Does vinegar go bad?

Vinegar is so acidic that it almost never spoils. White and wine vinegar keep their best quality for about 2 years, apple cider vinegar indefinitely, and balsamic vinegar 3 to 5 years unopened. Over time the flavor and color may change, but it stays safe.

Food	Fridge	Pantry
White and wine vinegar	—	2 yearsfrom purchase
Apple cider vinegar	—	Indefinitely
Balsamic vinegar	—Opened: 18 months	3–5 yearsfrom purchase

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 vinegar has gone bad

A cloudy, jelly-like blob or sediment is the vinegar "mother", a harmless culture of bacteria. Strain it out or leave it.
Color changes and a milder flavor are normal with age.
Mold or an unusual smell in flavored vinegars, especially homemade ones with herbs or garlic: throw them out.

How to store vinegar

Keep vinegar tightly closed in a cool, dark cupboard. It doesn't need refrigerating.
Keep it in its glass bottle, away from the stove and sunlight.
Refrigerate homemade infused vinegars with fresh herbs, fruit or garlic, and use them within a few weeks.

Can you freeze vinegar?

There's no need. Vinegar keeps for years in the pantry; freezing adds nothing.

Questions

Can you use vinegar after the best-by date?

Yes. The date is about quality: vinegar may lose some sharpness or change color, but it stays safe to use.

Is the vinegar mother safe?

Yes. It's made of the same bacteria that turn wine or cider into vinegar. It's harmless and can even be used to start a homemade vinegar.

Does balsamic vinegar need to be refrigerated?

No. Keep it tightly closed in a cool, dark cupboard. FoodKeeper suggests using it within about 18 months of opening for the best flavor.

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