Quick Answer
Yes, you can store coconut milk in the fridge. Unopened canned coconut milk will last for months past the best by date when refrigerated. Opened cans should be transferred to an airtight container and will last up to 10 days in the fridge. Refrigeration is the best way to extend the shelf life of coconut milk.
How Long Does Unopened Coconut Milk Last in the Fridge?
An unopened can of coconut milk will stay fresh for a remarkably long time in the refrigerator. The cold temperatures inside the fridge slow down spoilage, allowing the coconut milk to last for the following timeframes:
- Unopened: 12-18 months past the date on the can when refrigerated
- After Best By Date: 6-12 months in the fridge after the best by date printed on the can
As long as the can remains unopened and intact, coconut milk can safely stay in the refrigerator for over a year past the printed date on the can. The coconut milk will retain its consistency, flavor, and nutritional value well during that extended shelf life.
How to Tell if Unopened Coconut Milk has Gone Bad
Although coconut milk stays fresh for a very long time in the fridge, it can eventually spoil. Signs that an unopened can of coconut milk has gone bad include:
- Bulging can: If the can swells or appears puffed up, this indicates built up gas and spoilage
- Leaks or rust: If the can is leaking or rusted, throw it away
- Mold: Any mold on the can means the contents should be discarded
As long as the can looks normal, retains its shape, and has no rust, the coconut milk should still be fine to consume or cook with even months past the best by date.
Does Coconut Milk Need to be Refrigerated Before Opening?
Canned coconut milk is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration until after opening. The high pressure inside sealed, commercial cans allows coconut milk to be stored at room temperature both before and after the best by date.
However, refrigeration will prolong the shelf life significantly. It’s best to store unopened cans in the fridge if you won’t be using them right after purchasing. The cool temperatures will keep the coconut milk fresh for over a year.
How Long Does Opened Coconut Milk Last in the Fridge?
Once opened, coconut milk has a much shorter shelf life. Without the airtight canning seal, oxygen and bacteria can start degrading the quality. Here is how long opened coconut milk will last refrigerated:
- Coconut milk in airtight container: 7-10 days
- Coconut milk in original can: 3-5 days
To maximize the shelf life, transfer opened coconut milk to an airtight container like a mason jar or resealable plastic container. This excludes air and keeps the coconut milk fresh for up to 10 more days.
7 Tips to Make Opened Coconut Milk Last Longer
Follow these tips to safely store opened coconut milk for as long as possible:
- Transfer to airtight container: Use a clean, dry glass or plastic container with an airtight lid.
- Prevent contamination: Use clean utensils to scoop out coconut milk.
- Refrigerate promptly: Put coconut milk in the fridge within an hour of opening.
- Check for mold: Examine closely for any mold before use.
- Use quickly: Consume within 5-7 days for freshest quality.
- Keep cold: Don’t leave coconut milk sitting out at room temperature.
- Avoid direct contact with air: Pour out only what you plan to use immediately.
Following proper storage methods and using opened coconut milk swiftly will prevent spoilage and food waste.
How to Tell if Opened Coconut Milk has Gone Bad
Coconut milk that has gone bad will show the following signs:
- Mold growth
- Curdling or separation
- Sour smell
- Fizzing, bubbling, or effervescence
- Change in color
- Rancid odor
If your coconut milk exhibits any of those characteristics, err on the side of caution and throw it away. Rancid coconut milk can make you sick.
What Happens If You Drink Spoiled Coconut Milk?
Consuming rancid or rotten coconut milk can cause unpleasant symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain
The milk fat in coconut milk can sour quickly once contaminated by spoilage microbes or exposure to air. This releases unpleasant metabolic byproducts that irritate the digestive system.
Severe food poisoning from spoiled coconut milk is unlikely, but can happen, especially for people with compromised immune systems like the elderly, infants, and people with chronic diseases.
Can You Freeze Coconut Milk?
Yes, you can freeze coconut milk to extend its shelf life even longer. Frozen coconut milk can last 6-12 months in airtight containers.
To freeze coconut milk:
- Transfer opened coconut milk to freezer bags, plastic containers, or ice cube trays.
- Ensure containers are completely sealed and airtight.
- Label each container with the date.
- Freeze for up to 3-6 months for best quality.
Frozen coconut milk may separate slightly or become more viscous after thawing but will still be safe to consume. Shake or stir gently before use.
Can Coconut Milk be Refrozen After Thawing?
Previously frozen coconut milk can be safely refrozen after thawing, although the quality may degrade slightly with each additional freeze-thaw cycle.
To refreeze thawed coconut milk:
- Make sure the coconut milk was thawed in the fridge, not sitting out at room temperature.
- Bring the coconut milk back to a safe refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below before freezing again.
- Use within 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.
Only refreeze thawed coconut milk once. Thawing and refreezing more than once allows harmful bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels. Discard any coconut milk that has been thawed for over 2 days.
How Long Does Coconut Milk Last at Room Temperature?
