Vanilla is a popular spice used in many baked goods, desserts, and beverages. It comes from the seed pods of Vanilla planifolia, a vining orchid native to Mexico. With proper storage, vanilla extract can last for many years past its printed expiration date. But is 20 year old vanilla still good to use? Let’s take a closer look.
Does vanilla extract expire?
Vanilla extract has a printed expiration date on the bottle, usually 2-3 years from when it was made. However, this date is largely for commercial purposes and the vanilla will not suddenly go rancid or become unsafe to consume after that date.
The reason vanilla extract lasts so long is because of the alcohol content. Pure vanilla extract contains a minimum of 35% alcohol. The high alcohol content prevents microbial growth and oxidation, allowing the vanilla to last for years if properly stored.
So while the quality may slowly decline over time, old vanilla extract won’t make you sick.
How to tell if old vanilla extract is still good
If you come across a really old bottle of vanilla extract, there are a few ways to evaluate if it’s still okay for baking and cooking:
- Smell – Vanilla should smell sweet and strongly aromatic. If the smell is weak or smells “off”, it may be time to replace it.
- Appearance – Pure vanilla extract has a dark brown color and is slightly thick. If it has changed to a light brown or thin consistency, it is likely past its prime.
- Taste – Try adding a few drops of the vanilla to plain yogurt or milk. It should taste robust and flavorful, not weak.
- Reaction in baking – Try using the old vanilla extract in a simple baked good like sugar cookies. If the vanilla flavor comes through strongly, that’s a sign it still has good potency.
As long as the vanilla passes the smell, sight, and taste tests, it should still perform well in baking.
Does light or heat affect vanilla shelf life?
Light and heat are enemies of vanilla extract over time. Light causes the vanillin compounds to break down, while heat speeds up oxidation.
To maximize freshness and shelf life, vanilla extract is best stored in a cool, dark place in an air-tight bottle. The refrigerator is an ideal storage spot.
Bottles that have been subjected to a lot of light or heat over the years will have faster quality degradation. If you discover an old bottle that has been left out on the counter or baking shelf, it likely won’t be as potent.
What about imitation vanilla?
Imitation vanilla made with vanillin instead of real vanilla beans tends to have a longer shelf life. Since it doesn’t contain alcohol, the risk of oxidation is lower. It also contains preservatives to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
However, imitation vanilla has a weaker flavor profile to begin with. So while it may last 5-10 years unopened, it will never taste as good as true vanilla extract. The complexity of flavors is lost.
For the highest quality and most nuanced flavor, pure vanilla extract is still the best choice. Properly stored pure vanilla can retain depth and notes of other flavor compounds, even 20 years past its printed date.
20 year old pure vanilla may have these positive qualities:
- Complex, robust flavor
- Strong vanillin content still intact
- Sweet, pleasant aroma
- Dark brown color
- Adds flavor and aroma to baked goods and other applications
20 year old imitation vanilla may have these negative qualities:
- Flat, one-dimensional flavor
- Weak aroma
- Light brown color
- Off tastes and smells
- May need to use more to get flavor
Should you use 20 year old vanilla or buy fresh?
Using 20 year old vanilla extract that has been properly stored is perfectly safe. However, its flavor potency and aroma will be diminished compared to fresh vanilla.
If you have the choice, fresh vanilla less than 2 years old is ideal for the best flavor and vibrancy. But if you discover an old bottle that passes the sight, smell and taste tests, feel free to use it for baking.
You may need to use a bit more aged vanilla to get the right intensity of flavor. Make sure to adjust recipes as needed. Keep in mind that very old, weakened vanilla can alter the chemistry of delicate recipes like cakes and meringues.
For most quick breads, cookies, and simple desserts, 20 year old pure vanilla extract can still add delicious flavor if used in the right quantities. It’s still superior to lower-quality fresh imitation vanilla. But for the very best results, swap it out for a new bottle.
Some signs your aged vanilla may be past its prime:
- Very faded, light brown color
- Thin, watery consistency
- Weak, barely detectable aroma
- Off or chemical smells
- Adding more doesn’t seem to help the flavor
How to store vanilla to extend shelf life
To get the longest possible shelf life out of your vanilla extract, follow these storage tips:
- Keep bottles away from light in a pantry or cupboard. The fridge is ideal.
- Store at cool room temperatures around 60-70°F.
- Keep lids tightly sealed to minimize air exposure.
- Don’t store vanilla near the stove where it can get hot.
- Buy smaller bottles to limit air entering as you use it.
With proper storage in a cool, dark place, pure vanilla extract can retain its aroma and flavor for many years past its printed date.
Signs that vanilla has gone bad
While vanilla itself doesn’t go truly bad in a food safety sense, there are some signs that indicate it is past its prime and should be replaced:
- Weak vanilla aroma or odd scents
- Change from dark brown color to very light or pale brown
- Thin, watery consistency (should be slightly thick like syrup)
- Fizzing or bubbling when shaken due to fermentation
- Mold growth in the bottle (uncommon but shows it’s off)
- Vanilla flavor doesn’t come through despite using a lot
- Taste doesn’t taste normal, has off flavors
As long as it looks, smells, and tastes like normal vanilla extract, it is still good to cook with even if past its prime. But if any of the above warning signs are present, it’s unfortunately time to say farewell to that old bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does old vanilla extract pose any health risks?
No, vanilla itself does not pose any health risks or dangers, even when very old. The worst that can happen is diminished flavor. The high alcohol content protects it from growing anything harmful.
Can you get sick from 20 year old vanilla?
It is very unlikely you would get sick from 20 year old vanilla extract, provided it has been stored properly and looks/smells normal. The main concern would be quality rather than food safety.
Why does vanilla extract last so long compared to vanilla beans?
Extract lasts much longer than vanilla beans or paste because of the high alcohol content, which prevents spoilage. Beans don’t have the protective qualities of alcohol.
Does vanilla ever need refrigeration?
Refrigeration can extend the shelf life of opened vanilla extract. But unopened bottles have such long shelf lives that refrigeration isn’t strictly necessary as long as they are stored in cool, dark places.
Can old vanilla ruin a recipe?
Truly expired vanilla with no aroma or flavor left can ruin more delicate recipes that rely heavily on the vanilla like cakes, custards, ice cream, etc. In recipes where vanilla is just a background player, old vanilla won’t necessarily ruin it but won’t add much flavor either.
Is clear vanilla extract real?
Clear vanilla made without caramel coloring is real vanilla extract. However, it is slightly lower quality than natural brown extracts. Clear vanilla also won’t last as long. The caramel color acts as a preservative and antioxidant.
Conclusion
Thanks to the antioxidant powers of alcohol, pure vanilla extract has an incredibly long shelf life compared to spices like cinnamon or onion powder. While quality slowly declines over time, pure vanilla that’s been properly stored can retain its sweet aroma and robust flavor for 20 years or longer.
If an old bottle still smells distinctly of vanilla and tastes good, don’t be afraid to put it to use in your baking and cooking. But for the very freshest flavor, swap it out for a newer bottle within 1-2 years of purchase. With the right conditions, you may even be able to hand down aged vanilla extract to the next generation of bakers in your family.