The shelf life of a shortening or oil product depends a great deal on how it has been stored and handled. For the best results, Crisco products should be stored in a cool, dry place away from strong odors, direct sunlight, and sources of heat (stoves, dishwashers, and refrigerators)

Freshness Tip: To help keep track of how long a container’s been opened, you might write the date on the package when you first break the seal. If you notice any change in color or appearance, or if your Crisco product develops an off odor or taste, it’s probably past its shelf life and shouldn’t be used.

• The manufacturing code is the date the product was made. It might look something like this: 4 122 420 0321.
• The first number represents the year it was made. For instance, the 4 in our example code means it was made in 2004. A number 3 would mean it was made in 2003, 2 in 2002, and so on.
• The next three numbers represent the day of the year the product was made. In our example, the 122 (or one hundred and twenty second day) is May 2 (May 1 during Leap Year).
• The third set of numbers or letters are plant codes, which have nothing to do with the date.
• Finally, the last four digits represent the time displayed in military time.

Crisco shortening has a honeycomb structure with air and liquid oils suspended in the solids. This makes it lighter than butter or margarine – one pound of Criscoshortening actually equals 2-1/3 cups instead of 2. But you can still measure Criscoshortening in the same way, by tablespoon and cup portions, to get the right amount for your recipe.

• Scoop shortening from can to the measuring cup with a rubber scraper or spatula. Press it into the cup and level it off with the same spatula.
• The water displacement method is best for measuring amounts less than 1 cup. When 1/2 cup Crisco shortening is called for, fill a standard measuring cup with cold water to the 1/2 cup mark. Add Criscoshortening until the water reaches the 1 cup level. Pour off the water. The remaining 1/2 cup of Crisco shortening is ready for use!
• For your convenience, Crisco shortening is now available in easy to measure sticks in both original and butter flavor. Each shortening stick is equal to 1 cup.
• For other measuring help, use the guide below:

Frying – Sure! Go ahead and use melted shortening for fried foods.

Salad dressing – Because shortening will resolidify when it cools, we don’t recommend it as a salad topper.

Baking – Shortening can be melted and then measured according to the recipe. It should be allowed to cool slightly before adding to other ingredients.

In general, you can substitute Crisco shortening for butter or margarine in equal amounts (1 cup Crisco shortening = 1 cup butter or margarine). Not only does Crisco shortening have 50% less saturated fat than butter and 0g trans fat per serving, it gives you higher, lighter-textured baked goods.

A few exceptions in which you can’t substitute: No-bake cookie recipes

Recipes, such as candies and fudge, where butter or margarine is heated/melted and sugar is added/dissolved.

There are a few minor changes that can make a big difference in your finished pie crust. First, make sure all of the ingredients, tools and preparation surfaces are cold. For example, use ice cold water instead of room temperature water, use cold Criscoshortening, place the rolling pin in the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to rolling out the pie crust, etc. Second, try to handle the dough as little as possible to keep all of the ingredients as chilled as possible. For a better pie crust recipe, click here.