Yes, shortening really does have a shelf life! Shortening is just like oil - it can get rancid, and it will. How long it will depends in part on how it's been stored, most importantly the temperature. If in a very cold garage or basement, the shelf life could be extended a bit.
The best way to tell if it's okay is first to look at it. Is it pure white? If not, it's no longer useable. Then, smell it. If the shortening has no funny / off smell, melt a little bit (a small bowl in the microwave will work) and taste it. (I know, it doesn't sound appealing, but there really is no other way.) If it has a neutral taste, with no bitterness or other bad flavor, go ahead and use it.
Finally, it makes a difference whether the shortening has been opened, and for how long. If you had the shortening on the shelf but unopened for a long time, it's much more likely to be usable after the use-by date than if the shortening had been sitting on the shelf after it was opened. ;o)
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The best way to tell if it's okay is first to look at it. Is it pure white? If not, it's no longer useable.
Then, smell it. If the shortening has no funny / off smell, melt a little bit (a small bowl in the microwave will work) and taste it. (I know, it doesn't sound appealing, but there really is no other way.) If it has a neutral taste, with no bitterness or other bad flavor, go ahead and use it.
Finally, it makes a difference whether the shortening has been opened, and for how long. If you had the shortening on the shelf but unopened for a long time, it's much more likely to be usable after the use-by date than if the shortening had been sitting on the shelf after it was opened. ;o)