Does Vape Juice Expire? A Guide on Keeping Vape Liquid
A lot of people ask themselves when vape juice expires when they find an old bottle of e-liquid in a drawer or cabinet. Considering the recent reports of illnesses caused by vaping, these are legitimate concerns to have.
However, people’s fears about vaping old e-juice are largely unfounded because it will not cause health problems. But, using e-juice past its expiration date may prove to be unpleasant, depending on how long ago it was last used.
Other factors, like where it has been stored, also play a large part in determining how suitable it is for vaping.
Table of Contents
- When Does Vape Juice Expire?
- How Long Does it Stay Good?
- Is it Safe to Consume?
- How to Store It
- Disposal
- Conclusion
Table of Contents
When Does Vape Juice Expire?
All items made for human consumption have an expiration, or sell-by date printed somewhere on the product. As a general rule, it is best to vape them before this day. But, there is not a day when the product suddenly becomes bad.
For example, most people will drink from a carton of milk a day or two after the date of expiration, and they do not experience an unpleasant taste, nor do they get sick. The same rule applies to other products bought from a grocery store.
Just as milk or butter will not become rancid instantly after the sell-by date, e-juice will not go rancid when it expires. This warning is merely a guess made by the manufacturer regarding how the product’s quality will diminish over time. The item is still good for use.
Vaping liquids are considered to be “shelf-stable,” which means that it will be a long time before the ingredients go bad. The three most prominent ingredients found in e-juices are propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine. These ingredients are good for two years from the date they are produced.
The shelf life of e-liquids is determined by estimating how much the quality will diminish over time.
- Potency and flavor, as well as the composition of the liquid, all play a part in determining the sell-by date.
- The flavorings also influence the shelf life of these items.
- Artificial flavors usually last longer than natural flavors.
Another thing to take into consideration is the quality of the ingredients themselves. If the liquid is low quality, it will spoil faster than a high-quality product.
When the aforementioned factors are taken into consideration, it is likely that an old bottle of vaping liquid is still good, even if it has been packed away for a couple of years.
The FDA on When Does Vape Juice Expire
The United States Food and Drug Administration has nothing to say about the shelf life of e-liquid per se. Still, their information about expiration dates for food is quite informative. Their position on sell-by dates is that many consumers misunderstand the purpose behind this information.
According to the USDA, confusion over what the labels mean accounts for 20 percent of consumer food waste. They also state that between 30 to 40 percent of food goes uneaten, resulting in consumers losing $165 billion annually.
These data can also be used to make inferences about wasting vape products. Many people throw out their liquids, thinking they are no longer healthy to use when, in fact, there is nothing wrong with them. They lose money by doing so.
FSIS on When Does Vape Juice Expire
The United States Department of Agriculture’s FSIS (Food Safety Inspection Service) also has a page of information giving more details about expiration dates.
The most glaring fact to be gleaned from this page is that manufacturers are not required to provide product dating with the exception of infant formula. According to their site, the label’s time does not mean the product will go bad on that day. Rather, it means that the item’s quality is better if it is consumed by that date.
Those who vape should take the expiration date on the label into consideration if they want to have a more enjoyable vaping session, but using the juice after the expiration is ok.
All items made for human consumption have an expiration, or sell-by date printed somewhere on the product. As a general rule, it is best to vape them before this day. But, there is not a day when the product suddenly becomes bad.
For example, most people will drink from a carton of milk a day or two after the date of expiration, and they do not experience an unpleasant taste, nor do they get sick. The same rule applies to other products bought from a grocery store.
Just as milk or butter will not become rancid instantly after the sell-by date, e-juice will not go rancid when it expires. This warning is merely a guess made by the manufacturer regarding how the product’s quality will diminish over time. The item is still good for use.
Vaping liquids are considered to be “shelf-stable,” which means that it will be a long time before the ingredients go bad. The three most prominent ingredients found in e-juices are propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine. These ingredients are good for two years from the date they are produced.
The shelf life of e-liquids is determined by estimating how much the quality will diminish over time.
- Potency and flavor, as well as the composition of the liquid, all play a part in determining the sell-by date.
- The flavorings also influence the shelf life of these items.
- Artificial flavors usually last longer than natural flavors.
Another thing to take into consideration is the quality of the ingredients themselves. If the liquid is low quality, it will spoil faster than a high-quality product.
When the aforementioned factors are taken into consideration, it is likely that an old bottle of vaping liquid is still good, even if it has been packed away for a couple of years.
