If stored and package correctly, most extracts and flavors can last for a year or more and be as good as they day they were purchased. Certain extracts (vanilla, peppermint, clove) will actually improve with some age.

Packaging:

Extracts and flavors should be packaged in colored glass.  Since glass bottles are expensive and heavy, which increases the cost of shipping, many companies have switched to using plastic bottles.  Prolonged storage in plastic is not recommended since the essential oils, alcohol and other ingredients used in extracts and flavors can attack plastic.   Over time this results in the plasticizers and chemicals leaching  into your extracts. 

If you are going to store your extracts and flavors for more than six months always buy products packed in colored glass!

Storage:

Store your extracts and flavors in a cool dark place and make sure the bottles are tightly closed.  Oxygen, heat and light can cause your extracts to oxidize.  Certain extracts are more prone to oxidation than others.  Citrus extracts (Orange, Lemon, Lime and Bergamot) contain high levels of naturally occurring D'Limonene and other terpenes, which are prone to oxidation.   To best way to maintain the fresh flavor and aroma of your citrus extracts is to store them in a refrigerator.  If stored in a refrigerator these citrus extracts can  become cloudy.  This is a result of the soluble waxes in the extracts precipitating from the cold.  These waxes are of no concern and are indicative of extracts made from pure essential oils.  Let the extracts return to room temperature and shake them.  The waxes will go back into solution.

If you have other questions about storing your extracts, please contact us and we will be happy to answer them.