prime.

Plus, we’ll share some essential storage tips and suggest an alternative oil with a longer shelf life.

Does Avocado Oil Go Bad?

Yes, avocado oil can go bad over time. Like other oils, avocado oil is prone to oxidation, which happens when it is exposed to air, heat, or light. This process can lead to a rancid taste and smell ❶.

Unrefined avocado oil, while richer in nutrients and flavor, has a shorter shelf life compared to refined oil due to its higher content of sensitive compounds that are prone to oxidation. These compounds, such as antioxidants and polyphenols, provide many of the oil's health benefits but also make it more susceptible to degradation when exposed to air, light, and heat ❷.

As a result, unrefined avocado oil can develop off-flavors and lose its nutritional value more quickly than its refined counterpart.

How Long Does Avocado Oil Last?

The shelf life of avocado oil depends on whether it is refined or unrefined.

Refined avocado oil, which undergoes processing to remove impurities, typically lasts longer — about 12-18 months when unopened and stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it is best to use refined avocado oil within 6-8 months for optimal quality. After this time, it may still be safe to eat, but the taste and nutritional value could decline.

Unrefined avocado oil, with its higher content of sensitive compounds, has a shorter shelf life of about 6-12 months if it is unopened and should be consumed within 4-6 months after opening. Air, light, and heat can cause the oil to go bad and lose its taste and nutrients faster than refined oils.

How Can You Tell If Avocado Oil Has Gone Bad?

You can tell if avocado oil has gone bad by examining its smell, taste, and appearance.

Spoiled avocado oil often develops a rancid, sour, or off-putting odor that is noticeably different from its usual fresh and slightly nutty scent. Moreover, the taste may become bitter or metallic, which indicates that the oil is no longer good to use.

In terms of appearance, spoiled avocado oil may undergo a slight change in color or become cloudy. This is more noticeable in unrefined avocado oil, which has a more robust, greenish hue due to its chlorophyll content ❸. Refined avocado oil typically has a pale golden color and is less likely to show visible signs of spoilage, although its other characteristics (smell and taste) should still be your primary guide.

Always check the expiration or best-before date as a guideline, but trust your senses to confirm whether the oil is still fresh. If there are any doubts, discard the oil to avoid potential risks.

What Happens If You Use Expired Avocado Oil?

Using expired avocado oil may pose health risks and can negatively impact the flavor and quality of your food. Consuming expired avocado oil could lead to the ingestion of harmful free radicals, which are linked to inflammation and long-term health concerns ❹.

Additionally, the nutritional value of the oil diminishes as it deteriorates, which reduces its benefits. If you suspect the oil has gone bad, it’s best to avoid using it to maintain the integrity of your meals and protect your health.

How to Properly Store Avocado Oil

To make sure your avocado oil stays fresh and retains its health benefits, proper storage is a must. Follow these simple guidelines:

• Keep it in a cool, dark place. Store avocado oil in a pantry, cupboard, or a dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources like stoves or ovens. A stable, low-temperature environment will help maintain the oil’s flavor and nutritional value for longer.
• Use an airtight container. Always tightly seal the bottle after use to minimize exposure to air. If your avocado oil is stored in a bottle with a screw cap or similar closure, make sure the lid is securely fastened to prevent air from entering.
• Avoid temperature fluctuations. Moving the bottle from a warm kitchen to a cooler fridge or leaving it near a heat source can break down the oil’s chemical structure. Keep the oil in a consistently cool environment.
• Consider refrigeration for unrefined oil. If you have unrefined avocado oil, refrigeration can be a good option to extend its shelf life. Note that while refrigeration helps slow down oxidation, it may cause the oil to thicken or solidify. If this happens, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using, and it will return to its liquid state.
• Choose a dark-colored bottle. If purchasing oil, opt for one in a dark or opaque bottle to protect it from light exposure. Dark bottles filter out harmful UV rays so that the oil stays fresher for longer.
• Label and date. Mark the date you opened the bottle to keep track of its freshness. Unrefined avocado oil generally lasts around 6-8 months after it is opened, while refined avocado oil must be consumed within 4-6 months after opening.

The Bottom Line

It’s important to be mindful of avocado oil’s shelf life to ensure you’re getting the most out of it. However, if you’re looking for an oil that lasts longer and offers even more health benefits, consider trying algae cooking oil.

Algae Cooking Club’s chef-grade algae oil can truly do it all while benefiting your health. With a shelf life of 12-24 months, our oil outlasts avocado oil and is packaged in a protective aluminum bottle to shield it from light. Additionally, it boasts 25% more Omega-9 monounsaturated fat and 75% less saturated fat compared to avocado oil.

Choose Algae Cooking Club — your go-to oil for superior quality and versatility.