The FDA on When Does Vape Juice Expire
The United States Food and Drug Administration has nothing to say about the shelf life of e-liquid per se. Still, their information about expiration dates for food is quite informative. Their position on sell-by dates is that many consumers misunderstand the purpose behind this information.
According to the USDA, confusion over what the labels mean accounts for 20 percent of consumer food waste. They also state that between 30 to 40 percent of food goes uneaten, resulting in consumers losing $165 billion annually.
These data can also be used to make inferences about wasting vape products. Many people throw out their liquids, thinking they are no longer healthy to use when, in fact, there is nothing wrong with them. They lose money by doing so.
FSIS on When Does Vape Juice Expire
The United States Department of Agriculture’s FSIS (Food Safety Inspection Service) also has a page of information giving more details about expiration dates.
The most glaring fact to be gleaned from this page is that manufacturers are not required to provide product dating with the exception of infant formula. According to their site, the label’s time does not mean the product will go bad on that day. Rather, it means that the item’s quality is better if it is consumed by that date.
Those who vape should take the expiration date on the label into consideration if they want to have a more enjoyable vaping session, but using the juice after the expiration is ok.
How Long is Vape Juice Good For?
Nicotine oxidation plays a significant part in determining whether a vape liquid is still good. There are also things to look out for in zero nicotine, salt nicotine, and CBD oil.
Nicotine Chemical Oxidation
As vape juice expires, the nicotine inside starts breaking down in a process called chemical oxidation. The manufacturer often induces oxidation because it improves the flavor by influencing the nicotine molecules. If the liquid oxidizes too much, it will spoil.
Once the bottle is opened, the oxidation process starts again, which will cause the liquid to lose flavor.
Does Salt Nic Vape Juice Go Bad?
Salt nicotine has an expiration. Salt nicotine oxidizes, and the ingredients start breaking down.
Does Zero Nicotine Vape Juice Expire?
These e-liquids go bad even though there is no nicotine to oxidize. Ingredients like vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and the flavorings still go bad.
- If after a long standing time a sediment has formed on the bottom and after shaking it does not dissolve, it could mean that the product has expired.
- If the smell of the liquid has changed dramatically and does not look like the original one, you should refrain from using.
Expiration date is a main indicator that vape juice is still usable, so avoid expired vaping liquids. This can negatively affect your health, and the taste and flavor will be far from perfect.
Does Expired CBD Vape Juice No Longer Usable?
Cannabidiol (CBD) loses its potency over time, but it will not become toxic. Do not vape CBD after it expires. Doing so may cause the symptoms of the disorder being treated to get worse since the CBD is less potent.
Is It Safe to Vape Expired Juice?
Not likely. The most likely thing to happen is experiencing a foul taste or smell.
The expired juice completely spoils all the delights of vaping, especially the flavor. In addition, a sediment formed at the bottom can easily get into the vape system and ruin not only the puff, but the entire atomizer.
Consuming e-liquid after it is bad is generally safe, but those who want to avoid vaping a spoiled batch of juice should look out for separated, solid, or gelled liquid or a bad smell or taste.
Before vaping an old batch of e-liquid, look to see if the contents are separated or if the appearance is otherwise unusual. The older a juice gets, the more likely it will become slightly discolored. If the color is way off, it is probably not good to vape.
Smelling the bottle’s contents is another good way to avoid putting a spoiled product in your vape. If the smell is in any way offensive, dispose of it.
Taste is obviously the best way to tell whether a juice has gone bad. If it has a peppery flavor, or it otherwise tastes unpleasant, it is time to throw it away.
Nicotine oxidation plays a significant part in determining whether a vape liquid is still good. There are also things to look out for in zero nicotine, salt nicotine, and CBD oil.
Nicotine Chemical Oxidation
As vape juice expires, the nicotine inside starts breaking down in a process called chemical oxidation. The manufacturer often induces oxidation because it improves the flavor by influencing the nicotine molecules. If the liquid oxidizes too much, it will spoil.
Once the bottle is opened, the oxidation process starts again, which will cause the liquid to lose flavor.
Does Salt Nic Vape Juice Go Bad?
Salt nicotine has an expiration. Salt nicotine oxidizes, and the ingredients start breaking down.
Does Zero Nicotine Vape Juice Expire?
These e-liquids go bad even though there is no nicotine to oxidize. Ingredients like vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and the flavorings still go bad.
