Does Crisco have an expiration? How do you tell if it's bad? I have had some in my cupboard for years...it is cracked but still soft. Is it bad? I looked all over the can for an expiration, and couldn't find one. Thanks, Brandy

Shortening can go bad. One thing is when it discolors. Another is it's smell. If it smells rancid or even just a bit stale, it's bad. Whatever you smell you will taste. If it's cracking, then air has been getting to it, which causes it to go bad. I wouldn't use it. It's not worth having to make something all over again.

I agree. It can also go clear or translucent in places, another sign it is not good to use.
Hugs Squirrelly Cakes

I made the mistake once of using shortening that looked just fine, even though I'd had it for a very, very, very long time. It looked exactly as it does when you open a new can, and there wasn't a rancid smell or anything like that. But man....it RUINED the taste of my cake...and I only used it to grease the pan! I think the general rule is that it will keep in a cool, dry place for up to a year...but not positive if that's right. Maybe that's true if it's unopened, but if opened and exposed to air and then just in the cupboard for months on end, years even...I'd toss it.

I had some go rancid during the power blackout a couple of years ago and it was almost new. So the temperature is a big factor too.
Hugs Squirrelly Cakes