It is early in the morning and you are in the mood for a quick breakfast sandwich. You open the fridge and pull out a stick of almost used up margarine. You wanted to spread it on your sandwich, but now that you take a better look at it, you start to think – does margarine go bad?
Margarine is a spread made from vegetable or animal fat. It is an almost unavoidable ingredient in breakfast sandwiches and it is often used instead of butter. Even though it is used up very quickly because it can be a part of any meal, it is still important to pay attention to how long you can use it.
We’ve examined this subject in detail to provide you with all the necessary information. By reading this article, you will find out does margarine go bad, how healthy it really is and a couple of other notable facts about this delicious spread.
Does Margarine Go Bad?
Margarine is a substance that definitely goes bad, but this depends on where it is stored. The shelf life of margarine is connected to the conditions it is stored in and whether it has been opened or not.
An unopened stick of margarine lasts for about 4-5 months in the fridge and if you want to preserve its shelf life, put it into the freezer and it will be good for 6-8 months.
An opened stick of margarine lasts shorter when stored in the fridge with a shelf life of about 1-2 months maximum, while an opened one can stay in the freezer for 6-8 months.
Although margarine can be stored in different ways and used for different purposes, it is very important that you pay attention to the expiration date on the package because, when spoiled, this product should not be consumed.
How To Check If Your Margarine Has Expired?
Products like margarine should be checked regularly because they are extremely sensitive to unnatural conditions and are likely to expire if not stored properly. If you are wondering whether your stick of margarine has reached its expiration date, look for the following signs of spoilage:
- Smell and sight of are the two major indicators that your margarine has expired. This product is highly sensitive to moisture, oxygen, and heat so bad margarine will most probably melt or harden and smell like old soap or paint.
- Another indicator that your margarine is spoiled is liquid drops on the surface. If margarine starts to separate and you catch sight of these liquid drops, it is surely bad. Be careful with this sign because sometimes frozen margarine might separate upon thawing and this should not be considered as a sign of spoilage.
- If you happen to forget your tub of margarine and leave it overnight, it will likely go rancid. Tubs of margarine are more sensitive to temperature and moisture than sticks so they are more prone to spoilage if left overnight.
- The appearance of mold is also a factor in the decay of margarine. However, this comes from external sources such as leftovers on kitchen utensils which we also use for spreading. If this is the case, the margarine should be thrown away immediately.
Where Does Margarine Go In The Kitchen?
Since margarine is a product that is often used in our meals and has a certain shelf life, it is important to know where it belongs in the kitchen. When storing margarine, it is important to pay attention to whether you are looking at an opened or unopened package. Margarine can be stored either in the refrigerator or in the freezer.
These two options also mean different shelf lives. In the refrigerator, your margarine should be stored on the interior shelf rather than the door one because of the frequent fluctuation of temperature. In the freezer, margarine should be covered with foil or some other freezer-friendly product. Freezing margarine is an excellent way to extend its shelf life and save its flavor as much as possible. This product will freeze with no noticeable texture change.
An unopened stick of margarine stays good for 4-5 months in the fridge, while an opened one lasts only for 1-2 months. The good news is that both opened and unopened sticks can stay in your freezer for 6-8 months without any damage.
Margarine should not be kept at room temperature because this could significantly damage its taste and speed up the spoiling process.
Is It Healthy To Eat Margarine Every Day?
Margarine is a great option for pieces of bread and vegetables. Since it is among the most used spreads, you may be wondering – can I eat margarine every day? Based on the nutritional content of this product, it is safe to eat margarine every day but only during one meal. Excessive use of margarine on a daily basis can be detrimental to your health. Large amounts of margarine negatively affect the immune system and stimulate obesity.
When buying spreads, look for those which contain the least trans fats. Margarine, also known as oleomargarine, is usually made from vegetable oil. This ingredient is also known as one of the good fats because it considerably lowers bad cholesterol. Some of the newest versions of margarine which are low in saturated fats are the best choice among spreads as long as they are consumed moderately.
Some of the main ingredients of margarine are plant based-oils (palm fruit oil and canola oil). Since this substance contains a range of ingredients, different types are made according to personal preference and taste. The two main types of margarine are stick and light margarine.
Medical News Today gives us the overall composition of one tablespoon of each margarine.
| Stick margarine | Light margarine |
|---|---|
| 102 calories | 50 calories |
| 11.5g of fat | 5.42g of fat |
| 2.16g of saturated fat | 0.67g of saturated fat |
| 0g of cholesterol | 0g of cholesterol |
| 0g of carbohydrates | 0g of carbohydrates |
| 0g of sugar | 0g of sugar |
It is highly advisable to pick margarine with no trans fats by checking the nutrition label on the product. Moderate consumption of margarine is healthy for you without any danger of excessive weight gain.
According to research, margarine sales in the USA recorded $ 415.9 million in 2016. Some of the most famous brands are “Shedd’s Country Crock” and “Blue Bonet”. In 2010, 1.1 billion pounds of margarine were consumed in the USA.
Can You Eat Margarine After The Expiration Date?
It is best that you use margarine during the first couple of weeks after purchasing it, however, there are some cases in which your margarine can be used even if the expiration date has passed.
It is okay to eat margarine after the expiration date if it has been stored in the freezer and hasn’t shown any particular signs of spoilage. Storing margarine in the freezer keeps this product fresh much longer than storing it in the fridge.
If it has been months since the expiration date has passed, don’t think twice about throwing it away and purchasing a fresh new stick of margarine.
Does Margarine Go Bad – Conclusion
Up until now, you have come to terms with some of the most important factors regarding margarine. After reading this article, you will be certain whether your margarine is spoiled and where to put it in your kitchen.
Margarine is one of the most frequently used spreads. It can be part of your every meal and it is usually made from vegetable oil. You are allowed to consume margarine every day but only during one meal.
Margarine is a substance that definitely goes bad, but this depends on its storage. An unopened stick of margarine lasts for about 4-5 months in the fridge while an opened one can last only 1-2 months. In the freezer, the shelf left is prolonged and both unopened and opened can last for about 6-8 months.
As mentioned above, you can place your margarine either in the fridge on the interior shelf or in the freezer covered by foil.
If you want to check whether your margarine has expired, you should pay attention to smell and sight, liquid drops on the surface, and sometimes mold.
Margarine can be consumed after the expiration date if it has been stored in the freezer, but if the expiration date has passed months ago, be sure to throw it away!