Expiration & Storage Tips
When does food coloring expire?
Food coloring, whether liquid or powdered, doesn't necessarily 'expire' but its potency does decline over time. Unopened, they can last nearly indefinitely. However, once opened, they can last about 2-3 years. Powdered food coloring can also last about 2-4 years. It's important to keep in mind that 'best by' or 'use by' dates often found on packaging are merely guidelines, and the products can often last beyond these dates - though they may lose their effectiveness.
How do you tell if food coloring is bad?
Because food coloring doesn't spoil in the traditional sense, it can be tricky to tell if it's gone bad. If the color looks off or the texture has changed, then it might be time to replace it. Also, if you notice any mold or foul smell in liquid food coloring, discard it immediately. Powdered food coloring getting hard or clumpy is signs it may no longer be good to use.
Tips for storing food coloring to extend shelf life
• Store food coloring in a cool, dry place away from light. This helps preserve its color potency.
• Remember to always reseal the packaging after each use to prevent exposure to air, dust or moisture.
• For liquid food coloring, shaking the bottle before usage can help maintain consistency and ensure even color distribution.
• Unless specifically mentioned on the packaging, food coloring doesn't need to be refrigerated.
• Keep different colors separate to avoid accidental color mixing.
• Use clean utensils when handling food coloring to prevent cross-contamination with other food products.