Coconut milk should never sit out too long unrefrigerated. Here is how long it lasts at room temperature:
- Unopened cans: 18-24 months
- Opened coconut milk: 4-6 hours
The tropical oils in coconut milk spoil rapidly at warm room temperatures. Keep opened cans chilled in the fridge and discard any coconut milk left sitting out for more than 2 hours.
Can You Store Coconut Milk on the Counter or Pantry?
Because coconut milk is a perishable dairy product, it should not be left sitting out on the counter or in the pantry after opening. Opened coconut milk must be refrigerated and lasts only 4-6 hours unrefrigerated before harmful bacteria start multiplying.
Unopened canned coconut milk can be stored in the pantry up to 2 years before the best by date. After opening, it requires prompt refrigeration. Leaving it out can cause food poisoning.
How to Store Canned Coconut Milk Properly
Follow these tips for storing canned coconut milk correctly:
- Unopened: Store in cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight up to 2 years.
- Refrigerate unopened: For longest shelf life, refrigerate unopened cans up to 12-18 months.
- After opening: Transfer to airtight container in fridge up to 10 days.
- Label containers: Mark storage containers with date coconut milk was opened.
- Cook promptly: Use refrigerated coconut milk within 5-7 days for the best quality.
Proper refrigerated storage is key to preventing spoilage and maximizing shelf life after cans are opened. Follow the time limits listed carefully.
Does Coconut Milk Need to be Refrigerated or Can it Sit Out?
Coconut milk should always be refrigerated and never left sitting out once cans are opened. The tropical oils in coconut milk will quickly spoil at room temperature.
Refrigeration is required to slow spoilage enzymes and bacteria growth.Opened coconut milk lasts only 4-6 hours if left out on the counter before turning bad.
Unopened canned coconut milk can be stored in the pantry. However refrigeration will extend the shelf life significantly longer. Keep all opened coconut milk transferred into airtight containers and properly chilled.
How to Revive Thickened and Separated Coconut Milk
Coconut milk sometimes hardens and separates in the fridge into solid cream and liquid water layers. This thickened texture and phase separation doesn’t mean the coconut milk has gone bad.
You can revive the coconut milk and remix the layers together:
- Remove the hardened cream layer and transfer to a microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring well after each until creamy consistency returns.
- Pour the liquefied cream back into the coconut water and mix thoroughly before using.
- You can add a bit of warm water if the consistency remains too thick.
Proper stirring and heating will reincorporate the oils into the water for a smooth, homogenous texture.
Can I Use Coconut Milk Past the Expiration or Best By Date?
Coconut milk can be safely used past expiration or best by dates, especially if it has been properly refrigerated. Unopened canned coconut milk remains fresh 6-12 months past the printed date.
- Taste and inspect the coconut milk before use. If it smells or looks fine, it should still be consumable.
- Make sure there are no signs of spoilage like mold, sliminess, or a rancid smell.
- Under refrigeration, sealed cans gain an extended shelf life of over a year from the packaging date.
As long as opened coconut milk passes a freshness check and has been stored in the fridge, it can be enjoyed past label dates. But discard it immediately at the first sign of spoilage.
Does Coconut Milk Ever Go Bad?
Yes, coconut milk will eventually go bad and spoil, though refrigeration and proper handling greatly prolongs shelf life. Here are signs that coconut milk has gone bad:
- Curdling, clumpiness, or separation
- Slimy or ropey texture
- Mold growing on surface
- Fermented smell
- Fizzing or bubbling when shaken
Coconut milk that smells or tastes rancid and “off” should be discarded. Consuming seriously spoiled coconut milk can cause digestive upset. Don’t take chances with coconut milk that exhibits clear spoilage.
How to Store Different Types of Coconut Milk
There are a few varieties of canned coconut milk. Here are some guidelines for storing each:
| Type | Refrigerate Unopened | Refrigerate After Opening |
|---|---|---|
| Full fat coconut milk | 12-18 months past best by date | Transfer to airtight container. Use within 7-10 days. |
| Reduced fat coconut milk | 12-18 months past best by date | Transfer to airtight container. Use within 7-10 days. |
| Lite coconut milk | 12-18 months past best by date | Transfer to airtight container. Use within 7-10 days. |
| Coconut cream | 12-18 months past best by date | Transfer to airtight container. Use within 4-5 days. |
All varieties of coconut milk stay fresh the longest when refrigerated continuously, both before and after opening. Keep the containers sealed airtight to avoid spoilage.
Conclusion
Coconut milk can be stored in the refrigerator safely for extended periods, retaining its quality and freshness for use in recipes. Unopened cans keep over a year past printed dates when refrigerated, and opened coconut milk will last a week or more in airtight containers.
Proper chilling is essential for preventing coconut milk spoilage. Always keep it refrigerated, use opened cans quickly within 5-7 days, and discard any coconut milk that smells or looks rancid. Following these simple guidelines will maintain coconut milk’s delicious flavor and nutritional value.
