I’ve always thrown away the oil cap – a colleague explained to me what it was actually used

You’re definitely not the first person to do that, but I’m so glad your colleague clued you in. It’s a very common point of confusion.

That little plastic piece is called the drip prevention cap, spout cap, or sometimes just the “safety seal.”

Here’s what it’s actually used for:

1. The Primary Job: A Mess-Free Pour Spout. This is its most important function. You screw the entire bottle cap (the big one with the spout cap attached) onto the bottle at the factory. When you first open it, you twist the big cap, and a plastic ring (the tamper-proof ring) breaks off. The spout cap stays attached to the big cap by a little plastic hinge. Now, when you pour, the oil flows through the hole in the spout cap in a smooth, controlled stream, preventing glugs and spills down the side of the bottle.

2. A Secondary Seal. Before the bottle is first opened, it provides an extra layer of protection for the oil, keeping it clean and airtight along with the main cap’s seal.

3. The Re-Closing Function (The Part Everyone Misses!): After you open the bottle, you can—and should—snap the little spout cap closed. You’ll hear a click. This serves two purposes:

   • It keeps out dust and debris from getting into the spout.

   • It significantly slows down oxidation. While not as airtight as the original seal, closing this cap helps limit the oil’s exposure to air every time you put the bottle away, which helps preserve its freshness and flavor for longer.

What happens if you throw it away?

• Messier pours. You’re more likely to get the “glug-glug” effect and have oil run down the bottle.

• Faster spoilage. The oil is exposed to more air, which can make it go rancid sooner.

• Dust and particles can more easily get into the oil.

So, for future bottles:

1. Open the big cap (breaking the tamper-proof ring).

2. Leave the little cap attached.

3. When you’re done pouring, snap it shut before screwing the big cap back on.

You can think of it like the little flip-top cap on a shampoo bottle or a sports drink—it’s there for daily use, while the big screw cap is for storage and transport.