How to Store a 5L of Olive Oil

Buying olive oil in a 5-litre format offers excellent value, particularly for households that use olive oil regularly. Proper storage helps preserve its freshness, flavour and quality.

Keep it cool and dark

Olive oil should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. A pantry or cupboard away from the stove is generally ideal.

Exposure to heat, light and air can accelerate deterioration.

Decant into a smaller container

If you use olive oil regularly, consider transferring a smaller quantity into a clean, dry bottle or tin for everyday use. This reduces the number of times the larger container needs to be opened.

Keep the smaller container closed when not in use and refill it as required.

Choosing the right packaging

African Oils offers several 5L packaging options to suit different preferences.

Plastic containers

Lightweight, practical and economical. Store away from direct sunlight and heat.

Bag-in-box

Convenient for regular use, with a tap that makes dispensing easy and reduces the need to repeatedly open the main container.

Metal tins

Provide excellent protection from light and are suitable for storing olive oil.

Smaller tins

An excellent option for customers who prefer opening smaller quantities at a time.

For a side-by-side comparison, read Plastic, box or tin: choosing a 5L olive oil pack.

How long does olive oil last?

Olive oil has a limited shelf life, and its freshness depends on factors such as the harvest date, packaging, storage conditions and exposure to air.

Always refer to the best-before date and storage instructions on the product.

Once opened, olive oil is best consumed while its flavour and aroma remain fresh. Avoid prolonged storage after opening, particularly in warm conditions.

How to tell if olive oil is past its best

Fresh extra virgin olive oil should have pleasant fruity aromas and may display grassy, herbal, bitter or peppery characteristics.

Oil that has developed stale, waxy or rancid aromas may have deteriorated.

Correct storage helps ensure that you enjoy your olive oil at its best.

Shop our 5L extra virgin olive oils, or read what the harvest year on olive oil tells you.