Review on Food-Grade Silicone Sealing Ring 2-Pack For Instant Pot 6/5Qt - Sweet Cherry Red And Savory Sky Blue - Compatible With IP-DUO60, IP-LUX60, IP-DUO50, IP-LUX50, Smart-60 - Enhanced Searchability by Christopher Shah

So in the pics you can see the difference in color of the 2 rings. The one in the pot is new and the other is original. It is true, whatever you cook with the silicone ring in the lid will overtime absorb the smell and then transfer to the next item cooked. If you intend to use the IP for most of your cooking, it is prudent to purchase these to change out if cooking cakes, yogurts, etc. to keep them identified properly for next use, they store well, once clean and dry, in one gallon zip lock bags. I mark mine so there’s no cross-odor during cooking! They are super easy to change too, just pull out and slip back in.