- If after a long standing time a sediment has formed on the bottom and after shaking it does not dissolve, it could mean that the product has expired.
- If the smell of the liquid has changed dramatically and does not look like the original one, you should refrain from using.
Expiration date is a main indicator that vape juice is still usable, so avoid expired vaping liquids. This can negatively affect your health, and the taste and flavor will be far from perfect.
Does Expired CBD Vape Juice No Longer Usable?
Cannabidiol (CBD) loses its potency over time, but it will not become toxic. Do not vape CBD after it expires. Doing so may cause the symptoms of the disorder being treated to get worse since the CBD is less potent.
Is It Safe to Vape Expired Juice?
Not likely. The most likely thing to happen is experiencing a foul taste or smell.
The expired juice completely spoils all the delights of vaping, especially the flavor. In addition, a sediment formed at the bottom can easily get into the vape system and ruin not only the puff, but the entire atomizer.
Consuming e-liquid after it is bad is generally safe, but those who want to avoid vaping a spoiled batch of juice should look out for separated, solid, or gelled liquid or a bad smell or taste.
Before vaping an old batch of e-liquid, look to see if the contents are separated or if the appearance is otherwise unusual. The older a juice gets, the more likely it will become slightly discolored. If the color is way off, it is probably not good to vape.
Smelling the bottle’s contents is another good way to avoid putting a spoiled product in your vape. If the smell is in any way offensive, dispose of it.
Taste is obviously the best way to tell whether a juice has gone bad. If it has a peppery flavor, or it otherwise tastes unpleasant, it is time to throw it away.
How to Store E-Liquid Properly
There are several things the user can do to extend the life of his or her liquids.
- The main thing to do is to store it in a cool, dark place. Cabinets and drawers located inside of your dwelling are best. Keeping the bottles in these locations increases the life of the liquid.
- Make sure the place where the liquid is being stored is secure. Children or pets who consume e-juices can become seriously ill.
- Doing this will make it easier to check the contents before putting them into a vape.
- Do not leave e-juices outside, on window sills, or in warm, humid places.
- Also, do not keep them in the refrigerator. Placing them in these locations will cause the liquid to degrade faster.
- Store the juice in a dark, cool, dry place. A hermetically sealed bottle is perfect. After you open it, the oxidation process begins, and flavor starts to blow away.
There are several things the user can do to extend the life of his or her liquids.
- The main thing to do is to store it in a cool, dark place. Cabinets and drawers located inside of your dwelling are best. Keeping the bottles in these locations increases the life of the liquid.
- Make sure the place where the liquid is being stored is secure. Children or pets who consume e-juices can become seriously ill.
- Doing this will make it easier to check the contents before putting them into a vape.
- Do not leave e-juices outside, on window sills, or in warm, humid places.
- Also, do not keep them in the refrigerator. Placing them in these locations will cause the liquid to degrade faster.
- Store the juice in a dark, cool, dry place. A hermetically sealed bottle is perfect. After you open it, the oxidation process begins, and flavor starts to blow away.
Does Vape Juice Expire? — Disposing of Old E-Liquid
Never pour old e-juice in the garbage, do not empty it down the drain, and never empty it outside. Using these methods to dispose of it is harmful to the environment. Instead, pour it onto an absorbent material like sand or sawdust, put it in a bag, and then throw it out.
Also, local vape stores have special bins for disposing e-liquids or empty bottles. Do not hesitate to ask them about disposing.
Never pour old e-juice in the garbage, do not empty it down the drain, and never empty it outside. Using these methods to dispose of it is harmful to the environment. Instead, pour it onto an absorbent material like sand or sawdust, put it in a bag, and then throw it out.
Also, local vape stores have special bins for disposing e-liquids or empty bottles. Do not hesitate to ask them about disposing.
Final Words about Vape Juice Expiration
If you are wondering when vape juice goes bad or expires, put your mind at ease. Just because an old bottle of e-liquid is beyond its sell-by date does not mean that the user can not vape it. Inspect the bottle, and if everything checks out, it is more likely to be good.
If you have any advice or comments about vaping old e-liquid, please share your experience by leaving a comment.
If you are wondering when vape juice goes bad or expires, put your mind at ease. Just because an old bottle of e-liquid is beyond its sell-by date does not mean that the user can not vape it. Inspect the bottle, and if everything checks out, it is more likely to be good.
If you have any advice or comments about vaping old e-liquid, please share your experience by leaving a comment.
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