Crisco, the brand name used to shorten the product’s name, is not actually what it is.
Crisco can transform your sweet or savory dishes into rich and flaky delights.
So you’re ready to impress your friends with homemade pastry. And you’ve found some Crisco.
But you’re here wondering: when did I buy/open this Crisco, and Does Crisco ever go on?
We’re here to answer your questions, from how to tell if your Crisco has gone bad to how to store your Crisco, so it doesn’t go bad in the future.
What’s the bottom line?
Crisco’s made up of vegetable oil, so it should be treated pretty much like any other. It’s more likely to be rancid than actually bad, and it shouldn’t go rancid for a good six months after opening.
Signs Your Crisco Has Gone Bad
Crisco is like many high-fat foods and will soon go rancid. “Rancid” is a term used to describe foods in which fats have oxidized, causing a foul taste.
You should first be aware Check for changes in appearance. It is possible that your Crisco may have gone rancid. a few shades darker. Your Crisco won’t cause you any health problems at this point in the aging process, but it certainly won’t make for a good pastry.
It’s unlikely you’ll find any unless you’ve forgotten about your Crisco for months, but also check for MoldThis is an indicator that your Crisco should be thrown out.
Also, watch out for signs of consistency changes, such as dry lumps.
Crisco Storage

Crisco is mainly made of Crisco Soybean oil and palm oilThe storage instructions for vegetable oils are the same as those of other vegetable oils.
You should store any Crisco that has not been opened or unopened in a safe place. Cool, dark and dry area, away from heat sources You can think of a pantry and a closet.
If you’re in a warm country, or you have no sufficiently cool cupboards at home, you can always Put your Crisco into the fridge Don’t be alarmed when you take it out, as it will be firmer than you’re used to. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before you bake it.
Once you’ve opened your pack of Crisco, Replace the lid. If the seal isn’t airtight, transfer your Crisco to an airtight container.
Also, you can Crisco can be frozen You can portion it by separating the contents into individual freezer containers, or into ice cube-trays. Use the ice cube tray technique to protect your Crisco from unwanted moisture, bacteria and flavor.
When you’re ready to use the Crisco, allow it to thaw on your counter for an hour or so.
Crisco’s Lifespan

Crisco has a longer shelf life than other vegetable oils. You should go by the best before/sell by/use by/expiration dates on the packaging, but it’ll likely be okay for a few months after the expiration date.
Generally, Your unopened Crisco will last for 8 months.
After Crisco is opened, Crisco’s fat meets the air. This means that Crisco’s oxidization process, which can lead to rancidity and other problems, starts. This process can take several months. It doesn’t make the food unsafe to eat, and by following our storage advice, you can keep your Crisco good for Maximum 12 Months!
Also for Crisco sticksThey have more surface area. They will last only for so long once they’re open. Up to 6 Months
The freezer is the best place to store Crisco for long term storage. Up to 2 Years
Crisco Roundup
Crisco lasts a while, especially when you know how to store it – which now you do.
If you’ve discovered that your Crisco has, in fact, gone rancid, all hope’s not lost. You may not have intended to make a pie with your Crisco, but you can use it to polish boots and soothe cracked heels.