Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It is a common household ingredient used for cooking, cleaning, beauty remedies and more. Like other vinegars, apple cider vinegar has an indefinite shelf life if stored properly. However, there are several signs that can indicate your apple cider vinegar has gone bad.
Check the Expiration Date
The first and easiest way to tell if your apple cider vinegar has expired is to check the expiration or best-by date printed on the bottle. Unopened, commercially packaged vinegars like apple cider vinegar typically last 2 to 3 years after the printed expiration date if stored properly.
Once opened, apple cider vinegar will stay good for about 6 months to a year. If your unopened bottle is past the printed expiration date or your opened bottle is past the general opened shelf life, it’s best to get rid of it.
Look For Changes in Color
Apple cider vinegar is typically light yellow to medium amber in color. Discoloration or darkening is one of the first signs that it has oxidized and may be expired.
Over time, apple cider vinegar can turn brown. This happens due to oxidation and indicates it may no longer be safe to consume.
Cloudiness or haziness can also be a warning sign. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains strands of the “mother,” which are colonies of beneficial bacteria and yeast responsible for creating vinegar through fermentation. This is normal.
However, if your apple cider vinegar has become overly cloudy, hazy or contains dark speckles, this is likely a sign it has gone bad.
Smell It
Apple cider vinegar has a strong, acidic smell that is typically rather unpleasant and pungent. While vinegar naturally has a robust odor, if the smell becomes moldy, musky, rotten or otherwise foul, this is a clear indicator your apple cider vinegar is rancid.
A strong, unpleasant smell that is significantly different from fresh apple cider vinegar is a warning sign to discard it.
Taste It
Your senses of taste and smell are closely linked. Just as with the smell, tasting apple cider vinegar is one of the simplest ways to identify if it has spoiled.
Apple cider vinegar should have a strong sour or tart taste. If you notice an off or strange flavor, such as bitterness, sweetness or excessive sourness, it’s best to throw out the batch.
Any noticeable changes in the expected taste likely mean it is past its shelf life and potentially harboring dangerous bacteria.
Check for Mold
The most telling sign that apple cider vinegar has spoiled is visual signs of mold. Apple cider vinegar is very acidic, which prevents most microbial growth. However, over time mold can still develop.
Look closely at the vinegar. If you see slimy strands or dots of white, green or black mold, it has definitely expired and should be discarded immediately.
Any batches of apple cider vinegar that are covered in mold spores should be thrown away as well, even if you can’t see actual mold growth.
Watch for Sediment
Apple cider vinegar is not filtered or pasteurized. This means that over time, visible sediment made up of the yeast and bacteria used during the fermentation process can accumulate at the bottom of the bottle.
A small amount of fine sediment or deposits is normal in unfiltered apple cider vinegar. However, thick, heavy sediment that accumulates very quickly is often a sign that your apple cider vinegar is past its shelf life.
Monitor Separated Layers
Apple cider vinegar consists of acetic acid and water. High quality, properly aged apple cider vinegar may also form visible layers or components that separate over time.
A thin, cobweb-like layer of the “mother” may float or settle on the bottom. Cloudy wisps or streaks may also be visible. However, if the layers become very defined and thick, this can indicate spoiled apple cider vinegar.
Dramatic separation that occurs quickly, such as oil slicks on the top or thick layers of sediment, shows your apple cider vinegar is over the hill.
Check if the Lid Is Tight
Apple cider vinegar is shelf-stable when properly sealed. If the lid or cap is loose or you’ve noticed leaks coming from the bottle, air can enter and spoil the vinegar.
Make sure bottles are tightly sealed. Top them off with more vinegar, if needed, to minimize oxygen exposure. A loose cap can shorten the shelf life, so be diligent.
Watch for a Lower Acidity
The acetic acid content is what provides apple cider vinegar’s tart, acidic taste. The acidity level is also what allows apple cider vinegar to be safely stored at room temperature.
As apple cider vinegar spoils, the acetic acid content drops. This lower acidity introduces the risk of harmful bacteria developing.
Test strips are available that measure acidity levels. However, an easy at-home test is to simply add a small amount of baking soda to a teaspoon of vinegar. Fresh apple cider vinegar should immediately fizz and bubble when baking soda is introduced.
If your apple cider vinegar shows little reaction, its acetic acid content has likely dropped significantly, meaning it should be discarded.
Consider How Long It’s Been Open
Keeping track of how long your bottle of apple cider vinegar has been open can help you determine if it may be past its prime. As a general rule:
- Unopened apple cider vinegar lasts 2-3 years past its printed expiration date.
- Opened apple cider vinegar lasts 6 months to a year in the pantry.
- Apple cider vinegar stored in the refrigerator after opening lasts 12-18 months.
If your apple cider vinegar has been open for longer than these general time frames, it’s best to discard and replace it with a fresh bottle.
Look For Changes in Consistency
Apple cider vinegar is an acidic liquid that should be relatively thin and free-flowing. Significant changes in the viscosity or thickness of apple cider vinegar can be a red flag.
If the liquid appears overly thick, syrupy or gloopy, this indicates it is past its prime. Vinegar that is on the verge of spoilage may also become extra runny or watery.
Clumping of the mother, development of a jelly-like texture or the liquid becoming very thick and sticky means your apple cider vinegar is no longer usable.
Check For Damaged Packaging
Apple cider vinegar packaging that becomes compromised, such as cracks, pinholes or broken seals, can allow oxygen, evaporation and bacteria to contaminate the vinegar.
A damaged bottle or loose cap not only affects quality but can also cause apple cider vinegar to spoil faster. Inspect the bottle carefully and be on the lookout for any tears, holes or broken seals that may impact shelf life.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Although apple cider vinegar is shelf-stable, storage in extreme temperatures can decrease its shelf life. Overly hot or cold conditions and dramatic temperature fluctuations introduce the risk of oxidation and evaporation.
For best quality, store apple cider vinegar at room temperature away from direct sunlight and Heat. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life slightly but is not required. Discard apple cider vinegar if it has been exposed to high heat or freezing temperatures.
Watch For Signs During Use
Keep an eye out for off odors, colors, textures or flavors while you are using apple cider vinegar in recipes or drinks. Any deviations from normal call for a thorough inspection of the remaining product.
If you notice red flags while using apple cider vinegar for cleaning or other household purposes, this is also a sign the bottle should be discarded entirely.
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar is a hardy ingredient with a very long shelf life. However, there are visual, olfactory and taste-related signs that indicate when it is time to throw it away. Discoloration, strange odors and visible mold growth are clear signs your apple cider vinegar has spoiled.
To maximize shelf life, be sure to store apple cider vinegar properly by keeping the cap sealed tightly, avoiding extreme temperatures and discarding any bottles with damage or leaks. While apple cider vinegar keeps well, trusting your senses is the best way to determine when it’s time for a new bottle.
