Just how long do base flavorings last?

[frosting]

I've been doing DIY quite a bit now and while I've found some favorite go-tos that get used regularly.... there are many, many little bottles of flavorings that are sitting around collecting dust. Some over a year old, others.... probubly getting closer to or are two years old.

So, just how long do our flavorings last until the flavoring is either not good, loses taste?

 

[HeadInClouds]

I think that's really variable, depending on their quality and how you store them. You can maximize it by keeping them cool and dark.

I have many fancy extracts and flavorings (bought for kitchen use) that are still fine 5 years later. They outlast all my actual spices except maybe whole nutmegs.

 

[frosting]

I'll have to experiment then! Thanks for the tip. Luckily, I do happen to keep all the unregularly used flavorings in a dark, cool place.

 

[RocketPuppy]

Some light reading informed me that since some are comprised of volatile ingredients like alcohol, if they are not tightly capped, they can evaporate. However, it also said most are good indefinitely. I'll continue searching.

 

[RocketPuppy]

Ok. Read some other info. It depends on what it is...extract, flavoring, concentrated, etc...it varies dependent on from what it's made.