How Long Does Apple Cider Vinegar Last?
Fermented apple juice vinegar, used in cooking, dressings, and home remedies.
The Short Answer
At room temperature in the pantry, expect 1825– days under normal conditions. These times are based on USDA food safety guidelines and assume proper storage conditions.
Storage Times at a Glance
Source: USDA FoodKeeper | Last verified: March 26, 2026 | Our methodology
Apple cider vinegar is essentially immortal. The cloudy strands or blob you see forming are called the 'mother,' a colony of beneficial bacteria. It is harmless and actually a sign of quality. You can strain it out or leave it in.
How to Store Apple Cider Vinegar
Store in a cool, dark pantry with the cap tightly closed. Refrigeration is not necessary. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight. The acidity of vinegar (around pH 2.5) makes it naturally self-preserving.
How to Tell if Apple Cider Vinegar Has Gone Bad
Look for these signs that apple cider vinegar has spoiled: apple cider vinegar does not truly spoil. changes in appearance (cloudiness, sediment, or a blob-like 'mother') are normal and harmless
The Professor's rule: When in doubt, throw it out. No meal is worth food poisoning.
The Bottom Line
Always store in airtight containers, refrigerate within 2 hours of purchase or preparation, and trust your senses. If something looks, smells, or feels off, discard it regardless of how many days it has been.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vinegar is self-preserving due to its high acidity. While the bottle may have a 'best by' date, apple cider vinegar remains safe and usable indefinitely. The flavor may change very slightly over years, but it does not spoil.
The mother is a colony of acetic acid bacteria and cellulose that forms naturally in unpasteurized vinegar. It looks like cloudy strands or a gel-like disc. It is completely harmless, indicates a natural product, and some people consider it beneficial for gut health.