Newly popular MCT Oil has many benefits such as being a source of energy and burning fat. It is especially popular for people on a ketogenic diet. Since it is used in such small quantities, it may be sitting around for a while which begs the question, does it go bad?

Quick Answer

MCT oil can go bad but it takes a pretty long time. Every bottle has a best by date that should not be confused with an expiration date as it is often safe to use well past that date. MCT Oil that is unopened can be good for about 2 years past the best by date. MCT Oil that is opened is good for about a year past the best by date.

Keeping your MCT Oil fresh for as long as possible depends a lot on how you store it and whether or not it’s been exposed to heat or air.

Does MCT Oil Go Bad? How Long Does MCT Oil Last?

MCT Oil is made by fractionation in which caprylic and capric acid are extracted from other fats in coconut or palm oil. This oil can have health benefits when used in moderation. Proper storage is important to keep this oil fresh.

How Long Does MCT Oil Last Outside?

MCT oil typically comes in an opaque or dark bottle to help protect it from direct sunlight. Even so, it should be stored away from sunlight if possible.

As with most oils, MCT Oil can be stored in a cupboard or pantry and will maintain its quality for up to w years past the best by date printed on the bottle.

If you keep it on the countertop, make sure it is away from sunlight and not near any appliances that get hot like your stove or microwave.

How Long Does MCT Oil Last In The Fridge?

MCT Oil does not need to be stored in the fridge regardless of whether or not it has been opened, but it can be. However, this will not extend its shelf life.

Some oils such as coconut oil will solidify when they are too cold. This is not the case with MCT Oil. If stored in the fridge, it will maintain its liquid state.

If you cannot find a cool, dark place to store your MCT Oil, the refrigerator is a perfectly acceptable option. It will last for up to two years past the best by date.

How Long Does MCT Oil Last In The Freezer?

In the freezer, both opened and unopened bottles of MCT Oil will be good for up to two years past the best by date printed on the bottle.

When MCT Oil is stored at temperatures below 32°F, it may solidify and turn pure white. It will not freeze like ice but is more comparable to the solidification of coconut oil.

While freezing it is not necessary to extend the shelf life, freezing it can help you if you are in a hurry and want to have cubes you can just drop into a drink.

Storing your MCT Oil like you store all of your other oils is the best way to go. Keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and any sources of heat.

How To Tell If MCT Oil Has Gone Bad/How To Know If MTC Oil is Fresh?

To know if MCT Oil has gone bad, you first need to know what fresh MCT Oil should look like.

Color: MCT Oil should be transparent and can range in color from clear to a light, golden yellow.

Consistency: MCT Oil is a very light-weight oil and should have a thin consistency.

Smell and taste: MCT Oil is odorless and colorless making it very versatile in ways it can be taken.

Now on to how to tell if your MCT Oil has gone bad.

Best by date: Your first step should be to check the best by date. I previously mentioned your MCT Oil can be good for up to two years past the best by date when properly stored.

Consistency: If the oil is thicker than it should be, it may not be good anymore.

Smell: As with other oils, if you open the lid and it gives off a rancid odor, you should throw it out.

Appearance: If you notice any floaters in the bottle, it may have been contaminated. Additionally, if you notice any dark oil spots, that could be an indication of mold or bacteria and it should not be used.

Taste: MCT Oil is flavorless so if you taste it and notice a strange taste, go ahead and get rid of it.

How To Store MCT Oil?

MCT Oil comes in a dark bottle that helps protect it from sunlight but proper storage is still necessary.

Unopened MCT Oil: Bottles of MCT Oil that are unopened are best stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Storing it in your cupboard or pantry is the best option.

Opened MCT Oil: Opened bottles of MCT Oil can also be stored in a cool, dry place. If you live in a warm climate and are afraid it will get too warm, it is okay to store it in the fridge to keep it cool.

Keep it away from heat: Try to avoid storing both opened and unopened bottles in a cabinet above your stove because they can get warm when the stove is being used.

Can You Freeze MCT Oil?

MCT Oil won’t freeze like water freezes but it will solidify as many other oils do. Freezing MCT Oil is not necessary to maintain its freshness but there are instances where you might wish to freeze it for later use.

It needs to be very cold: MCT Oil will not freeze unless it is stored at or below 32°F.

Why would I need to freeze my MCT Oil? MCT is often used by adding it to food and drinks such as salad dressing and smoothies. One way you could freeze it is to mix the MCT Oil with heavy cream and pour the mixture into a silicone ice tray. You can use the cubes in beverages like diet orange soda or diet root beer.

Don’t freeze alone: MCT Oil melts very quickly after it has been frozen so if you decide to freeze them for ice cubes in a beverage, freeze them with something else that will remain frozen for longer.

How To Thaw MCT Oil?

If you have frozen your MCT oil with another liquid, it doesn’t need to be thawed. You can just add it to your beverage of choice.

If you have placed the entire bottle in the freezer, just remove it and let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours and it will return to its liquid state.

Frequently Asked Questions About MCT Oil’s Shelf Life

I left my MCT Oil open overnight. Is it still good? Keeping the container sealed airtight is the best way to keep it fresh. Since MCT Oil does well at room temperature it should be okay. Prolonged exposure to air can cause it to oxidize and lower the quality but it should not happen as quickly as overnight. Check the oil to make sure nothing got into the bottle while it was opened. If it is still clear, it should be fine.

I just noticed my MCT Oil is way past the best by date. Will I get sick? MCT Oil will remain safe for up to two years past the best by date and likely more than that. If your MCT Oil has been properly stored, either in the refrigerator or in a pantry, tightly sealed, it should be okay. There is not much scientific data on whether or not old MCT Oil can make you sick. Fresh MCT oil can cause stomach discomfort so it’s possible old oil could intensify that side effect.

Wrap-Up

MCT Oil has a lot of health benefits and a very long shelf life when properly stored. Keep your MCT Oil in a cool, dark, and dry place to maximize freshness.