Quick Answers
Here are some quick ways to tell if coconut milk in a carton has gone bad:
- Check the expiration or best by date on the carton – if it has passed, the coconut milk may be bad
- Give the carton a sniff – spoiled coconut milk will smell sour or off
- Look for curdling, clumping, or separation – this indicates the coconut milk has spoiled
- Taste a small amount – rancid or bitter flavors mean the coconut milk should be discarded
- Watch for mold growing inside the carton – this is a clear sign of spoilage
How to Store Coconut Milk Properly
To help coconut milk last as long as possible:
- Purchase coconut milk with the furthest away expiration or best by date
- Make sure the carton is not dented, swollen, or damaged
- Store unopened coconut milk in the refrigerator and use within 5-7 days of opening
- Keep the carton tightly sealed when not in use
- Don’t store coconut milk on the refrigerator door, where the temperature fluctuates
Proper storage helps maintain coconut milk’s freshness and prevent early spoilage.
Signs Coconut Milk Has Gone Bad
Watch for these common signs that the coconut milk in the carton has spoiled:
Sour Smell
Fresh coconut milk has a mildly sweet, nutty aroma. If you notice a sour, rancid, or offensive odor when you sniff the carton, the contents have likely gone bad.
Change in Consistency
Coconut milk naturally separates into liquid and cream layers during storage. However, extreme clumping, curdling, or very thin, watery consistency indicates spoilage.
Mold Growth
The presence of fuzzy mold anywhere in the coconut milk is a clear warning sign. Discard the carton immediately if you see any mold.
Change in Color
While fresh coconut milk is white to light beige, spoiled milk may look more yellow, pink, or gray. This color change is caused by bacteria growth.
Bitter, Rancid Taste
A small taste test can quickly confirm if your coconut milk has gone off. Rancid, bitter, or unpleasant flavors mean it should be discarded.
How to Tell Coconut Milk Is Fine to Use
Here are signs your coconut milk is still safe to use:
Hasn’t Passed “Best By” Date
As long as it is unopened and properly stored, coconut milk is generally fine to use up to 5-7 days past its printed expiration or best by date.
No Mold Present
Carefully check the inside of the carton for any fuzzy mold growth or spots – if there are none, your coconut milk should be A-OK.
Normal Consistency
Gently shake the carton – the contents should be liquidy but with visible cream separation. No extreme thickening, thinness, or curdling.
Sweet, Pleasant Smell
When you open the carton, you should notice a nutty, mildly sweet aroma. No sour, rancid, or offensive odors.
Normal Color
The coconut milk should look white to beige in color. It shouldn’t appear yellow, pink, gray, or other unusual hues.
Good Flavor
A small taste should reveal a creamy, mildly coconutty flavor. There shouldn’t be any bitterness, staleness, or other “off” tastes.
What to Do With Bad Coconut Milk
If your coconut milk smells or tastes rancid, bitter, or sour in any way, it has spoiled and should be discarded. Here are some safe ways to get rid of bad coconut milk:
Throw It in the Trash
Place the spoiled, unopened carton directly into your garbage can. Make sure to seal the carton tightly so it doesn’t leak.
Pour Down the Drain
If the carton has been opened, pour the rancid contents down the sink drain, rinsing well with hot water afterwards.
Compost It
For household compost piles, spoiled coconut milk can be added in moderate amounts. Make sure to bury it under other compost materials.
Never try to recook or otherwise salvage coconut milk once it has gone bad. Consuming rancid coconut milk can cause unpleasant digestive symptoms or food poisoning.
Food Safety Tips
Follow these food safety recommendations when handling and storing coconut milk:
- Always check expiration dates and discard past date coconut milk
- Store unopened cartons in the fridge and opened ones in the fridge for up to 5 days max
- Transfer coconut milk to a clean, airtight container if storing more than a few days
- Never leave coconut milk sit out on the counter or in hot environments
- Avoid double dipping spoons back into coconut milk when cooking
- Cook with coconut milk within 2 hours of opening carton for food safety
Proper cleaning, temperature control, and avoiding cross-contamination will help prevent premature spoilage and foodborne illness from consuming bad coconut milk.
Common Uses for Coconut Milk
When properly stored and used by the expiration date, coconut milk can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some popular ways to use coconut milk:
Curries
Coconut milk adds rich, creamy texture and flavor to Thai and Indian curries. It balances out spicy seasonings beautifully.
Smoothies
For a dairy-free, nutrient-rich base for smoothies, blend coconut milk with fresh or frozen fruit.
Cakes and Cookies
Replace some or all of the milk in cookie, cake, muffin, or quick bread recipes with coconut milk.
Chia Pudding
Making chia pudding with coconut milk adds body, healthy fats, and a touch of natural sweetness.
Hot Drinks
Stir a splash of coconut milk into coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or chai latte for a creamy, foamy boost.
Soups
Coconut milk makes a tasty, velvety broth for soups when blended into the soup base.
Sauces
From stir fry sauces to pasta sauce, coconut milk is a great way to make sauces creamy without having to use cream.
Nutrition Information
Coconut milk is nutritious as well as versatile in cooking. Here is some of the key nutritional information for coconut milk (based on 8 oz serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 445 |
| Fat | 48g |
| Saturated Fat | 44g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Calcium | 17% DV |
| Iron | 12% DV |
Coconut milk contains healthy fats and micronutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and copper. It is lactose-free, vegan, and a good option for those avoiding dairy. However, most of the fat is saturated, so it is best consumed in moderation.
Converting Between Cans and Cartons
Coconut milk is available canned or in shelf-stable cartons. Here is how to convert between the two when substituting in recipes:
- 1 cup coconut milk (carton) = approx 1/2 cup coconut milk (canned)
- 1 cup coconut milk (canned) = approx 2 cups coconut milk (carton)
- 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk = approx 1 cup
- 1 (15 oz) can coconut milk = approx 1 1/4 cups
Canned coconut milk tends to be thicker and creamier than cartons. For savory recipes that need rich consistency, canned is best. For smoothies, drinks, etc. the thinner carton milk works well.
Conclusion
Checking expiration dates, smelling, and visually inspecting cartons are the best ways to determine if coconut milk has gone bad. Discard any coconut milk that smells or tastes sour, bitter, or rancid. Properly stored, unopened coconut milk has a 5-7 day shelf life from the printed date. Opened, it will keep up to 5 days maximum in the fridge. With its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, coconut milk is a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory recipes. Substitute it for regular milk to make smoothies, chia pudding, oatmeal, curries, soups, sauces, baked goods, and more.
