MCT oils are among the most popular supplements today. People prize them for their ability to boost cognitive and athletic performance, suppress appetite, and accelerate fat loss all without breaking a fast!
But MCT oils are a relatively new supplement, and one many of us are not used to using.
One question we are frequently asked on our best MCT oil supplements page is whether or not MCT oils go bad. People sometimes find that their MCT oil has gone rancid, giving off an unpleasant smell, when left unused for a long period of time. But other people keep their MCT oil for years, using it sparingly, and find it never goes bad.
So, does MCT oil go bad?
Do you need to refrigerate your MCT oil?
How long does it last until it goes bad?
Let’s take a closer look at how MCT should be sotred to find out.
How long until MCT oil goes bad?
Every bottle of MCT oil should have a best-by or use-by date marked clearly on the label. This is not an expiration date. It is an indication of how long the MCT oil should retain the best quality. As long as you keep the MCT oil stored properly, it will not go bad for many months after the listed date.
Do you need to refrigerate your MCT oil?
No, you do not need to refrigerate your MCT oil to stop it from going bad. MCT oil should be stored in a cool, dry place with the cap firmly closed. Putting your MCT oil in the fridge might extend its shelf life a little, but it is a long-lasting product as it is!
Does coconut oil go bad?
Generally speaking, coconut oil doesn’t go bad after the date on the label. It’s usually okay to use for months after that date, if stored properly. That means that as long as your coconut oil is stored in a cool, dry place in a properly sealed container, it should be fine to eat long after the date on the label.
MCT oil is similarly quite long-lasting. However, because of the way that MCT oil supplements are prepared and stored, it’s best to stick to the use-by dates shown on the bottle. If you’re unsure about whether or not your MCT oil – or coconut oil – has gone bad or not, it is always best to contact the manufacturer (and of course, use your common sense).
Do you need to refrigerate MCT oil?
If you’re using your MCT oil regularly, then you do not need to refirgerate it to make it last. Unrefrigerated MCT oil will last for at least a year. But if you don’t use your MCT oil very often, then refirgerating your MCT oil will help stop it from going bad.
Keeping MCT oil in the fridge will not alter its taste, effects, or consistency. This means if you have room, it is usually best to refrigerate your MCT oil to prolong the shelf-life as much as possible. But this is not strictly necessary.
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