Can Coconut Oil Go Bad?: Bought a coconut oil bottle and not sure where you should store it or how long it stays good. If so, you are probably asking yourself: can coconut oil go bad and how long does coconut oil last at room temperature?
Coconut oil can go bad when not stored properly. Storage and signs to tell if coconut oil has spoiled is not rocket science. In this article, we are giving useful information about coconut oil like its shelf life, signs of spoilage, and storage precautions.
- Does Coconut Oil Go Bad or Expire?
- How Long Does Coconut Oil Last?
- How To Tell If Coconut Oil Is Bad?
- Does Coconut Oil Need To Be Refrigerated?
- How To Store Coconut Oil?
- Melted Coconut Oil
- Expired Coconut Oil
- Interesting Facts About Coconut Oil
- What happens if you use expired coconut oil?
- How do you know if coconut oil has gone bad?
- What are the uses of expired coconut oil?
- Is coconut oil good for your hair?
Does Coconut Oil Go Bad or Expire?
Yes, coconut oil goes bad like other fat products. while coconut oil doesn’t go moldy, it goes bad after a long period. You just need to check whether you have virgin oil or refined oil. Because they smell and taste different which is important when checking the spoilage.
How Long Does Coconut Oil Last?
The Coconut oil jar comes with a best-by date i.e almost its shelf life. But at the proper storage conditions, whether extra virgin or refrined coconut oil lasts for 3 to 6 months after the use by date. Actually, coconut oil shelf life is 1 to 2 years in the pantry.
Once the bottle is opened, the shelf life may decrease when it is exposed to air. Because the air exposure can speed up the rancidification process. So, it is advised to seal the jar after every use.
If you think there is a difference between refined coconut oil and virgin oil shelf life. There is no much difference. Virgin coconut oil keeps for 3 years while refined coconut oil lasts for 2 years.
| Pantry | |
|---|---|
| Refined (Closed) | 3 – 6 months after “Best by” |
| Refined (Opened) | 3 – 6 months after “Best by” |
| Extra Virgin (Closed) | 3 – 6 months after “Best by” |
| Extra Virgin (Opened) | 3 – 6 months after “Best by” |
How To Tell If Coconut Oil Is Bad?
To tell if coconut oil is spoiled, check its texture, smell, and taste. There are simple ways to indicate spoilage.
- Rancid Smell: The virgin coconut oil smells nutty and coconut, while refined oil smell a neutral scent. If your oil smells different, then it has gone bad.
- Color: Liquid coconut oil looks transparent while, the solid one is white in color. When the oil melts and goes solid again, then it appears in cream color. But if it turns yellow, then discard it.
- Black Spots and other organic growth: If you observe any signs of organic growth on the oil’s surface or floating around, then it is best not to use.
- Rancid Taste: Virgin coconut oil has a coconut taste. And refined coconut oil doesn’t have much of this taste. If you notice any sour or bitter taste, then throw it outside.
Does Coconut Oil Need To Be Refrigerated?
No, you don’t have to refrigerate coconut oil. You can refrigerate only when your oil transforms from liquid to solid state. Otherwise, you can place the jar in the cupboard or pantry in hot summers.
Also, Check
Ingredients: Coconut Oil
Nutritional Information per 100 g (Approx.)
Serving Size 10 g (Approx. 3 tsp)
Serving per Pack 91 (Approx)
| Nutrients | Per 100 g | % of RDA* per Serving (10 g) |
| Energy Value | 900 kcal | 4.5% |
| Total Fat | 99.9 g | 14.9% |
| Saturated Fat | 91.7 g | 41.8% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6.6 g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acid | 0 g | |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acid | 1.6 g | |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | |
| Sodium | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g | |
| Total Sugar | 0 g | |
| Added Sugar | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 0 g |
* The %RDA requirements are based on an average Indian Adult per day of 2000 Calories.
How To Store Coconut Oil?
You can store coconut oil in the pantry at room temperature or even refrigerate it. Always make sure that the oil bottle is sealed tightly. Coconut oil should be stored in a glass jar at a stable temperature and away from a heat source or sunlight.
If the coconut oil comes in a glass jar, then it is a perfect storage method even after opening. So, there is no need to search for another suitable container. Use clean spoons and never double-dip spoons to scoop oil from the jar. When you prefer to convert the solid coconut oil into a liquid state, you can place the bottle on top of a hot water heater.
Melted Coconut Oil
Coconut oil which is melted or solidified again is safe to use, even though the process has been done multiple times. Also, there is no nutrient loss in the method. Whenever you want your coconut oil to stay in a solid or liquid state, you can change it by changing the storage place.
Coconut oil is not only fat that melts and solidifies based on the temperature. The same happens to bacon grease or olive oil.
Expired Coconut Oil
The best-by date printed on the coconut oil jar is not an expiration date. It says how many days the oil maintains its quality. Once the oil reaches the expiration time, then it is not safe to consume.
You might get doubt how long after the expiration date the coconut oil turns bad. Unfortunately, there is no answer fr it. But the coconut oil stays good for a few months after the use-by date.
Interesting Facts About Coconut Oil
The surprising facts about coconut oil are along the lines:
- Coconut oil has vitamin E, but no fiber content.
- It is almost 100% fat, most of which is saturated fat.
- Coconut oil can be used as a hair mask.
- It is good for your immune system.
- Few people use coconut oil for dental hygiene.
- Coconut oil can help reduce bad fats in your body.
- It can also be used on your skin.
FAQs on Can Coconut Oil Go Bad
1. What happens if you use expired coconut oil?
It is okay to use expired coconut oil if you don’t notice spoilage signs.
2. How do you know if coconut oil has gone bad?
If you notice any of these signs, then your oil is spoiled. They are yellowish color, marbled appearance and have black or moldy spots on the oil surface.
3. What are the uses of expired coconut oil?
Some of the uses of expired oil are it acts as a lubricant for the door lock at your home, is used as a moisturizer, light lamp, and so on.
4. Is coconut oil good for your hair?
Yes, coconut oil is always good for your hair. It moisturizes hair and scalp.
In a Nutshell
We are hoping that the data shared on Can Coconut Oil Go Bad If Opened helped you a lot. If you need any other related information like coconut oil facts, does it need to refrigerate, and the shelf life of coconut oil, drop the comments below. As soon as the team Can Food Go Bad will answer your questions and also give the latest updates on food products.