Does vanilla extract go bad?

Pure vanilla extract keeps its best quality for about 2 years unopened and about 12 months once opened, according to FoodKeeper. Its alcohol means it rarely spoils; it slowly loses aroma instead. Almond, lemon and other extracts follow the same times.

Food	Pantry
Pure vanilla extract	2 yearsOpened: 12 months
Almond and other flavor extracts	2 yearsOpened: 12 months

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if vanilla extract has gone bad

A weak smell: the extract has lost aroma and will add less flavor.
Cloudiness, sediment or anything growing in imitation vanilla, which has less alcohol.
An off, sour smell.

How to store vanilla extract

Keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dark cupboard.
Don't refrigerate or freeze it.
Keep vanilla beans wrapped airtight in a cool, dark place; they dry out in the fridge.

Can you freeze vanilla extract?

There's no need: its alcohol keeps it stable in the pantry.

Questions

Can you use expired vanilla extract?

Yes, if it smells normal. Pure extract is safe; it may simply be weaker, so add a little more.

Does imitation vanilla go bad?

It contains less alcohol and keeps less well than pure extract. Follow the date on the bottle.

How long do vanilla beans last?

Stored airtight in a cool, dark place, they stay usable for many months; dried-out beans can be ground or steeped in sugar.

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