Can You Freeze Canola Oil?

Why you shouldn’t freeze canola oil. 

When you buy canola oil from the store, it tends to have a shelf-life of around one year, which should be ample time to use it up.

The main reason you would freeze a product is to extend its shelf-life, but doing so won’t have any impact on the length of time that you can keep canola oil. 

Also, freezing canola oil will change its fat composition and structure, which will then affect its effectiveness in the kitchen. When canola oil splits, it is likely to spoil and go rancid, rendering it totally useless! 

As you can see, freezing canola oil is likely to jeopardise its structure and shelf-life, so it’s best to avoid doing so at all costs. 

How to store canola oil. 

So, as you should avoid freezing canola oil, how should you store it? There are two ways to store canola oil to ensure it will be good to use in the kitchen, including: 

In a Cool, Dry Place

Most people store canola oil in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It will be perfectly fine in your kitchen cabinets or in your pantry.

You shouldn’t keep canola oil next to your stovetop, either, as this can affect its structure due to the heat. You can store canola oil in a cool, dry place for between six and nine months. 

In the Fridge

If you want to preserve your canola oil for slightly longer, you could always put it in the fridge. Canola oil in a glass bottle or its original container will be good in the fridge for between nine and twelve months.

Does Canola Oil Freeze Well?

By this stage, you’re probably aware that canola oil doesn’t freeze well. The main reason why you shouldn’t freeze canola oil is that it can affect its composition, which could render it less than useful when it comes to cooking.

But equally, freezing canola oil won’t extend its shelf-life, so you’d be just as well keeping it in a cool, dry place or in the fridge, as it will be good for between six and twelve months. 

Related FAQs

If you’ve still got questions about freezing canola oil or oil in general, then these may help:

Can You Freeze Vegetable Oils?

The same rules apply to most vegetable-based oils. They simply won’t freeze well. If stored correctly in the cupboard then they will last for months and months so there really is no point to freezing it. 

Can You Freeze Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is an oil that can be frozen. All you need to do is portion it into airtight containers and then freeze.