Does coconut oil go bad? Are you wondering about this, you are at the right place. Coconut oil is one of the very healthy oils. It is very popular all over the world, especially in the tropics. It can also become a great seasoning for many foods. If you use coconut oil regularly, you need to know the shelf life of coconut oil. Through this article, you will get the information you need.

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Does coconut oil go bad?

If you leave coconut oil past its shelf life, it can go bad.

All foods have a shelf life, and oil is no exception. If you leave coconut oil past its expiry date, its quality will gradually deteriorate.

Of course, coconut oil will not go bad right after its expiration date. In fact, if you store coconut oil properly, it will be fine for several months, even years. However, if you do not store coconut oil properly, it even has an adverse effect on your health.

Therefore, instead of focusing on the shelf life, you should focus on how to preserve it.

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is one of the products from coconut fruits. Coconut oil can exist in solid and liquid form. Coconut oil is liquid when its temperature is above 25 degrees Celsius. It is solid when its temperature is below 25 degrees Celsius.

Coconut oil is one of the products from coconut fruits

Main uses of coconut oil

1. Good for people who need to lose weight

Coconut oil contains fewer calories than other oils. The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil do not cause weight gain. Therefore, it is very good for people who need to lose weight.

2. Good for the digestive system

Coconut oil has a stimulating effect on the digestive process in your body. However, you should not overdo coconut oil.

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3. Reduce the risk of incurable diseases

Virgin coconut oil works to reduce bad cholesterol or increase good cholesterol. Therefore, it can minimize the risk of incurable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

4. Good for bones

Coconut oil contains many useful minerals such as calcium and magnesium. They are very good minerals for bones.

5. Reduce inflammation and infection

Coconut oil contains substances that have the ability to eliminate bacteria. As a result, it can help minimize the symptoms of infections, flu, sore throat, etc.

6. Teeth care

This oil has the ability to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Thanks to that, it helps to minimize diseases such as gingivitis, bleeding gums.

7. Haircare

Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in hair care. Coconut oil provides moisture to the hair, making it softer and smoother. In addition, coconut oil is also very effective in stimulating hair growth.

Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in hair care

How long does coconut oil last?

There is no exact answer to this question. There is no specific number for coconut oil shelf life. Therefore, it is important that you carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

In general, most coconut oil has a long shelf life. You can use coconut oil two to four years after the date of manufacture. However, if you do not store coconut oil properly, it can go bad before it expires.

In general, there are 2 popular types of coconut oils and they also differ in terms of shelf life:

1. Refined coconut oil

This type of coconut oil has to go through many processing processes, including the “dry milling” process. It is best to use it within sixteen months from the date of manufacture. If you store it properly, you can still use it up to two months after its expiration date.

2. Extra virgin coconut oil (unrefined coconut oil )

People often make extra virgin coconut oil from fresh coconut meat. Unlike refined coconut oil, unrefined coconut oil has to go through a “wet milling” process. Extra virgin coconut oil is the purest type of coconut oil. If you store it properly, it can last for four to five years, or even more.

When buying coconut oil, it is wise to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. They will specify how to use, how to store as well as the shelf life of the product. You can also find the shelf life of coconut oil on the packaging.

How to know coconut oil is bad

It is very bad to use spoiled coconut oil. It can ruin your food. More seriously, it has an adverse effect on your health. Don’t worry, through the following list, you can tell if coconut oil is going bad. They are all clear sign your coconut oil is bad

1. Check out product color

Coconut oil in solid form is usually milky white in color. Therefore, if you find your product has suspicious colors, such as yellow or brown, you should be careful. Chances are the coconut oil has gone bad and is not safe to use.

As for coconut oil in liquid form, it is usually clear in color. If your coconut oil is turning cloudy, you should stop using it.

If green spots start to appear in the coconut oil, it is a sign of bacterial growth.

If you find your product has suspicious colors, such as yellow or brown, you should be careful

2. Check out the smell of coconut oil

In fact, expired coconut oil will definitely have a bad smell. So, if your oil smells sour or rancid, it’s time to throw it in the trash.

3. Check the consistency of coconut oil

Coconut oil, whether solid or liquid, has a smooth texture. In fact, rotten coconut oil is usually slightly curdled. If you notice the surface of coconut oil looks rough, it’s time to buy a new jar of coconut oil.

4. Check out the taste of coconut oil

Extra virgin coconut oil often retains the flavor of fresh coconut. Meanwhile, refined coconut oil has a neutral taste. Therefore, if you discover that your product has a sour taste, your coconut oil has gone bad.

What causes your coconut oil to go bad?

One of the most common causes of rancid coconut oil is contamination from other foods. Sometimes, your dirty hands are the cause of the rancid coconut oil. Therefore, it is wise to store it in a place completely separate from other foods. You also have to make sure your hands are clean before touching the jar of coconut oil.

In addition, air can also negatively affect coconut oil. If you leave coconut oil exposed to the air for too long, it will oxidize. That leads to your coconut oil going rancid.

One of the most common causes of rancid coconut oil is contamination from other foods

How to properly store coconut oil?

If you store coconut oil properly, it can be safe for long-term use. Here are some tips on storing coconut oil.

1. You should only buy small jars of coconut oil

You should not buy a bottle of coconut oil that is too big. Coconut oil can go bad before you can use it all. Therefore, it is wise to buy small sized jars of coconut oil. Although buying a large jar of coconut oil can sometimes save you a bit of money.

2. Seal the jar of coconut oil and store it in a cool place

Coconut oil can go rancid if exposed to air for a long time. Sun exposure also makes your coconut oil worse. Therefore, you need to close the jar of coconut oil after using it. Then store it in a cool place. You should keep coconut oil away from other foods.

3. Use clean kitchen utensils to remove the coconut oil from the jar

Coconut oil can go bad due to contamination from kitchen utensils. This is similar to using your hands to get the coconut oil out of the jar. Hence, you need to use a clean spoon to get the coconut oil out of the jar.

You should use a clean spoon to get the coconut oil out of the jar

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I put coconut oil in the fridge?

The short answer is yes. It is also one of the effective ways to preserve coconut oil. You can also store coconut oil in a clean and cool place.

2. What’s the real difference between refined coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil?

The biggest difference between these two coconut oils is the manufacturing process.

3. Can I apply coconut oil to my hair?

Sure! Coconut oil is a popular ingredient for hair care.

Bottom line

Hopefully, this article contains useful information for you. Coconut oil is a wonderful ingredient in both culinary and health. Please store your jar of coconut oil properly so it can last a long time. If you have any question about “Does coconut oil go bad?”, please contact us via the comments.